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Best heated gilets and vests for keeping warm and saving money

Designed to help you save on central heating costs at home, heated gilets are also great to wear out and about. We put some of the UK's best heated gilets to the test - here's what we thought.

By Poppy O'Neill & Natasha Gregson | Last updated Mar 17, 2026

Our writers test and research products independently. When you buy through a link on our site we may earn a commission, but we’ll only ever publish an honest review. Find out more.

3 women modelling the best heated gilets in the UK

Whether you find yourself freezing as you wait at the school gates, or feel chilly when you’re working from home, the best heated gilets can be used to keep yourself warm at home or away, and without cranking up the central heating. Unlike standard winter coats for women, rechargeable heated gilets have electric panels that are powered by lightweight portable battery packs, much like a heated throw without the power cord.

Related: Best electric heater

Best heated gilets, at a glance:

With energy bills still high, many Mumsnet users are searching for ways to keep themselves warm this coming winter without breaking the bank. Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis advises "heating the human, not the home" to save money, and heated gilets are perfect for this – much cheaper than other methods of heating your home, especially if you’re the only one in during the day. So, while some are costly to buy initially, they make for a sound investment long-term, and will keep you cosy for many winters to come.

That's why we decided to try out a range of heated gilets ourselves. We're updating this page constantly to ensure we're recommending the very best women's heated gilets, vests and jackets on the market right now.

How we tested

Three women wearing some of the best heated gilets

We thoroughly researched the best heated gilets on the market, taking into account the gilets Mumsnet users have tried, tested and loved enough to recommend on our forum. Every winter guide we produce – covering everything from the cosiest kids' blanket hoodies to the best warm waterproof coats – starts with research on our forums because we know how valuable an independent recommendation is. We then analysed authentic consumer reviews to whittle down our shortlist.

After that, we (Poppy and Natasha) conducted our own rigorous testing in cold weather, assessing these key areas:

  • Warmth

  • Ease of use

  • Design/battery life

  • Value for money

Want to know more? Here's our in-depth guide to the best heated gilets for 2026.

1

Best heated gilet overall

Ororo Women’s Heated Gilet

Best Buy Top Tested
What we like
  • Super warm and cosy

  • Machine washable

  • Up to ten hours of consistent warmth

  • Heats up the side pockets, neck, and back

  • Water resistant

What we don't like
  • Expensive

  • Battery doesn't last as long on the high setting

Key specs

Price on writing: £105 | Sizes available: XS to XL | Material: Nylon and polyester

What Mumsnet users say

Squit · Recommended product
Not the most stylish or beautiful but my god it works.
See Post
wherethesunitnevershines · Recommended brand
A heated vest (mine is Ororo from Amazon). I'd never heard of them and then got one as a gift. Amazing to have your own little heater that you can wear, made my life so much easier. I have a couple now and always have a battery charging and ready to go. No longer dread taking the dog for a walk or sitting in a cold room at work.
See Post
Our verdict

Tested by Mumsnet editor Natasha Gregson: Read our full Ororo Heated Vest review

This popular gilet impressed me so much during testing; it was a godsend on chilly autumnal days and helped me resist cranking the thermostat up. As well as a heated back, which all heated gilets have, this also has warming elements in the hand pockets and neck too, which I found super cosy when working from home and on winter walks.

It fitted me well and was surprisingly lightweight; I wasn't weighed down by the battery pack at all, and it's hidden away discreetly in an internal pocket. It can provide heat for up to ten hours, although this is on the lowest temperature setting – on the high setting (my favourite), the battery provided me with just over three hours of heat. It was easy to activate the heat panels and toggle between the different heating levels using the logo button too.

My only complaint is the cost; the initial outlay is pretty high, but it could save you on heating bills in the long run. All in all, I think it's a great choice for cold days.

Read next: The best travel mugs

2

Best budget heated gilet

Kemimoto Heated Vest

On Sale Top Tested
What we like
  • Good value

  • Flexible heating zones

  • Warm and comfortable

What we don't like
  • Power bank not included

  • Only one heat setting

Key specs

Price on writing: £40 (battery pack not included) | Sizes available: S to XXL | Material: Polyester

What Mumsnet users say

Mumsnet editor Poppy O'Neill · Tried & Tested
It's just right for sitting at my draughty desk or warming me up under my dog walking coat on a blustery beach.
See Post
Our verdict

Tested by Mumsnet editor Poppy O'Neill: Read our full Kemimoto Heated Vest review

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 heated vest from motorbike brand Kemimoto is a good option and comes in relatively cheaper than other jackets. It has just one heat setting, but a choice of heating the back or front of the gilet - or both.

I found this vest ideal for use outdoors and indoors, as it's really thin and lightweight - perfect for popping over a jumper or under a winter coat. You will need to buy a battery pack, however, so you'll need to factor that into the cost. It's easy to keep clean, comfortable to wear and great value for money.

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

3

Best lightweight heated gilet

Ororo Fleece Heated Vest

Top Tested
What we like
  • A fleece vest allows more freedom of movement than more rigid designs

  • Great for wearing under a coat

  • Soft fleece fabric

  • Machine washable

What we don't like
  • Pricey

  • Not water resistant

  • Battery life is lower on the highest setting

Key specs

Price on writing: £126 | Sizes available: XS to XL | Material: 50% polyester, 45% cotton, 5% other fibers

What Mumsnet users say

OhBeAFineGuyKissMe · Recommended product
If you aren’t too bothered by stylish then a sub coat could work. Then pair it with a heated gilet and you will keep your core nice and toasty.
See Post
madamweb · Recommended brand
I love it! I really struggle if I get cold and it makes a huge difference.
See Post
Our verdict

Tested by Mumsnet editor Poppy O'Neill: Read our full Ororo Women's Heated Fleece Vest review

If you’re looking for an option to wear under your winter coat when temperatures plummet, this fleecy vest is the one to go for. Available in black, purple and grey, it has heated components on the upper back and lower abdominals near the pockets – perfect for warming your mitts up in lieu of the best hand warmer.

I loved how easy it was to use, and it kept me warm and cosy both indoors working from home and outside on chilly dog walks. My favourite setting was the low heat level – it provided a gentle, consistent warmth without being too overbearing. On this setting, the jacket's power lasts for an impressive 10 hours, though bear in mind that, as with any heated product, the higher the temperature, the less use you'll get out of it before it needs a charge. Luckily there's a handy battery level indicator so I could check how much juice was left when I was using it.

The drawbacks are that it's pricey and isn't water or wind resistant, but I found the fleece material 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: Best changing robes

4

Best heated wrap

Thaw Heated Wrap

Top Tested
What we like
  • Soft faux fur lining

  • Zip fastening

  • Can be worn or used as a blanket

  • 3 heat settings

  • Battery included

What we don't like
  • One size

Key specs

Price on writing: £80 | Sizes available: One size | Material: 100% polyester

Our verdict

Tested by Mumsnet editor Poppy O'Neill: Read our full Thaw Heated Wrap review

Heated gilets are brilliant for popping under a coat or wearing around the house, but if you're looking for something to snuggle into, this heated wrap gives you portability along with the comfort of a heated throw.

The Thaw Heated Wrap has heated wires across the neck, back and to the front corners. A lot of wearable blankets and hoodies, like the OHS Heated Blanket Hoodie, have heat concentrated only on the abdomen area, so I picked the Thaw Heated Wrap above other wearable heated options because it has heat distribution across the garment.

With just one size, it fits me nicely over a chunky jumper (I'm a UK size 12), and unzips flat so it can be used as a mini heated blanket over my knees. The neck comes up nice and high, which suits me really well as I have short hair and my neck and shoulders get chilly.

Related: Best heated clothes airers

Is a heated gilet worth it?

Absolutely. These toasty body warmers are like a cosy hug on chilly days. Whether you're braving the great outdoors or just need extra warmth for your daily errands, the best heated gilet can keep you snug and comfy on the go. It's true, they're expensive, but if you can afford to splash out, we reckon they're worth the cost. They may even save you money on your heating bills in the long run too.

Related: Best electric fireplaces

How do heated gilets work?

Using a small battery pack (which is usually included in the price, but it's best to double check this), heated gilets have thin electrical wires sewn into their fabric. Using a simple button to turn on, off and adjust temperature, the wires heat up, distributing warmth to targetted sections of the vest.

Related: Best oil-filled radiator

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 winter jacket 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 waistcoat 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 heat zones where you suffer pain.

A good all-rounder is the Ororo Women’s Vest, with heated sections on the back, front and neck area. We rated it highly as it heats up quickly, lasts well on a full charge and it’s comfy to wear, with everyone from dog walkers to warehouse workers praising it. We also love that it comes with a rechargeable battery pack too, so you don't have to worry about sourcing one yourself.

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Are heated gilets safe?

Some Mumsnet forum users expressed concern over the safety of heated gilets due to their electric heating zones, 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 jackets 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 winter sports or 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.

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

How long does a heated gilet stay warm?

The heating elements tend to stay warm up to ten hours per charge, but this depends on the heating time of the jacket and the temperature controls you choose – using the low setting or a gentle heat 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 regular jacket would.

How to wash a heated gilet

Most heated gilets can be popped in the washing machine on a gentle cycle, but you must disconnect the battery and leave it to fully dry before using it again. This will vary between brands, however, so it's essential you read the care instructions so you don't damage your vest.

How we chose our heated gilet recommendations

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

Recommendations from real people

To help us select the best ladies' heated gilet UK, we first checked what products our trusted Mumsnet users are loving, of which there are more than seven million each month. That’s a lot of honest, impartial advice. In particular, we focused on the products and brands Mumsnetters praised for keeping them warm during winter, taking into account essential features like heating settings, comfort and whether they're suitable for a machine wash.

Expert guidance

Our team then ensured our article represented the latest recommendations from industry experts that you can rely on. We used 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.

In-depth testing

MNHQ editors then conducted their own rigorous testing. Using their expertise and know how on what features make for the best heated gilets, our team carefully analysed selected products after extensive use, scoring their performance on warmth, design, temperature settings, ease of use, and value for money.

Celebrated 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 authors

Natasha Gregson is an Affiliate Content Editor at Mumsnet, with an expertise in home and lifestyle product reviews and round-ups. With numerous years of editorial experience under her belt, her work has also been featured in prestigious national publications like The i Paper and Stylist Magazine, and she's written on a wide range of topics.

Amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis, Natasha has been on a mission to unearth the top products that can help Mumsnetters save money on their energy bills this year – including everything from the best heated gilets to the warmest blanket hoodies. Her thorough research into this topic and experience testing products for Mumsnet helps to inform her in-depth assessments of the buys we think Mumsnetters will love.

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.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.

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