Gilet

Two men wearing gilets at Strasbourg railway station in France

A gilet (/dʒɪˈleɪ/) is a sleeveless jacket resembling a waistcoat or blouse.[1] Currently, a gilet is a sleeveless jacket or vest. They may be waist- to knee-length and are typically straight-sided rather than fitted. However, historically, they were fitted and embroidered.[2] In a further derivation, in 19th-century dressmaking a gilet was a dress bodice shaped like a man's waistcoat.[3]

Today, gilets are often worn as an outer layer, for extra warmth outdoors. Fashion gilets may be made of cloth or fake fur, or knitted. Sports gilets are often windproof and/or made of fleece. High-end hiking jackets often have an integral gilet inside them, that can be zipped on and off. Racing cyclists use thin light gilets with a windproof front and mesh back. Shooting gilets are rugged and made of leather. Short, overwear gilets are called bodywarmers in the United Kingdom.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Merriam-Webster Unabridged – Gilet entry".
  2. ↑ "Sugino Costume Museum". www.costumemuseum.jp.
  3. ↑ Oxford English Dictionary – Gilet entry


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