Best heated gilets for keeping warm in winter

Whether you find yourself freezing as you wait at the school gates, or feel chilly when you’re working from home, one of the best heated gilets could be the answer to your problems. Unlike standard winter coats for women, the best heated gilet will have electric panels in the chest and back that are powered by lightweight portable battery packs which you charge up, much like a heated throw that you can wear out and about.

With the cost of living crisis taking full effect as temperatures plummet, many Mumsnet users are looking ahead to winter for ways to keep themselves warm without cranking up the central heating. Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has said heated gilets cost just 7p per week to run – much cheaper than other methods of heating your home, especially if you’re the only one in during the day. So, while they’re costly to buy initially, they make for a sound investment long-term.

To help you choose the right one for your budget, we've thoroughly researched the best ones on the market, taking into account authentic consumer reviews and Mumsnet users' recommendations. Every guide we produce to help you keep warm this winter – covering everything from the warmest kids' blanket hoodies to the best draught excluders – starts with research on the Mumsnet forums because we know just how valuable an honest, independent recommendation is when you're deciding what to buy.

Best heated gilet UK: at a glance

• Best heated gilet overall: Ororo Women’s Heated Gilet, £140

• Best budget heated gilet: Vapesoon Heated Vest, £57

• Best lightweight heated gilet: Ororo Fleece Heated Vest, £126

• Best heated gilet for outdoors: Conqueco Heated Vest, £108

• Best heated gilet for autumn: Regatta Voltera Bodywarmer, from £36

1. Best heated gilet overall: Ororo Women’s Heated Gilet

Price on writing: £140 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Sizes available: XS to XL | Material: Polyester

What we like

• Super warm and cosy

• Machine washable

• Charge lasts a long time

• Heats up the pockets and around the neck, as well as the back

What we don't like

• Expensive

• Some reported it comes up small

What Mumsnet users say

"I did a lot of research before buying one for my dad as he gets extraordinarily cold as a result of medical treatment he’s having... I ended up getting him one from Ororo, which was definitely more than £100, but he loves it. It keeps him warm and is going strong for its second winter." (Tried and tested by Cinnamon35)

Our verdict

This lightweight heated gilet comes out tops on Amazon, with fans of the jacket praising its practicality, calling it a “godsend” on chilly nights. As well as a heated back, which all heated gilets have, this also has warming elements in the pockets and neck too, with wearers saying it helps with back and neck pain. Reviewers also note this heated gilet warms up quickly, and warehouse workers and florists alike claim it keeps them toasty at work.

For ease, it charges with a USB port, similar to smartphones, and one charge lasts up to ten hours. The only downside users note is that the sizing comes up small, so keep this in mind if you decide this is the heated gilet for you.

Related: The best women's slippers to keep you warm and cosy

2. Best budget heated gilet: Vapesoon Heated Vest

Price on writing: £57 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Sizes available: XS to XXL | Material: Polyester

What we like

• Good value

• Heats up neck, back, abdomen, and waist

• Warm and comfortable

What we don't like

• Unisex so the fit may not be as good as ones designed for women

• Battery pack not included

• A few found the battery pocket too small

What Mumsnet users say

"My dad got one for £40 off Amazon and says it’s really effective." (Type of product recommended by KleineDracheKokosnuss)

Our verdict

The general consensus on the Mumsnet forums is that you get what you pay for when it comes to heated gilets. However, if you're on a tight budget, this Vapesoon jacket is a good option and comes relatively cheaper than other jackets. It has three heat settings, with one simple-to-use power button that toggles between the options, and it heats up in four areas: neck, back, abdomen, and waist.

It's ideal for use outdoors and indoors, so whether you're hiking or just want an upgrade from your hot water bottle while working from home, it does the trick. You will need to buy a battery pack, however, so you'll need to factor that into the cost – we'd recommend opting for a compact one as some found the battery pocket a little small.

3. Best lightweight heated gilet: Ororo Fleece Heated Vest

Price on writing: £126 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Sizes available: XS to XL | Material: 50% polyester, 45% cotton, 5% other fibers

What we like

• Fleece material allows more freedom of movement than more rigid designs

• Great for wearing under a coat

• Heats up quickly

What we don't like

• Pricey

• Some found the battery life wasn't as high as the brand claims

What Mumsnet users say

"I was going to go with a normal heated gilet, but a colleague recommended the Ororo one as its less restrictive for playing golf in. It was a bit pricey, but I've given it a test drive and it works well." (Brand vetted by Mrsfussypants1)

Our verdict

If you’re looking for a heated gilet to wear under your winter coat when temperatures plummet, this fleecy gilet is the one to go for. Available in black, purple and grey, it has heated panels on the upper back and lower abdominals which are powered by a lightweight battery pack that charges at a super-quick speed via USB. However, some users found it needed recharging more frequently than they expected – it lasts about five or six hours on the lower setting.

This gilet has a fast heat-up time, is super toasty, and it’s perfect for warming your mitts up in lieu of the best hand warmer. The drawback is that it's pricey, but we think the fleece material makes it ideal for working from home – it doesn't give you the feeling of wearing an outdoor coat that you can get with some other gilets.

Related: Discover the best electric blanket according to Mumsnet users

4. Best heated jacket for outdoors: Conqueco Heated Vest

Price on writing: £108 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Sizes available: S to XL | Material: ‎80% cotton, 20% polyester

What we like

• Offers up to ten hours of warmth on a signal charge

• Durable

• Lightweight design

• Great customer service

What we don't like

• Expensive

Our verdict

With over 800 five-star ratings on Amazon, you can be sure that this sleek heated gilet has the stamp of approval from the many consumers who've tried it out. It has three power settings and heats up across the mid-back, torso and neck for the ultimate cosy experience. Users also praise this as a fantastic option when it comes to pain management, especially around the back. Other wearers find it ideal for when they need to stand in the cold for many hours, so it's great if you'll be on the sidelines of your child's football match this winter.

Reviewers also note that it feels high quality and lasts well with a decent battery life. It's lightweight too, making it great for layering both under and over other items of clothing. While it’s an expensive purchase, it’s more than worth the money if you can afford to splash out.

Related: The best kids' hot water bottle according to parents

5. Best heated gilet for autumn: Regatta Women's Voltera Loft Heated Bodywarmer

Price on writing: From £36 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Available sizes: UK 8 to 20 | Material: 100% polyamide

What we like

• The most stylish heated gilet in our edit

• Ideal for autumn weather

• Cheaper to buy than other gilets

What we don't like

• Need to purchase battery pack separately

• Not warm enough for extra cold weather

What Mumsnet users say

"Regatta do the gilet... You have to buy the battery pack separately but the packs are around £20 (normal phone power bank so you may already have a spare)." (Suggested by Metabigot)

Our verdict

Anyone who dabbles in outdoor pursuits will be familiar with Regatta’s iconic, good quality attire. This gilet looks super stylish when layered on top of jumpers or hoodies – though as it’s one of the puffier gilets in our edit, we wouldn’t recommend layering other coats on top of this.

It only features one heated element, so it's not the warmest option nor the best choice for the depths of winter, but we think it's the best heated gilet to wear during the autumn months. It's also lightweight and is relatively inexpensive compared to our other picks.

If you’re looking for a gilet that looks good, and only want to use the heated element in emergencies when its freezing out or your blanket hoodie just isn't cutting it, it’s a great choice. The battery pack will fit easily into an interior pocket too, though this does need to be purchased separately.

6. Best luxury heated gilet: Deerhunter Lady Heat Inner Waistcoat

Price on writing: £125 | Buy now from Hollands Country Clothing

Key specs

Sizes available: UK 8 to 20 | Material: Polyamide, polyester, elastane

What we like

• Windproof and water repellent

• Offers lots of warmth

• Chic, country style

• Can be machine washed

What we don't like

• Expensive

What Mumsnet users say

“Expensive but I love it. Mine is tight fitting. I wear it over a base layer, then have a fleece and coat on top. That way the warmth stays next to me and doesn't get stopped by the insulation of fleece." (Tried and tested by Propervexed)

Our verdict

You’ll feel like a true country lord or lady in this stylish heated gilet, available in black and dark green. Granted, this is a pricey heated gilet, but it looks chicer than some others in our edit, plus it comes recommended by Mumsnet forum users. It offers three heat levels and has two heated panels in the back of the gilet. Fans of the jacket say the lowest heat setting is plenty warm, especially if you pair it with base layers like the best thermal underwear for women.

For a tick in the sustainability box too, this is made with bio-based fibres rather than feather, and can be machine washed. It’s has a power bank that lives discreetly in an inner pocket, with the battery being undetectable while you’re wearing the gilet. The three heat settings are indicated by different coloured lights on the power bank, so you can easily see which setting you’re on, and switch between them.

Related: The best thermal curtains to insulate your house

Which is the best heated gilet?

There are a variety of reasons someone might want a heated gilet – rather than just providing warmth, they’re also a great buy if you suffer with back, shoulder or neck pain.

Consider whether you want a heated gilet to keep you warm on chilly walks or whether you want one that eases muscular pain, and this will guide you to the best heated gilet for you. Some have a heating system with more warm patches than others, so if you want a gilet to soothe muscle ache, look for one with heating panels where you suffer pain.

A good all-rounder is the Ororo Women’s Heated Gilet, with heated sections on the back, front and neck. It heats up quickly, the charge lasts well and it’s comfy to wear, with everyone from dog walkers to warehouse workers praising it.

Are heated gilets safe?

Some Mumsnet forum users expressed concern over the safety of heated gilets, claiming that while they are happy to wear one, they wouldn’t risk buying one for their children.

While it’s only natural to be concerned for the welfare of your kids, heated gilets are generally safe. They work in a similar way to electric blankets and should not electrocute you or burn your skin – there is not enough voltage in heated gilets for this.

They’re even fine if they get wet, which is a rightful concern with unpredictable weather or if you're buying one for a skiing trip. That said, they should not be completely submerged in water as this can cause damage to the battery pack, and if the lining does get wet, you should disconnect the battery pack while it dries.

However, if you have a health condition that causes poor circulation, you shouldn't use a heated gilet – it's always worth checking with a medical professional if you're unsure.

How long do heated gilets last?

Heated gilets tend to stay warm up to ten hours per charge, but this depends on the jacket and the temperature controls you choose – using the low setting will typically make the charge last far longer than having it on high.

As for the lifespan of the jacket itself, they last as long as a normal jacket would.

Should a heated jacket fit tight or loose?

A heated jacket should be relatively tight. The tighter it is, the better it will trap the warmth to your body, insulating it in. Keep in mind whether you want to wear your heated gilet as a base layer under clothes, or on top of your jumper. If you want to wear jumpers under your gilet, a looser fit is advisable, but you’re less likely to feel the full warmth.

How we chose the best heated gilet UK

Our Swears By edits are compiled by journalists with expertise in the areas they’re writing about. To help ensure we give the best, most accurate and trustworthy recommendations, we follow several steps when choosing products.

Recommendations from real people

Before we recommend new products, we always check what our trusted Mumsnet users are loving, of which there are more than seven million each month. That’s a lot of honest, impartial advice.

Expert guidance

Our team always ensures our information represents the latest recommendations from industry experts that you can rely on. We use a variety of sources to compile considered product selections, including independent consumer reviews from reputable sources and retailers like Amazon, resulting in a trustworthy and in-depth set of product reviews.

Celebrated best products

Finally, we cross-reference all of the above information to present you with a carefully curated selection of high-quality products.

For this guide, we looked at the best heated gilets that had won the most accolades and recommendations across the board to bring you the top ones at various price points. We think there’s something here for everyone.

About the author

Melanie Macleod is a freelance writer specialising in beauty, health and wellness with over 10 years of experience. As well as Mumsnet, she’s written for Get The Gloss, Stylist, Professional Beauty, The Guardian and Hitched. In her spare time, she enjoys spin classes, Parkrun, and visiting spas.

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