There’s been a silent revolution in men’s outerwear over the past few years.  The gilets that once lurked at the back of our wardrobes have gradually emerged as a fashion item and men’s gilets are now pretty much obligatory for any serious guy.

Men’s gilets have been around for centuries of course, even since the Turks first made them out of sheepskin to ward off the winter chills of their harsh inland climate.  They’ve gone through a lot of transformations since then.  Although they still feature in folk dress through much of Eastern Europe, they took hold in the West of the continent in the nineteenth century.

Men’s gilets traditionally resembled a waistcoat more than an outer garment.  They were often made of leather and used by hunters to keep warm while out on a long shoot.

Today’s men’s gilets have emerged as a warm, often padded outer garment for extra warmth, either alone or as a second layer under a winter jacket.  They can be any length from waist-length to knee length, although modern urban men favour the waist-length variety.  Standard dress for winter sporting events, often worn over a heavy sweater, they also come into their own in changeable spring and autumn weather.

Mens Gilets

Often known as bodywarmers, mens gilets have now become major fashion item.  They’re available in all kinds of fabrics, all kinds of colours, plain or plaid, and with zips, buttons or studs.  You name it: there are men’s gilets to suit every sense of fashion.

One of the main reasons they’ve become a hot item is that men’s gilets are unrivalled for flexibility.  You can match them with a plaid shirt, or a woolly jumper, or even a t-shirt if you don’t mind your arms getting cold.

This year you’re going to be seeing mens gilets in every fabric imaginable: wool, corduroy and even oilskin.  One of the hot trends is going to be men’s gilets of one fabric for the bottom half and a contrasting panel over the shoulders.  One big look will be a padded bottom half and leather or cord for the top.

1. Cotton Jackets

Cotton jackets are going to be big in 2012. These will be a lightweight variation on that good old winter standby, the checked wool jacket.  They’re smart, they’re practical and fun.  The good news is that they’re going to come in dark colours, perfect for disguising all those bloody mary spills at the first parties of spring.  This one is from Woolrich Woolen Mills.

2. Linen Jackets

Linen jackets will be the utility wear of 2012, right through the spring and summer.  Again in dark colours, piece-dyed, with patch pockets and rough stitching, these tough jackets are going to be everywhere, ready to throw on or throw in a corner and pick up again when you’re ready to go.  This three button linen jacket by Facconable is a real utility garment.

3. Safari Jackets

Safari jackets are going to stage a comeback next year, just to keep you retro types happy.  But these are going to be a new rugged look safari jacket, not the kind you expect to see third world dictators wearing.  They’ll be military in styling and come distressed with a ready-to-wear lived-in look, like this cotton and hemp jacket by Facconable.

4. The Blouson

The blouson never really went away but it’s back in a new incarnation in these casual jackets from Esemplare.  This one’s in three shades of brown with a hood.  You’re going to be seeing these everywhere next spring, so if this kind of causal’s your thing, it’s time to grab one while they’re still around.

5. Hoodie Jacket

Strictly practical this hoodie jacket is set to be a 2012 sensation.  This UK-made foldaway by Christopher Raeburn is a must have for unpredictable spring weather.  It’s practical, smart and packs up into its own zip bag for easy carrying.  Nylon with a front zip and grosgrain piping.

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