Best Women's Golf Gilets UK (2026)
A gilet, or golf vest, is one of the most useful layers a golfer can own: with no sleeves it feels less restrictive than a jacket, yet it adds warmth and protection on cool mornings and breezy afternoons, and it folds up small enough to live in the golf bag. This guide compares gilets tested by Golf Monthly, whose women's golf editor Alison Root wrote its guide with contributions from Carly Cummins and PGA professional Katie Dawkins. Golf Monthly says its testers wear the clothing on the course over a number of rounds in as many different conditions as possible, and for a vest judge freedom of movement first, then fit and comfort, warmth and protection, and colours and styling; it also says manufacturers cannot pay for a good review. Ten of the twelve gilets in its guide are covered here. The source does not rank them, so the badges below describe what each one does best according to the testers.
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
J.Lindeberg Madde Quilt Hybrid Vest
Best premium down gilet
Golf Monthly's tester says this vest has the most amazing gloss finish, with a subtle JL logo. The colour choice is broad: she picked out the Mint as something different that sets off many of her golf shirts, with navy, moonstone and black as quieter options. It is light as a feather and easy to swing in, and being stuffed with duck down it will keep you cosy on a cold day. She says it looks just as good paired with jeans and boots for a Sunday lunch.
- Fabulous fit and looks
- Glossy finish oozes class
Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Key spec | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| J.Lindeberg Madde Quilt Hybrid Vest | Best premium down gilet | Duck down filling, gloss-finish polyester shell, five colours, sizes XS-XL | Check price |
| Under Armour Drive Pro Women's Vest | Best lightweight warmth | Quilted insulation at the top front, slightly flared cut, two deep zipped side pockets, sizes XXS-XXL | Check price |
| Ping Mischa Textured Vest | Best for summer into autumn | SensorWarm technology, recycled polyester shell with light water resistance, textured finish, mandarin collar, sizes 6-20 | Check price |
| adidas Women's Ultimate365 Tour Frostguard Vest | Best sporty gilet | Water-resistant shell (84% recycled polyester), flaps above the pockets, hidden inner pocket, gently elasticated hem, sizes XS-XXL | Check price |
| Puma Kyley Quilted Vest | Best for generous sizing | Soft padded quilting, shower-proof fabric with a sheen, stretch fit, sizes XS-XXL | Check price |
| FootJoy Women's ThermoSeries Insulated Vest | Warmest for winter | Heavily insulated, high zip neck, moisture-wicking polyester outer, stretch lining, sizes XS-XXL | Check price |
| Galvin Green Luna Golf Vest | Best windproof gilet | Windproof, thick soft padding, slight stretch, internal waist toggles, two-way zip, recycled materials, sizes XS-XXL | Check price |
| Abacus Portrush Vest | Widest size and colour range | Padded front and back, fleece-lined stretch shoulders and side panels, high stretchy collar, sizes XS-3XL, five colours | Check price |
| Pure Golf Eve Reversible Gilet | Best reversible gilet | Reversible plain/pattern design, padded soft polyester, two zipped side pockets, covered zip top, sizes XS-XXL | Check price |
| Callaway Quilted Gilet | Best for frosty mornings | PrimaLoft insulation, water-repellent nylon, double zip, fleece-lined side panels, inner side toggles, sizes XS-XXL | Check price |
Our picks in detail
Best premium down gilet
J.Lindeberg Madde Quilt Hybrid Vest
Golf Monthly's tester says this vest has the most amazing gloss finish, with a subtle JL logo. The colour choice is broad: she picked out the Mint as something different that sets off many of her golf shirts, with navy, moonstone and black as quieter options. It is light as a feather and easy to swing in, and being stuffed with duck down it will keep you cosy on a cold day. She says it looks just as good paired with jeans and boots for a Sunday lunch.
- Insulation
- Duck down
- Sizes
- XS-XL
- Colours
- 5 (mint, moonbeam, black, navy, high gloss black)
- Fabric
- Shell 100% polyester
Pros
- Fabulous fit and looks
- Glossy finish oozes class
Cons
- Some may find the price tag high, but it's a quality product
Best lightweight warmth
Under Armour Drive Pro Women's Vest
Golf Monthly's tester really liked the very smooth fabric in a deep blue-purple colour. Of the vests she has tested this is one of the lightest, and she was genuinely surprised that it kept her warm and protected from the wind. The front has quilted insulation at the top in a diagonal design that she found flattering. The cut is a little flared at the bottom, so it sat nicely on her hips and stayed firmly in place when hitting shots. There is plenty of room around the armholes, two deep zipped side pockets, and no gaping when zipped to the top.
- Insulation
- Quilted insulation at the top front
- Pockets
- Two deep zipped side pockets
- Sizes
- XXS-XXL
- Colours
- 1 (midnight navy/black)
- Fabric
- 87% polyester, 13% elastane
Pros
- Flattering and comfortable fit
- Lightweight, yet provides warmth
- Wind protection
Cons
- Only one colour option
Best for summer into autumn
Ping Mischa Textured Vest
Golf Monthly's tester says the Mischa fills a gap few gilets manage well: many are either tight and clingy or too thick and bulky, and this lands neatly in between, lightweight and low-bulk but still genuinely useful. She calls it a great summer-into-autumn layer for days when a breeze has picked up and you want a bit of protection without overheating. The SensorWarm technology takes the edge off wind chill, the recycled polyester shell offers light water resistance for passing showers, and the textured finish gives it a smart look. It throws on easily over a polo and does not get in the way of the swing. She is not a fan of the mandarin collar, but says that is personal preference.
- Technology
- SensorWarm
- Water resistance
- Light, for passing showers
- Collar
- Mandarin
- Sizes
- 6-20
- Colours
- 2 (navy, white)
- Fabric
- 94% recycled polyester, 6% elastane
Pros
- Lightweight without sacrificing wind protection
- Textured finish for a smart look
Cons
- Mandarin collar isn't to everyone's taste
Best sporty gilet
adidas Women's Ultimate365 Tour Frostguard Vest
Golf Monthly's tester calls this lightweight gilet sporty and sharp in its design, and gives it high marks for both style and sustainability. The outer shell is water resistant as well as silky soft, and feels warm to the touch before you have even put it on. It has pockets for keeping hands warm and an invisible one in the body for a scorecard or mobile phone. It is comfortable when swinging a club, and the hem is gently elasticated for a snug fit that keeps warmth in and the elements out. She says it will become one of her staple vests.
- Water resistance
- Water-resistant outer shell, flaps above pockets
- Pockets
- Hand pockets plus a hidden inner pocket
- Hem
- Gently elasticated
- Sizes
- XS-XXL
- Colours
- 1 (black)
- Fabric
- Shell 100% polyester (84% recycled)
Pros
- Flap above pockets stops water seeping in
- Soft to touch makes for a cosy feel
Cons
- Not enough colour choices
Best for generous sizing
Puma Kyley Quilted Vest
Golf Monthly's tester says the Kyley is the ideal alternative if you find a full-sleeve jacket cumbersome to swing in. Its soft padding gives a body barrier against the wind, while the sleeveless style leaves the arms unrestricted, so you can layer anything underneath from a polo shirt on a milder day to a base layer or sweater. The shower-proof material shields the body if it rains and has a sheen that shimmers in sunlight. There is a wide range of sizes and stretch in the fabric to accommodate any body shape. Golf Monthly lists the lightweight material not being the warmest as its drawback.
- Water resistance
- Shower-proof
- Fit
- Generous sizing with stretch
- Sizes
- XS-XXL
- Colours
- 3 (warm white, deep navy, ice coffee)
- Fabric
- 53% polyester, 47% recycled polyester
Pros
- Sleeveless for swing freedom
- Generous sizing and stretch fit
Cons
- Lightweight material isn't the warmest
Warmest for winter
FootJoy Women's ThermoSeries Insulated Vest
Golf Monthly's tester says to look no further if you want a substantial body warmer that is easy to swing in and does not weigh you down. This sporty shaped insulated vest keeps you snug and is an alternative to a thick jacket if you like your arms free. The neck zips up fairly high, which protects against the elements. The polyester outer is soft to the touch and wicks off moisture, and the lining moves with you thanks to the added elastane. She liked the off white colour with its ice blue lining.
- Insulation
- Insulated, puffy construction
- Collar
- High zip neck
- Sizes
- XS-XXL
- Colours
- 2 (off white, navy)
- Fabric
- Shell 100% polyester; lining 87% nylon, 13% elastane
Pros
- Exceptional warmth
- Flattering even though it's very puffy
Cons
- Too warm in autumn, perfect for winter
Best windproof gilet
Galvin Green Luna Golf Vest
Golf Monthly's tester calls the Luna a must-buy if you want a really warm layer to wear over a jumper or under a jacket, and says its beauty is the swing freedom it offers. There is a slight stretch to the material and internal toggles to tighten the waist on your hips. A two-way zipper and a repositioned side seam improve the fit. The padding is thick and soft to touch, with a slight sheen. The style is snug and slimming, which may not suit larger body shapes, and she adds that you will need deep pockets to afford it.
- Protection
- Windproof
- Adjustment
- Internal waist toggles, two-way zip
- Fit
- Snug, slimming
- Sizes
- XS-XXL
- Colours
- 2 (navy, sand)
- Fabric
- 100% polyester
Pros
- Windproof and warm
- Adjustable fit
Cons
- Snug fit won't suit larger ladies as much as slim silhouettes
Widest size and colour range
Abacus Portrush Vest
Golf Monthly's tester calls this a beautifully styled vest with plenty of features. She liked the decorative pattern of the padding on the front and back, which gives it a cosy look and feel. The shoulders and side panels are made in a stretch fabric that is fleeced on the inside for extra warmth, and it zips up to a high, stretchy collar that does not irritate the neck. There is a zipped pocket on either side and two open pockets inside. It fits true to size, and the lightweight stretch fabric makes it comfortable to swing a club without feeling bulky. She calls it a versatile piece for autumn and winter wear.
- Construction
- Padded front and back, fleece-lined stretch shoulders and side panels
- Pockets
- Two zipped side pockets, two open inside pockets
- Fit
- True to size
- Sizes
- XS-3XL
- Colours
- 5 (navy, black, lipstick, linden, cognac)
- Fabric
- 100% polyester
Pros
- Extremely well made
- Provides comfort without bulk
Cons
- Not waterproof
Best reversible gilet
Pure Golf Eve Reversible Gilet
Golf Monthly's tester likes a gilet that lets you mix and match your look, and the Eve comes in three colour and pattern combinations. It is made in a soft polyester fabric and is well padded for warmth, though she did not find it too bulky and had plenty of room around the top of her arms. Zipped up to the top of the collar it is cosier, and the top of the zip is neatly covered so there is no irritation around the neck. The two zipped side pockets on the plain side are lined with the patterned fabric, with silver Pure logo pullers on the zips.
- Design
- Reversible, plain one side and patterned the other
- Pockets
- Two zipped side pockets
- Sizes
- XS-XXL
- Colours
- 3 (grey/quiet glade, pink/autumn aquarelle, red/woven chantilly)
- Fabric
- 100% polyester
Pros
- Provides warmth without bulk
- Flattering fit
Cons
- Patterns might not appeal to everyone
Best for frosty mornings
Callaway Quilted Gilet
Golf Monthly's tester says the wintry Ice Queen colour is perfect for an early morning game in frosty conditions. PrimaLoft insulation keeps you at a comfortable temperature for the round, and the gilet is water repellent: she says it does such a good job of protecting from showers that you often never need to get your rain gear out. The double zip makes it easy to slip on waterproof trousers or reach trouser pockets, the side panels are fleece lined, and inner side toggles adjust the fit to keep warmth in. She calls it a brilliant winter addition to a golfing wardrobe.
- Insulation
- PrimaLoft
- Water resistance
- Water repellent
- Features
- Double zip, fleece-lined side panels, inner side toggles
- Sizes
- XS-XXL
- Colours
- 1 (ice queen; other colours from past collections)
- Fabric
- 100% nylon
Pros
- Easy to swing in, keeps you warm
- Eye-popping Ice Queen colour
Cons
- Shiny fabric won't be a hit with everyone
Buying guide
How should a women's golf gilet fit?
Golf Monthly says a vest should fit snug but not too tight: you should be able to wear a polo shirt or a light mid layer underneath comfortably. The armholes must be cut high enough not to let cold air in, but roomy enough that your arms and shoulders move without restriction. It should sit around the hips to give core coverage without interfering with how your trousers or skort sit, and an adjustable drawstring hem gives a more secure fit. Among the gilets here, the Galvin Green Luna and Callaway Quilted Gilet have inner toggles, and the Galvin Green is described as a snug, slimming cut.
What should I look for when buying a golf gilet?
Golf Monthly lists four things: protection, freedom of movement, colour and budget. The best models stop the wind getting through the fabric and chilling your core, and add features such as fleece-lined pockets and well-structured collars. They should also stretch and move with the body and be the right length for your shape so they do not ride up during the swing, so it recommends trying some on and making a few swings first.
Can I wear a golf gilet all year round?
Yes. Golf Monthly considers a vest suitable for year-round wear, with a lightweight, breathable one for the summer months and a thermal insulated one for winter. Its testers describe the Ping Mischa as a summer-into-autumn layer, the Abacus Portrush as one for autumn and winter, and the FootJoy ThermoSeries as too warm in autumn but perfect for winter.
Are golf gilets waterproof?
Generally not. None of the gilets in Golf Monthly's guide is described as fully waterproof, and the Abacus Portrush is specifically marked down for not being waterproof. Several do resist showers: the adidas Frostguard has a water-resistant shell, the Puma Kyley is shower-proof, the Ping Mischa offers light water resistance for passing showers, and the Callaway Quilted Gilet is water repellent. For heavy rain you will still need a proper waterproof jacket.
Sources
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