We don't tend to work in the garden during the winter if it's raining ..... there are always other jobs that need doing somewhere in the dry.

So that means winter gardening for us is done on those cold but dry days.  I generally run hot which means jacket choice on those days can be tricky.  Digging and pruning mean jacket off ... and then I leave the jacket somewhere and end up getting cold doing another less strenuous job.

That's where vests (gillets, jerkins - whatever you want to call them!) have always been my go-to clothing.  Allows me to wear a hoodie underneath and keeps the freedom of movement in my arms.

Vest details: 

• Relaxed fit
• 12 oz/yd² - 407 gsm
• 100% Cotton
• Firm duck
• Inner Lining: 100% Nylon
• Diamond Quilt
• Insulation: 100% Polyester
• Poly Insulation
• Sleeveless
• Two lower front patch pockets with lining
• Left inside pocket with hook-and-loop closure
• Full-length front zipper with interior storm flap
• Drop tail and adjustable draw cord hem
• Triple stitched main seams
• Carhartt label sewn on lower front

Sizing .... having tried these on I would class them as coming up on the large side.  I'm 6'3" and 15 stone.  I would normally wear an XL jacket but with this vest the Large fits me well, even with a hoodie underneath.  I'd recommend sizing down from your normal with these vests.

The official Carhartt chest sizes are as follows;

Small - 34/36" chest

Medium - 38/40" chest

Large - 42/44" chest

XL - 46/48" chest

For women these are a boxy mens fit.  As a result the sizing might be a challenge for some female body shapes.  Louise is a UK10/12 and the Small does fit her.  It's snug on her hips, and she doesn't have an especially wide hip.  We'll get some of the other sizes onto our testers and update our findings asap.