Now that temperatures really have plummeted, the daily struggle of trying to keep warm in the midst of an energy crisis is at the forefront of everyone's mind. With heating bills skyrocketing, it can be stressful and worrying just thinking about turning on your boiler. As a result, we've all been searching for clever ways to stay warm without spending a fortune - and it turns out the best solution yet might just exist in the form of a gilet.
This is not just any gilet, however. This is, in fact, a heated gilet which, believe it or not, exists in a wide variety of styles and colours - and for as little as £12.99. You may have heard of heated dressing gowns (thanks, Aldi) and even heated throws (which have also been flying off the shelves) but online searches for heated gilets have increased by 250% in the last few days.
Before you conjure images of trailing a power cord behind you at all times, heated gilets in fact have a battery pack concealed inside them, which can be charged via USB. This makes them relatively cheap to charge, ensuring you're getting more for your money.
You can find some of the best heated gilets online, with Amazon even offering a unisex style for £12.99(the battery pack is sold separately for £18.99). There's also Regatta, which is offering a range of heated jackets, should you want even more warmth.
Ideal for wearing on the school run, walking the dog or just for putting on indoors when you want to save on heating costs, heated gilets are the highly practical item you didn't know you needed. Rechargeable, they'll last forever, meaning you can stay warm for every winter to come. And when it's really cold (right about now) you can even layer them under coats to stay really snug. And smug, let's be honest.
SHOP: The Best Heated Gilets and Jackets
One of the more affordable styles available, this gilet is sold without the power bank, so you'll need to buy that separately. This heats up quickly and is relatively easy to operate – the only problem is that the heat doesn't last that long, so it's not ideal if you want extra warmth on a long walk.
Pros
- Heats up quickly
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
Cons
- USB power bank sold separately
- Heat doesn't last that long
A more expensive option, this is the heated gilet for those really looking for long-lasting warmth. The battery pack is included and a single charge can last up to 10 hours, depending on which heat setting you use. It's also available in different colours, is water and wind-resistant.
Pros
- Battery pack included
- Can last up to 10 hours
- Multiple colours available
- Machine washable
Cons
- More expensive than other styles
www.regatta.com
If you're really struggling with colder temperatures, Regatta's heated parka is just what you need – and is currently on sale for Cyber Monday. Clearly, it's not as easy to wear indoors or under other pieces as a gilet but if you're spending a lot of time outside, it will be a dream.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Breathable
- Has a hood with detachable faux fur trim
- Quick dry synthetic fibre insulation that traps air for extra warmth
Cons
- Bulkier than a gilet
- Battery pack sold separately
www.regatta.com
Super lightweight and compressible, you can take this handy jacket with you just about anywhere and know you'll always be warm. Designed to keep you warm on its own, add the battery pack and you'll be toasty.
Pros
- Non-bulky
- Designed for insulation, even without the heated technology
- Compressible, so good for travelling
Cons
- Battery pack sold separately