What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vest
Example
He wore a vest over his dress shirt to the wedding. [vest: noun]
Example
The police officer put on his bulletproof vest before heading out on patrol. [vest: noun]
Example
She layered a thermal vest under her sweater to stay warm in the winter. [vest: noun]
gilet
Example
He wore a navy blue gilet over his sweater to stay warm. [gilet: noun]
Example
The hiker packed a lightweight gilet for her trip to the mountains. [gilet: noun]
Example
She layered a plaid gilet over her white shirt for a stylish fall look. [gilet: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vest is a more common word than gilet in everyday language, especially in American English. Gilet is more commonly used in British English and other European languages.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vest and gilet?
Vest can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the material and style. Gilet is generally considered a more casual garment, but can still be dressed up for certain occasions.
