Lidl is releasing two men's gilets this weekend that closely resemble a far pricier alternative. The Men's Black Padded Gilet, priced at £8.99, has been described as a "top pick" and will be available from October 18 in the Middle Aisle.
Design and Features
The gilet is "lightweight, warm and wind-resistant" and features water-repellent BIONIC-FINISH ECO technology. It includes a high collar, full zip, chin guard and pockets. Available in sizes medium to extra, extra large, it also comes in burgundy at the same price.
The Lidl gilet bears a notable resemblance to Castore's Padded Gilet, which retails at John Lewis for £105 in sizes small to extra large. John Lewis describes it as offering "lightweight warmth without bulk, cut for easy layering with a streamlined profile and a zip-through front."
Alternative Options
Marks and Spencer also stocks a black padded gilet, available in navy too. The £35 Feather and Down Padded Lightweight Gilet comes in sizes small to four extra large.
Shoppers have largely been satisfied with the M&S gilet. One customer remarked: "Bought as a gift, quality good, got a large in the navy, perfect fit and not too bulky, perfect for autumn and winter." Another added: "Perfect extra warm layer for autumn, lightweight and very good value."
Quality Concerns
However, some shoppers have raised concerns about quality. One said: "I bought this for my husband and three months later he tore it. He loved it so much I bought him another one. However, this second one was much poorer quality; in particular, the zip is very cheap with much smaller teeth, and it keeps coming apart if zipped up. Also, slightly less padding, particularly around the collar."
Another wrote: "I was disappointed by the lack of thickness to the padding. The thermal advantage was not as good as I was expecting." Lidl's gilet will be in stores from October 18.
