The word vest is used for wide-ranging sleeveless garments for men. From the comfortable undershirts to the classy leather and suit vests. A clothing essential termed as vests can be seen in various types in a man’s wardrobe. Let’s explore the various types of vests so that you can get various sartorial inspirations for stylish vest outfits for men.
The vest is a fitted garment worn on the torso, usually with a button closure. Choosing to wear a vest signifies a man’s personal style and his consciousness about the fashion he carries. While casual vests keep you cool, vest jackets are great at providing much-needed insulation in the cold weather. And if you are up for the classic, business casual, or preppy styles, the suit vest is one of the must-have clothing items in your wardrobe.
What To Expect In This Article?
How Did the Vest Originate?
In an attempt to announce the correct dress code for men in the court, King Charles II of England introduced the men’s vest. Initially, the length of the vest jacket was longer, which was later trimmed down to the waist, giving the new name Waistcoat to the vest.
The vest that originated in the English court was not with a subtle design. 17th and 18th century men used to wear quite elaborate vests with embellishments and other details. As fashion norms evolved, men’s vest fashion did so as well. The design of the vest, like many other garments, was moderated, making them suitable for the lounge suits.
Different Types of Vests for Men
Men’s vests provide a warm layering and add a touch of elegance and formality to an otherwise subdued look. They are the fusion of comfort and style, elevating the look of any outfit. Depending upon the style and material, vests can be of many different types. Below are some different men’s vest styles you could opt for.
Casual Vests
In this category, we will cover the comfortable sleeveless vests for men, a wardrobe mainstay to ward off those hot weather blues.
Undershirts
The classic cotton or ribbed vests are comfortable inner garment that gives your body a proper shape. They also protect against the discomfort of sweat. The inner vests can have a round or v-shaped collar and are well fitted. Wearing it under your normal shirts makes a whole lot of difference in your style and comfort.
Athletic Tank Tops
We always spot men wearing sleeveless vests at the gym and believe they only wear them to flaunt their chiseled bodies. That may be one reason to wear them, but most men prefer them due to the comfort and range of movements vests provide during strenuous workouts.
These vests can be made with soft and breathable cotton fabric or moisture-wicking polyester or spandex materials.
Loose Fit Vests
These types of vests are basically sleeveless cotton t-shirts, which men mostly wear during summers. The vest t-shirts can give you quick, breezy outfits when you pair them with cargo shorts, joggers, or ripped jeans. If you want a modish vibe, choose a printed vest and pair it with chino shorts.
Hooded Vests
Vests with a hood are opted by men with a flair for hip hop or skateboarder styles. The contemporary feel of the hooded vest makes it a popular choice for men. Hooded vests are also available in warmer materials, which are appropriate for fall and winter, like this Fuston Red Hooded Puffer Vest for men.
Warm Vests for Men
Various types of vests in winter provide an insulating layer and give your fall and winter looks a trendy touch. Whether it is a down vest or a simple knitted vest, including them in your best fall jackets for men collection is a fashion-forward and practical move.
Fleece Vest
Get back at the mildly cold weather by adding a fleece vest layer to your outfit. A fleece vest is a zipped jacket that sometimes comes with a hood for added functionality. As fleece is a lightweight, breathable and soft material, fleece vests are perfect for mid or top layers in transitional cooler months. The fleece vests may be fitted or loose depending upon how you choose to wear them.
Quilted Vests
When the temperatures drop and the brisk winds are too cold to handle, a quilted vest will keep you warm and snug, just like a windbreaker jacket. The filling inside the jacket, usually down or synthetic, provides optimum warmth. These jackets have a design featuring puffy sections between the stitching, like in this classy Fuston Blue Hooded puffer vest.
Pullover Sweater Vests
Sweater vests are incredibly versatile. These are usually v-necked patterned vests which you can wear over a buttoned shirt for a formal style. Make sure the pullover sweater vest you choose makes a nice contrast with your shirt and dress pants. The design should complement your clothes rather than be an exact match.
Buttoned Sweater Vest
These are the cardigans without sleeves. We recommend going for solid colors that provide a visually appealing contrast with your outfit. Besides being appropriate for formality, the sweater vest can be worn over other staples.
Stylish Vests for Men
Let’s take a look at some fashionable vest styles for men.
Leather Vest
A leather vest is certainly a popular choice of fashion-conscious, dapper men among the various types of leather jackets. A variety of dashing streetwear outfits can be put together with a stylish leather vest, given it fits you perfectly. We strongly urge going for a made-to-measure leather vest. At The Jacket Maker, you can find various types of leather vests for men.
Biker Vests
The biker vests are the epitome of charm and masculinity and look extremely stylish when worn over a white t-shirt, dark washed jeans, and Chelsea boots. Consider adding this Sullivan Black Leather Biker Vest to your wardrobe for a powerful style statement.
Safari Vest
The vest that defines rugged style in its true meaning is certainly the safari vest. The style comes with multiple front pockets and zipper closure, just like this Safari Brown Leather Vest. The tactical design makes it very useful for adventurous activities like hiking or hunting.
Blazer Vest
Men who like to portray their classy style with the blazer can now substitute the same design in their smart casual or street style looks with a leather blazer. You can go for this Auden Brown Leather Vest if you too desire to carry such a look.
Suede Vest
Stylish vests are also available in suede, and they make it to any man’s suede jacket list. Suede is highly comfortable, and the vests like this Tony Brown Suede Vest from The Jacket Maker have features that make outfit pairing a breeze.
Hippie Vest
There is a type of suede vest with fringe that gives an authentic funky style for true rock lovers. The vest is open from the font with double fringe layers.
Denim Vest
Denim vests are trending high these days. If you compare stylish men’s vests made with leather vs denim, some will prefer leather for their exclusive look and feel, while others would grab the denim one just for its versatility. There is a lot you can do with a denim vest. Not only does it pair with several types of shirts, but you can also add your favorite leather jacket over it as a top layer if the weather gets too cold.
Business Casual Vests
The vests with a touch of formality, also known as waistcoats, can be used for business casual outfits in place of a blazer. Sometimes, when the weather is hot, substituting a casual dress vest for your blazer is a great idea to maintain your elegance.
Tweed Vest
A tweed vest is your go-to staple for business casual style and can give you full marks for style when you wear it over dark grey jeans and a white oxford. Add a tie for the further elevation of your style.
Suit Vest
A suit vest is your answer to a neat and well-dressed style. On any formal occasion you need to attend, adding a suit vest to your outfit will definitely add panache to your overall appearance. If you know the right way to wear a suit with a vest, you must know how it presents your shirt from tucking out and keeps your tie in place.
You can wear the following kinds of suit vests over a smart casual or business casual outfit. Or, you can wear it in contrast or match with your suit.
Single Breasted Vest Style
The traditional style of the vest is single-breasted, with 3 to 6 buttons on the front. The key is to choose a vest that has (at least) one more button than the suit jacket you are going to wear over it.
Double Breasted Vest Style
Double-breasted style is a step ahead in terms of formality. An unwritten style rule is that you should never wear a double-breasted vest without a suit jacket over it.
Men’s Vest Outfits
Let’s lay down a few outfit inspirations with different types of vests for men.
1. All Black Look with a Leather Vest
Grab the best leather vest to nail the fashionable looks that can impress all and sundry. An all-black outfit idea with a leather vest is the right way to nail monochrome style. Wear a classic black full sleeved t-shirt and black ripped jeans, and layer your leather vest over for a racer-inspired look. Go with black chukka boots with this outfit.
2. Black Suede Vest Over Henley
A quick way to add flair to your simple henley and joggers is to add a black suede vest over it. Opt for the Tony Black Suede Vest for optimum style. Round off this street appropriate look with black tassel loafers.
3. Tweed Vest Over White Shirt and Khakis
Pair a white t-shirt and a grey tweed vest with brown chinos or khakis as comfortable yet dressy bottoms.
4. Quilted Vest Outfit for Fall
A very classy fall look can be created with a navy blue full-sleeved crew neck t-shirt with beige chinos and a brown quilted vest like this Hybridge Quilted Brown Vest. You can choose brown brogues or minimalist sneakers to finish off this look.
FAQs
What Should a Guy Wear With a Vest?
For a guy to look good wearing a vest, the right staples to pair with it are dark jeans, a white t-shirt, neutral-colored shirts, henleys, chinos, or khakis. For more casual vests, you can pair them up with shorts or joggers.
Are Vests Fashionable?
Whether you are looking for a nice gift for a man or thinking about adding one to your own closet, go for a stylish vest without hesitating. They are very much on-trend in 2024.
Should a Vest Match Pants?
It is better to create visual cohesion by matching your vest with the trousers. For outfits with a lesser level of formality, try mixing a dark-colored vest with beige, white, or light grey trousers.
How Do Men Wear Vests Casually?
Wearing a suit vest casually is a fashion-forward move. You can nail the smart casual look by wearing a checked grey vest over a blue casual buttoned shirt and grey jeans. You can also use denim or leather vests for sophisticated casual looks.
How to Wear a Sweater Vest?
The right way to wear a sweater vest is to wear it over a collared shirt. The neat appearance of the outfit gives preppy vibes. You can also wear a tie that complements the sweater.
How Should a Vest Fit?
Much of the style of men’s vests is its fit. Don’t make it look like you have borrowed it from someone. The vest should be snug so that your appearance is neat while you stay comfortable.
What is the Difference Between a Vest and a Waistcoat?
While the vest is the term used for sleeveless, informal garments, the waistcoat is particularly the formal vest worn with a three-piece suit. People nowadays use these terms interchangeably.
Do You Wear a Tie Under a Vest?
If you wear a buttoned collar shirt, you can wear a tie over it and then wear your vest. Another detail that you can add to a formal vest outfit is a bow tie.
Does a Suit Vest Match with the Suit Jacket?
A vest (or a waistcoat) is an important part of the three-piece suit. Depending upon the level of formality, you can match or contrast the vest with your suit jacket. For more formal occasions, match the vest color and fabric with the jacket. For occasions that are less formal, try mixing things up by wearing a contrasting vest with your suit.
Stay low-key by pairing neutrals and avoid bold colors and vivid patterns that hinder an elegant look.
Conclusion
All the different types of men’s vests offer a great deal of comfort along with a unique style to a man’s look. It is vital to get the right fit of the vest, especially if you are going for a leather vest or a suit vest. If you have a muscular body, the vest will play its part in enhancing your physique. Or, if you want to draw attention away from a body flaw, a properly fitted vest will conceal it.
