Best Heated Gilets and Jackets UK (2026)
A heated gilet uses thin electrical wires sewn into the fabric, powered by a rechargeable battery pack, to warm targeted areas like the back, front and neck without cranking up the central heating. This guide is based on Mumsnet's tested roundup (updated September 2026), where testers Poppy O'Neill and Natasha Gregson conducted their own hands-on testing in cold weather, assessing warmth, ease of use, design and battery life, and value for money, alongside forum recommendations. Prices shown are those quoted by Mumsnet at time of writing.
We have not hands-on tested these products. Our picks are based on published independent tests and reviews, listed at the bottom of this page. How we pick.
Our top pick
Ororo Women's Heated Gilet
Best overall
Mumsnet's tester Natasha Gregson found this impressed her so much during testing that it became a godsend on chilly autumnal days, helping her resist turning up the thermostat. Unlike most gilets, it also heats the hand pockets and neck, which she found super cosy working from home and on winter walks. It fitted well and felt surprisingly lightweight, with the battery hidden discreetly in an internal pocket, and can run up to ten hours on the lowest setting (just over three hours on her favourite, highest setting). The main downside is the high initial cost.
- Super warm and cosy
- Machine washable and lightweight
- Heats side pockets, neck and back, not just the back
Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Key spec | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ororo Women's Heated Gilet | Best overall | 4 heating zones (back, pockets, neck), 3-10 hour battery, machine washable, water resistant, XS-XL | Check price |
| Kemimoto Heated Vest | Best budget | 6 heating zones, 3-8 hour battery (power bank not included), water resistant, S-XXL | Check price |
| Ororo Fleece Heated Vest | Best lightweight | 4 heating zones (upper back, lower abdomen near pockets), 3-8 hour battery, machine washable, not water resistant, XS-XL | Check price |
| Thaw Heated Wrap | Best heated wrap | 10 heating zones (neck, back, front corners), 3-4 hour battery, one size, water resistant, unzips flat | Check price |
| SealSkinz Sandringham Women's Heated & Water Repellent Gilet | Most stylish | 5 heating zones, up to 7 hour battery (power bank not included), sherpa lining, adjustable hem, S-L | Check price |
Our picks in detail
Best overall
Ororo Women's Heated Gilet
Mumsnet's tester Natasha Gregson found this impressed her so much during testing that it became a godsend on chilly autumnal days, helping her resist turning up the thermostat. Unlike most gilets, it also heats the hand pockets and neck, which she found super cosy working from home and on winter walks. It fitted well and felt surprisingly lightweight, with the battery hidden discreetly in an internal pocket, and can run up to ten hours on the lowest setting (just over three hours on her favourite, highest setting). The main downside is the high initial cost.
- Heating zones
- 4
- Battery life
- 3-10 hours
- Sizes
- XS to XL
- Water resistant
- Yes
- Price guide
- £140 (at time of writing)
Pros
- Super warm and cosy
- Machine washable and lightweight
- Heats side pockets, neck and back, not just the back
- Water resistant
Cons
- Expensive
- Battery doesn't last as long on the high setting
Best budget
Kemimoto Heated Vest
Mumsnet's tester Poppy O'Neill found this motorbike-brand vest ideal for use outdoors and indoors, thin and lightweight enough to pop over a jumper or under a winter coat. It has just one heat setting but a choice of heating the front, back or both, and testers found it easy to keep clean, comfortable and great value. You'll need to buy a battery pack separately, adding to the true cost, and some reviewers found the sizing tight.
- Heating zones
- 6
- Battery life
- 3-8 hours
- Sizes
- S to XXL
- Water resistant
- Yes
- Price guide
- £40, battery pack not included (at time of writing)
Pros
- Good value
- Flexible heating zones (front, back or both)
- Warm and comfortable, thin enough to layer
Cons
- Power bank not included
- Only one heat setting
- Some reviewers found sizing too tight
Best lightweight
Ororo Fleece Heated Vest
Mumsnet's tester Poppy O'Neill found this easy to use, keeping her warm and cosy both working from home and on chilly dog walks. Her favourite was the low heat setting, giving a gentle warmth that lasted an impressive 10 hours, with a battery level indicator to check remaining charge. The fleece material felt ideal for home use rather than giving the bulk of an outdoor coat. It's pricey and not water or wind resistant, so best kept as a mid-layer rather than an outer shell.
- Heating zones
- 4
- Battery life
- 3-8 hours
- Sizes
- XS to XL
- Water resistant
- No
- Price guide
- £126 (at time of writing)
Pros
- More freedom of movement than rigid designs
- Great for wearing under a coat
- Soft fleece fabric, machine washable
Cons
- Pricey
- Not water resistant
- Battery life is lower on the highest setting
Best heated wrap
Thaw Heated Wrap
Mumsnet's tester Poppy O'Neill chose this over other wearable heated options because it distributes heat across the whole garment, rather than concentrating it on the abdomen like many heated blanket hoodies. It fit her nicely (UK size 12) over a chunky jumper, and unzips flat so it doubles as a mini heated blanket over the knees, with a high neck she found ideal for keeping her neck and shoulders warm.
- Heating zones
- 10
- Battery life
- 3-4 hours
- Sizes
- One size
- Water resistant
- Yes
- Price guide
- £106 (at time of writing)
Pros
- Soft faux fur lining
- Can be worn or used as a blanket
- Heat distributed across the garment, not just one area
Cons
- One size only
Most stylish
SealSkinz Sandringham Women's Heated & Water Repellent Gilet
Mumsnet notes SealSkinz products are highly rated by its users and also topped their heated gloves guide. This slim-fitting, water-repellent and insulated gilet is both functional and fashionable, with an adjustable hem, five generously sized heating zones and two heat levels giving up to seven hours of warmth. Three storage pockets are handy for keys and a phone, and the cosy sherpa lining adds a luxurious feel. The power bank costs extra on top of an already premium price.
- Heating zones
- 5
- Battery life
- Up to 7 hours
- Sizes
- S to L
- Water resistant
- Yes
- Price guide
- £175 (at time of writing)
Pros
- Stylish design with an adjustable hem
- Cosy sherpa lining
- Three handy storage pockets
Cons
- Costly
- Power bank not included
Buying guide
Is a heated gilet worth it?
Mumsnet's testers found them genuinely useful for cold school gates, working from home and winter walks, effectively letting you 'heat the human, not the home', in Martin Lewis's phrase. They're expensive upfront, but can pay for themselves over several winters compared with running central heating just to keep one person warm.
How long does the battery last?
This varies by setting: heating elements typically last up to 10 hours on the lowest setting, but only 3 to 4 hours on the highest, as testers found with the Ororo Women's Heated Gilet and Fleece Vest. Check whether a battery pack is included, since the Kemimoto and SealSkinz gilets both require one bought separately.
Where are the heating zones?
Most gilets heat the back as standard; better ones like the Ororo Women's Heated Gilet also warm the pockets and neck. If you want warmth beyond the torso, consider heat coverage carefully, especially if you're buying to ease muscle or joint pain rather than just for general warmth.
Can I wash a heated gilet?
Most can go in the washing machine on a gentle cycle, but you must disconnect the battery first and let it fully dry before reconnecting. Always check the specific garment's care label, as this varies between brands, and the SealSkinz Stratton gloves in Mumsnet's related guide, for comparison, can't be washed at all.
Sources
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