For the transitional season
Riding gilets
Riding gilets are clothing for the stable, training and hacking: they keep your upper body warm and leave your arms free. At Lepona you will find quilted gilets, down gilets, fleece and softshell gilets, long gilets as well as heated and reflective models. Filter by size, colour and brand. Looking for a vest with a protector or airbag? You will find those under Body protectors & airbags.
Which riding gilet suits you?
A riding gilet complements breeches, shirt and jacket when a jacket is too warm for you but a shirt alone is too cool. Because your arms stay free, it is practical for work around the yard and in the saddle. Here you will find an overview of the gilets in our shop.
Types of gilet at a glance
- Quilted gilets: quilted gilets available in many cuts and colours. They are the classic among riding gilets.
- Down and thermal gilets: gilets designed for warmth. Details on material and filling are given with each item.
- Fleece, softshell and hybrid gilets: gilets made of fleece, softshell or a mix of materials, for example with fleece at the sides. Whether a model is wind- or water-repellent is stated with the item.
- Light and long gilets: models labelled "Lightweight" as well as long gilets that reach over the hips.
- Heated gilets: gilets with integrated heating elements, for example from the ELT Comfort Heat collection. They need a power source, such as a power bank. Whether this is included is stated with the item; please also follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Reflective gilets: gilets that make you more visible in the dark. You will find more on visibility under Reflective items & visibility.
- Gilets for airbag systems: some models are designed to be combined with an airbag system. Whether an airbag fits is stated in the manufacturer's information. The gilet itself is clothing; whether an airbag is included is stated with the item. You will find airbag vests as protective equipment under Body protectors & airbags.
Size and fit
In the size filter you will find gilets in sizes 32 to 46 as well as XXS to XXL. There are ladies' models, some men's and unisex models and occasionally sizes from 140. A gilet should give you enough freedom of movement when sitting and mounting. Use the manufacturer's size chart, as cuts vary.
Wearing and combining
Gilets can be worn over a shirt, a technical shirt or a jumper. If you need more warmth, combine one with a riding jacket; if you prefer it lighter, choose a lightweight model. Long gilets reach over the hips, short models end at waist height. How long a gilet is can be found in the measurements given with the item.
Colours and brands
Riding gilets come mainly in black and blue, as well as beige, green, brown, pink and other colours. Brands in the shop include eaSt, Ego7, ELT, Eskadron, Kentucky Horsewear, Kingsland, Pikeur, WHIS, Waldhausen and Helite. Use the brand filter to find your favourite model faster.
Riding gilet or body protector?
The two terms are often mixed up in everyday use. At Lepona: riding gilets are clothing. They keep you warm, are part of your outfit or make you visible. They are not protective equipment. Body protectors, back protectors and airbag vests are protective equipment in case of a fall. You will find them in the category Body protectors & airbags. Whether a riding gilet can be combined with a body protector depends on the model; always follow the manufacturer's information.
Care
How you may clean a gilet is stated on the care label. Down, fleece, softshell and heated gilets are cared for differently, so the information on the item and the manufacturer's instructions always apply.
Matching additions
Matching your gilet: riding jackets, breeches, technical shirts and jumpers & sweatshirts. You will find tips for cold days in our guide Riding in winter.
Advice
Not sure about the size or model? We are happy to advise you by phone, WhatsApp or video.
A riding gilet is clothing: it keeps you warm, is part of your outfit or makes you visible. A body protector, a back protector or an airbag vest is protective equipment in case of a fall. Both are separate categories in the shop. Which vest is right for you depends on how you use it; if in doubt, our team will advise you.
In the transitional season, light gilets such as quilted, softshell or hybrid gilets are common; in cool weather down or thermal gilets too. Which gilet suits you depends on the temperature, the wind and how much you move. Properties such as wind- or water-repellent are stated with each item.
Select your size in the filter and compare it with the manufacturer's size chart, as cuts vary. The gilet should give you enough freedom of movement when sitting and mounting. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.
Yes, the shop has heated gilets, for example from the ELT Comfort Heat collection. They need a power source, such as a power bank. Whether this is included is stated with the item. Please follow the manufacturer's operating and safety instructions.
Yes, some models are reflective and make you more visible in the dark. They are clothing and not a protective vest for falls. You will find more on this topic in the category Reflective items & visibility.
Follow the care label and the manufacturer's instructions. Down, fleece, softshell and heated gilets are cared for differently. Whether and how you may wash it is stated with the item.