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The vest, or waistcoat, is making a comeback. However, if you want to rock this trendy style, you need to know how to do it properly. We're sharing our insider secrets with you!
The waistcoat (or vest) refers to a sleeveless garment that covers a man’s waist. It hides the top of the trousers and the bottom of the shirt. Made from the same fabric and lining as the rest of the suit, it creates a uniform stretch from the ankles to the chest.
The Formal Men's Waistcoat
Never wear a black-tie waistcoat without the accompanying jacket. Period. Formal waistcoats have lapels and tend to be cut lower in the front than waistcoats that accompany three-piece suits, so they display more of the shirt.
While formal waistcoats are usually made from the same black fabric as the tuxedo jacket, a tasteful vest of a different colour such as deep green or burgundy red is acceptable at most formal events.
Three Piece Suits & Vests
Waistcoats for 3-piece suits always cover the waist and should rise just above the lapels of the jacket, spreading wide enough to fit over the shoulders without lying under the shirt collar.
For a fashion forward look, try wearing an unmatched, or odd vest, thereby giving a “dressed-down” appearance suitable for a relaxed evening. Patterns on odd waistcoats provide an interesting contrast to jackets.
Dress Waistcoat - Solo
Worn as a stand-alone item of clothing, the waistcoat is similar to a casual sports coat; it adds a touch of colour and style to a business shirt and trousers. In this scenario, an unmatched waistcoat is preferred as matched trousers and waistcoats give the impression that the man forgot to wear his suit jacket.
Worn casually, waistcoats offer more style worn solo than paired with jackets. Patterns and colours create a positive impression, and take our advice, men in waistcoats attract attention faster than men without them. Traditional stripes or checks are as acceptable as are elaborately figured patterns or diamond panes. When paired with vests, bow ties provide an aura of elegance.
Undress Vests
The undress vest is generally viewed as a stylish flourish on its parent garment. Practically, it can be worn in warmer weather conditions.
For example, a sweater-vest can be worn just like a sweater, but it makes the wearer stand out from the crowd. Sweater-vests can be casual or dressed-up, depending on the style and the manner in which they are worn.
For instance, a single colour or a muted pattern makes the look formal, while wearing a sweater vest with a business shirt and a necktie adds vim to your appearance. The same applies to fleece active wear. These are all undress vests, meant to be used for casual days spent with friends and family.
Vests & a Man's Wardrobe
Vests and waistcoats are elegant garments and add panache to almost any outfit. They add:
- Formalness to men's suits
- Style to unmatched outfits
- Comfort to casual wear
- Warmth to formal wear in cooler weather
It's well worth investing in a 3-piece suit as you can wear the vest separately with other garments, thus maximising your investment. However, please note that wearing any one piece of a suit too frequently could cause the colour to fade. Therefore, rotating clothes adds to the longevity of your outfits. Also, any style worn without variation gets boring.
We recommend you invest in a few waistcoats and vests as their versatility and style is too good to be ignored or bypassed altogether. Pop by ourSydney CDB showroom to be amazed by the vast selection of fabrics and styling options we can offer you. We'll have you suited up and strutting your stuff in no time.
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Tailor Made FOR EVERY OCCASION
We tailor make mens suits, jackets and shirts for all occasions. Each garment is custom designed, precisely made-to-measure and is guaranteed to fit you perfectly. Unlike others, we offer you end-to-end service and a personalised styling session where we take the time to understand your needs to ensure you get the colour, style and fit you want.
FAQs
Pairing a Waistcoat with Other Pieces
Go with a cotton waistcoat underneath a three-piece suit, which tends to look the most formal and creates the slimmest silhouette. Avoid mixing and matching colors when wearing a waistcoat with a three-piece suit. Go with matching pieces that are black, navy, or gray.
Is a waistcoat elegant? ›
In general, sweater vests are more informal while waistcoats offer a more elegant appearance.
What are the rules for wearing a waistcoat? ›
To help you get on top of the trend we've pulled together five simple rules to follow and our pick of the best designs available now.
- Waistcoat Rules –
- Rule One – Leave the bottom button undone.
- Rule Two – Stick to neutral colours.
- Rule Three – Collar up.
- Rule Four – Go slim.
- Rule Five – Be versatile.
In colder weather wear them over a t-shirt or lightweight jumper but when it gets hotter (please, soon) wear them instead of a top with bare arms. A waistcoat and jeans is our favourite new twist on the jeans-and-a nice-top combo.
Should waistcoat be lighter or darker than suit? ›
While a darker odd waistcoat can dress down a suit, a light-coloured waistcoat dresses it up, albeit in a more dandy way than a matching three-piece suit does.
How not to wear a waistcoat? ›
You can tuck in your dress shirt, but you shouldn't tuck in your waistcoat. Waistcoats aren't designed to be tucked into the top of the trousers with which they are worn. Regardless of the fabric or color, they should be worn untucked. Tucking your waistcoat into the top of your trousers isn't recommended.
Should you wear a waistcoat to a wedding as a guest? ›
The waistcoat is a key part to many weddings and if you are opting to wear one, it is really important you get it right. In fact, of all the items of clothing you will consider wearing, the waistcoat will usually define your wedding outfit and style.
Do waistcoats make you look slimmer? ›
A three-piece suit can be very slimming because the waistcoat gives you the illusion of having a smaller waist. If you love how you look in a double-breasted jacket, by all means, go for it, however, if your goal is to look slimmer, wear a one or two buttoned ,single-breasted jacket instead.
Are waistcoats outdated? ›
Vests & Their Place in Menswear Today
The waistcoat is still available, of course, but men wearing them today are usually deliberately trying to achieve a classic or just a more unique look. Modern waistcoats are worn to create classic style looks.
Should you unbutton waistcoat when sitting? ›
Loosening off your buttons when seated will reduce strain on the cloth and will help avoid unwanted wrinkles. It will also slow down wear of your bespoke suit which we hope will last you for many more years. Many suits, despite having several buttons, are not designed to be fully closed (see also 'Waistcoats' above).
The waistcoat is the ultimate centrepiece and it's made a comeback in 2023! It's a staple that works with any season and is highly versatile when it comes to styling. Whatever your taste, from sophisticated to bohemian, we have your look!
Why don't you button the last button on a waistcoat? ›
Single-Breasted Waistcoat
You don't want to have to undo a button every time you sit down like you would a jacket. The derivation stems from that same practical reasoning. It is generally believed that the ever-expanding King Edward VII could not sit down on his horse with his bottom button done up.
What is out of style for 2023? ›
The biggest style trends out of fashion for 2023 are mini pleated skirt with socks and chunky loafers, blazer with biker shorts, skinny jeans with chunky sneakers, mini pleated skirt with a crop top, leggings with high heels, ripped jeans with sneakers, dress with chunky sneakers, corset tops with cargo pants (wear ...
What top to wear under a waistcoat? ›
LAYERED WITH A TOP
Whether it's a plain T-shirt, striped top or voluminous shirt, popping over a waistcoat is an easy way to wear the trend from winter to spring.
Do waistcoats look good? ›
Waistcoat and jeans combination is perfect for a smart casual look. It is a perfect blend of formal and casual. Different shades of jeans, shirts, and waistcoats will definitely make you fashionable and is a great option for summer. This is a great way to experiment with your wardrobe and bring variety.
How can I look better in a vest? ›
Consider the following styling tips for vest looks:
- Start simple with a colored vest over a white shirt. ...
- Try a gray vest with a button-down shirt. ...
- Wear a stylish, baggy vest. ...
- Customize your lapel. ...
- Wear a suit vest for formal attire.
The great thing about waistcoats is that they act a bit like a corset. They're great for slimming you down. To ensure you achieve this effect, make sure it's not too loose or too tight. Too loose and it'll just look baggy; too tight and you'll be showing off your lumps and bumps.
Does a suit look better with a waistcoat? ›
The key to wearing one well is to keep the rest of your outfit restrained. Try a plain navy blue suit with a double-breasted waistcoat beneath for a polished look, and finish with a dark textured tie and soft white shirt. It's a simple way to elevate a tailored outfit, and not something many men think about.
