Text: Jiří Král Photo: Ilja Hubálek
Many men do not exactly warm to the idea of quilted gilets. The blame lies largely with memories of the 1990s, when every corner seemed to display shiny, colourful vests that looked as though they had been cut from polythene. That is rather a pity. A quality quilted gilet has an irreplaceable place in menswear and certainly deserves a chance.
When it is too warm for a coat and too chilly for a blazer
One of the chief virtues of a quilted gilet is its practicality. It shields you from the wind and prevents heat loss. Zip it right up to the neck and it will easily stand in for a scarf. And thanks to the missing sleeves, you will enjoy far greater freedom of movement than in a coat or a blouson.
The merits of a quilted gilet come into their own in spring and autumn - those parts of the year when the weather is changeable and you never know whether a heavy downpour will turn into blazing sunshine half an hour later. Buttoned up to the neck, the gilet will shield you from the wind and a chill; left open, it will keep you from feeling too warm.
How to choose the right cut and colour
A modern quilted gilet should follow the lines of your body well. It will help to emphasise your proportions while being tailored in all the right places. In other words, you will look trim yet more substantial. This is something slimmer men in particular will appreciate.
When it comes to colour, simple, understated shades clearly lead the way. Quilted gilets are most often worn in grey, black, brown, navy and green. The patterns so often seen on dress waistcoats are distinctly the exception in the quilted world.
You do not wear a quilted gilet to dazzle the crowds. It should not be the piece in your outfit that draws attention. Minimalism suits them - and will suit you, too.
What to pair a quilted gilet with
Pairing a quilted gilet with the rest of your wardrobe is nothing complicated. It looks great with just a shirt, a blazer, a coat, a jumper, a blouson - even a sweatshirt. The piece you choose to wear with it is entirely up to you.
You should, however, pay particular attention to choosing the right size. If you plan to wear the gilet over several layers - say, over a jumper with a shirt, or over a blouson - you may need a larger size than you are used to. If, on the other hand, you intend to wear it with a blazer, it is best to buy the two together as a set. A blazer worn with a gilet should be a touch roomier than one you wear with just a shirt.
At Blažek stores our specialists will help you choose a perfectly fitting quilted gilet and coordinate it with the rest of your wardrobe. You will find the quilted gilets from the latest collection - along with tips on how to combine them - on our website.
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