Shooting gilets have become a staple of any countryman’s wardrobe. They are versatile, hardwearing, easy to wash and a staple of every country man (and woman’s) wardrobe.

The best shooting gilets are loved not just for their cosiness but also their technical features.  A gilet is smart over a shirt and an invaluable mid-layer for chilly days.

We asked some gilet wearers why they are such fans.

“For me, there are two clear advantages of a gilet,” says John Sugden of Campbell’s of Beauly. “First and foremost, from a tailoring perspective, because they have no sleeves the freedom of movement is so much better than a jacket or coat, making it easier to swing through. Sleeves simply restrict the movement, even if the jacket has an action back (pleats in the shoulder). Tweeds can also be worn nicely over a lightweight waterproof gilet, ensuring that a full tweed suit can be worn on a wet day if necessary”.

The best shooting gilets – our pick

Whether you fancy fleece or wool, cotton or tweed, there are plenty to choose from. Here is The Field‘s guide to the best shooting gilets. And once you’re up to speed with the very best gilets, check out our guide to the best shooting coats and the best gumboots, among many others.

The Investment Piece

This stylish gilet is made from a silk fabric mix and has a windproof laminated back. The large diamond effect quilting is created from UK-sourced HD wool. Purdey Padded Barn Gilet £1,495

Purdey padded barn gilet

Best For Warmer Days

This lightweight cotton gilet is made in England and packed with technical features. For instance,  two bellows cartridge pockets with Alcantara tipping on the entry points, external back button adjustment and Alcantara shoulder patches for protection while shooting. Farlows Cotton Moorland Shooting Vest, £399

Farlows’ gilet:  perfect for summer

A Ladies’ Staple

Although a relatively new addition to its collection, Holland Cooper’s Countryside Fleece Gilets (£99) have proved a big hit. Available in six colours and with a flattering cut, they’re the perfect layering piece for country girls.

Holland Cooper’s Country Fleece has had to be restocked several times

The Trusty Favourite

Alan Paine’s Aylsham fleece gilet (£94.95) comes in a wide selection of colours, is excellent value and is one of the best shooting gilets around. It has zipped pockets, an adjustable waist and is machine washable.

Alain Paine’s gilet comes in a variety of colours

A Classic Shooting Gilet

Campbell’s of Beauly’s men’s field nehru gilet (£345) is made in the UK from British moleskin. It is the ideal layering piece for the winter months or worn simply over a shirt when the temperature warms up. It has external bellows pockets and two internal zip pockets.

Best Shooting Gilet For In Town

The blue tweed in this Maude & Fox gilet hails from Yorkshire with suede trims, collar and shoulder pads for stylish contrast. While it is extremely wearable off the field, it still has plenty of technical features: large pockets; two-way zip; and two layers of fleece for comfort and warmth. Blue Peat Tweed Shooting Gilet, £375

City slickers will also love this stylish shooting gilet

The Flexible Friend

Pin Piuma’s reversible gilet (£195) is available in partridge green or pheasant brown. It has a leather-bound collar and orange cord zipper. Wear it tweed side around or show off the quilted side. Whatever you choose, we reckon this is one of the best shooting gilets around.

The quilted ‘side’ of the Pin Piuma reversible gilet. This flexible friend is one of the best shooting gilets around in our book

Sporting Gilet With A Hidden Surprise

Fera’s Poacher gilet (£160) has a hidden pocket running across the back. What will you stash there? This summer-weight gilet is made from hard-wearing soft canvas with a lightweight filling. Ideal for warmer months or for winter layering. Available in blue, black or green.

Best For Super-Soft Luxury

Those with a taste for the finer things in life should look no further than Troy’s suede gilet (£440). It is made from softest Italian suede with a checked cotton lining, finished with horn buttons.

Best shooting gilets? This one from Troy is made from the softest Italian suede.

Want to learn more about style in the field?

We’re always searching for the best kit to use in the field. Investigate our list of the best shooting coats here. Need some waterproof footwear? We’re researched a list of the best gumboots around, to keep your feet warm and dry.

You’ll find the latest looks on country style for ladies in town here.  And read why the safari jacket is a classic that has never gone out fashion.