One of the hottest trends in men’s fashion this fall is a twist on something very classic: a down filled (quilted) vest/gilet. Gilet is essentially a sleeveless jacket or a vest. You can wear it as an outer layer during the cooler months of Fall/Autumn. In fact, you can continue wearing them into the early part of winter, by layering them over a nice warm sweater and that is why I suggest you should buy one which is loser in fit and also has enough down to keep you warm. 

This season, Gilets are everywhere and can be had in any color, fabric, price and fit. I could go on and on with photos (below the fold) but my tip for buying one – somewhere in the $125-to-$250 price range, mostly in basic colors like blue, gray or black (as they work with jeans, chinos and formal pants) and made out of the synthetic materials. 

I have surveyed the landscape and of many on the offer, the best value for money is Peter Millar’s Potomac lightweight quilted vest that is for about $145 and  J.Crew’s Broadmoor quilted vest for about $128. I also like the down waxed cotton gilet from Barbour that is really well made and has a lot of details and is classic. 

Other higher priced recommendations of mine: Jack Spade’s Webber down vest, Canada Goose Freestyle vest, Montcler’s Batholome vest with a hood.