Written by Samuel Walters in Tips & Advice on the 4th February 2022

“PR*CK!” he shouted, as he drove past. He was a bloke in a white van. I was a bloke harmlessly crossing the road. Why the abuse? I honestly don’t know. I think it might have been my gilet.

That’s not a euphemism, by the way. I mean a literal gilet – the zip-up, sleeveless, outdoorsy sort of garment that provides both warmth and a dash of adventurous spirit in one fell sartorial swoop. Nothing else I was doing or wearing could possibly have provoked such bile. I wasn’t meandering across the road in an irresponsible stupor, I wasn’t darting playfully in and out of the traffic as though I’d had one too many cans of Red Bull, and I certainly wasn’t planting myself down in front of the oncoming vehicles in order to protest about climate change. I was simply minding my own business, waiting patiently for an opportune moment to cross while dressed in jeans, a casual shirt, trainers and… the gilet.

I don’t need to tell you that as a civilised man I was shocked by this unsolicited contribution to my day. It was like being a stand-up comedian and getting heckled by some inebriated lout in the audience. But I wasn’t just shocked. I was also bemused by the insult. I mean, I might have expected it if I’d been wearing a fedora with a colourful great feather sticking out of it. And I’d certainly brace myself for a slightly rough ride if I were walking along ostentatiously wearing a frock coat and twirling an antique cane. But a simple gilet…? 

I must admit that I’m actually new to the world of gilets – a complete novice. I was feeling the cold one day not so long ago and thought I’d give one a whirl. I went for a fleecy black number, with a brown trim, and it came from some little known country wear brand. In practical terms it’s proved a great success; in social terms, evidently less so.

Is this just how it is when you wear gilets? Do people simply despise you for not having sleeves on your winter essentials? What’s it all about? One possibility that came to mind was that perhaps the white van driver thought I looked a bit too up-market for his liking. The classic gilet, shirt and jeans combo can, admittedly, make you look as though you might well own a string of horses and a country pile. (…I wish!) But this can’t be right, because all sorts of people wear gilets. The more I’ve looked the more I’ve noticed them. Everyone from farmers and builders all the way through to rappers and old boys pottering about at the garden centre can be seen sporting one. 

So perhaps I’m barking up the wrong tree here. Perhaps the insult had nothing to do with the gilet at all and was just a driver with road rage venting his frustration at the nearest passing target. Or maybe he was just fuming at someone on speakerphone.

Who knows? But as a matter of fact, regardless of the driver’s intention, the incident has proved salutary because he has actually taught me a valuable life lesson. He has forcefully reminded me that whatever you do or don’t do in life – however inoffensively you may think you’re coming across – you can’t ever please everybody; or indeed, avoid displeasing everybody. And this being the case, you might just as well get on with being yourself and not spend time and effort worrying about what anyone else thinks. 

I know this isn’t strikingly original advice. I’ve heard it countless times before. But this time, I’ve really felt it. I’ve really appreciated its wisdom. It’s actually sunk in. I hope, therefore, that this encounter will stay with me now as a constant reminder to fret less and enjoy clothes more. “Pr*ck!” I may be. And so, I hope I shall remain.

Have you ever worn a gilet? #style

— Menswear Style (@MenswearStyle) February 4, 2022

A guide with life lessons on men's gilets, with style tips and fashion advice on wearing a gilet, styling a gilet, and ways to wear a gilet.