Women’s Equestrian Gilets & Bodywarmers

What to Look for in a Riding Gilet

The right gilet depends on how and where you’re wearing it. For road hacking, visibility is the priority; a bright hi-vis outer with reflective panels front and back makes a significant difference to how early drivers can spot you, particularly on darker mornings and evenings.

For yard work and arena riding, fit matters most: you want enough room through the shoulders to move freely, but not so much that it billows or catches in the saddle. Padding weight is also worth thinking about with a lightweight quilted style that works well as a mid-layer under a jacket in competition, whilst a more heavily insulated option is better suited to standing around at winter shows or working in an unheated yard.

Water resistance is a useful feature even on non-waterproof gilets; a DWR-coated outer will shrug off light showers, which is far more practical than you might expect given how often the British weather changes mid-ride.

Gilets for Every Occasion

Building Your Layering System

A gilet works best as part of a layering system rather than a standalone piece. Start with a technical base layer to manage moisture and retain warmth close to the skin, add a mid layer such as a fleece or sweatshirt for insulation, then use a gilet to lock in core warmth without restricting your arms. On colder days, a riding jacket goes on top. This approach is far more versatile than a single heavy coat as you can shed or add layers as you move between the yard, the school and the lorry park, which is exactly what a full day of riding demands.

If you’re putting a gilet under a jacket for competition, opt for a slim-cut, lightly padded style that sits flat across the back and shoulders. Bulkier gilets can interfere with jacket fit and restrict movement in the upper body.

Brands We Stock

Our women’s gilet range brings together brands chosen for quality, fit and practical performance. Hoggs of Fife are well regarded for their country and outdoor styling with a practical equestrian edge. Hy Equestrian offers a strong range across padded, fleece and hi-vis styles at accessible price points. Covalliero bring a more contemporary equestrian aesthetic, whilst Supreme Products and Regatta round out the range with proven outdoor performance. Whatever your budget or style preference, there’s a gilet here that’ll earn its place on the hook by your stable door.

Expert View

“A gilet really is the Swiss Army knife of the equestrian wardrobe. I’d always recommend one with good shoulder mobility as a first check. Put your arms forward as if you’re holding reins, and if it pulls across the back, it’s going to be uncomfortable in the saddle. For anyone who hacks on the road regularly, a hi-vis option is non-negotiable as far as I’m concerned, even if you’re wearing it over another layer.”
Alice, Head of Design at Harry Hall

Why Buy from Harry Hall

- A curated collection spanning hi-vis, padded, fleece and country styles so you’re not wading through irrelevant options
- Harry Hall is a BETA Retail Member, meaning our range meets the standards expected of a specialist equestrian retailer
- Brands selected for rider-specific fit and performance, not just general outdoor wear
- Trusted by horse owners across the UK since 1891

FAQs

What is the difference between a gilet and a bodywarmer?
The terms are used interchangeably in most equestrian contexts. Strictly speaking, a bodywarmer tends to refer to a padded, insulated sleeveless jacket whilst a gilet can also describe lighter, fleece or softshell sleeveless styles. In practice, most re

Can I wear a gilet for competition?
Yes, a slim-cut, lightly padded gilet worn as a mid-layer under a show jacket is a popular choice for colder competitions. Check that it sits flat across the back and doesn’t restrict your shoulder movement before buying. Some disciplines have strict dress code rules so if in doubt, opt for a neutral colour such as navy or black that won’t show through a jacket.

Are equestrian gilets different from regular outdoor gilets?
Equestrian gilets are typically cut to allow greater freedom through the shoulders and upper arms, since riding demands a different range of motion to walking or hiking. Many are also designed with a slightly longer back hem to cover the lower back in the saddle.

What should I wear under a gilet for riding in winter?
A moisture-wicking base layer close to the skin is a good starting point, as it prevents sweat from chilling you when you come off the horse. A fleece or technical mid-layer on top of that adds insulation. The gilet then locks in core warmth. If it’s very cold, a riding jacket goes on last.