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Best heated gilets for keeping warm 2024: tried and tested
Avoid soaring energy bills this winter with one of the best heated gilets, designed to keep you cosy when temperatures plummet – both inside and out.
By Melanie Macleod By Natasha Gregson | Last updated Feb 23, 2024
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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 vest will have electric panels 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 vests 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.
How we tested the best heated gilet UK
We thoroughly researched the best heated vests on the market, taking into account the gilets Mumsnet users have tried, tested and loved. Every winter guide we produce – covering everything from the cosiest kids' blanket hoodies to the best draught excluders – 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 conducted our own rigorous testing on the two Ororo vests and the Conqueco jacket in cold weather, assessing these key areas:
Warmth
Ease of use
Design/battery life
Value for money
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Super warm and cosy
Machine washable
Up to ten hours of consistent warmth
Heats up the side pockets, neck, and back
Water resistant
Expensive
Battery doesn't last as long on the high setting
Price on writing: £140 | Sizes available: XS to XL | Material: Nylon and polyester
This popular gilet impressed us immensely during testing; it was a godsend on chilly autumnal days and helped us 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 we found super cosy when working from home or on cold walks.
It fitted well and was surprisingly lightweight; we weren'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 (our favourite), the battery provided 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.
Our 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, we think it's a great choice for cold days.
Read our full Ororo Heated Vest review
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A fleece vest allows more freedom of movement than more rigid designs
Great for wearing under a coat
Soft fleece fabric
Machine washable
Pricey
Not water resistant
Battery life is lower on the highest setting
Price on writing: £126 | Sizes available: XS to XL | Material: 50% polyester, 45% cotton, 5% other fibers
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.
We loved how easy it was to use, and it kept us warm and cosy both indoors working from home and outside on chilly dog walks. Our 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 you can check how much juice is left when you're using it.
The drawback is that it's pricey and isn't water and wind resistant, 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.
Read our full Ororo Women's Heated Fleece Vest review
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Lightweight design
Ideal for outdoor activities in winter
Easy to use
Expensive
Not the most stylish gilet
Price on writing: £106 | Sizes available: S to XL | Material: Polyester
With over 400 five-star ratings on Amazon, you can be sure that this fleecy 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 upper back and chest for the ultimate cosy experience whether you're in the great outdoors or working from home.
It's out and about where this vest truly excels though; when we tried it out, we found it was perfect for winter activities, particularly ones where you're likely to be stood around for a while. And although it's not the most fashionable pick, we loved its practicality and lightweight design, which was ideal for layering. It's easy to use and set up too, and we were impressed with the battery life.
Our biggest gripe is the cost; it's pretty pricey, but if you can afford to splash out and will be spending a large amount of time outdoors this winter, it's worth the investment.
Read our full Conqueco Heated Vest review
Good value
Heats up neck, back, torso, and waist
Warm and comfortable
Unisex so the fit may not be as good as ones designed for women
Power bank not included
A few found the battery pocket too small
Price on writing: £35 | Sizes available: XS to XXL | Material: Polyester
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 different 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.
Related: The best women's slippers to keep you warm and cosy
Are heated vests worth the expense?
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.
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.
"During the day I wear a heated gilet. It keeps me toasty all day."
Ororo
Women’s Heated Gilet
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 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 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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