How to Wear a Vest: 5 Ways to Style Vests

A vest is a sleeveless top that can be made from various materials. There are multiple types of vests: a sweater vest is a sleeveless sweater, a down puffer vest or quilted vest can be a form of outerwear, and a fitted vest is an element of the iconic three-piece suit in formalwear. Vests may be buttonless and left open for an informal look, or you can button vests down the middle as part of dress wear. You can mix tuxedo vests with other blazers and suit jackets o provide pops of color or contrasting patterns. In formalwear, there are single- and double-breasted vests, which often have a solid back and a subtle print, such as stripes, on the front side.

In American English, a vest is what the British call a “waistcoat” and the French call a “gilet.” The terms “vest” and “waistcoat” are broadly interchangeable—both are sleeveless garments. Vests can be made of any material and may go with a T-shirt and jeans or a simple button-up shirt and chinos. On the other hand, a waistcoat refers to vests that have gone through tailoring and are worn as part of more formal looks with dress pants and suits, and they’re often part of black-tie attire. For formal events, there are single- and double-breasted waistcoats.

Vests of different colors and materials can make several casual or semi-formal outfits in your wardrobe. Consider the following styling tips for vest looks:

1. 1. Start simple with a colored vest over a white shirt. White goes with anything, so a simple white T-shirt or long sleeve shirt can be a great starting point for a new vest outfit. Leave your T-shirt untucked and your vest open for a casual vest look. If closing, leave the bottom button undone. V-neck sweater vests and corduroy vests are good options for casualwear.
2. 2. Try a gray vest with a button-down shirt. Go for a smart casual work outfit and wear a vest as part of a business suit with a button-down and loafers. You can also wear a vest as a classy ensemble for a night out with a light gray vest over a white or navy blue Oxford shirt. (You’ll want some contrast in color between your vest and shirt underneath.) Tuck the shirt into a nice pair of jeans, and wear a tie or bowtie for an extra dapper look.
3. 3. Wear a stylish, baggy vest. Try on a more oversized vest that hangs over your waist almost to mimic a cardigan. Pants with a slim fit can help accentuate the baggy vest and make it a statement piece over a shirt.
4. 4. Customize your lapel. Sport coats aren’t the only garments with lapels. If your vest has lapels that flare out, you can add pins, buttons, or patches. Try colorful items over a dark grey or black vest to make a statement. A pocket square can spiff up your outfit if your vest has pockets near the chest.
5. 5. Wear a suit vest for formal attire. Vests are parts of tuxedos, whose pieces are usually all sold together. If you are looking to invest in some dressy clothes, a black suit and a blue suit are versatile colors you can wear on various occasions with matching vests. If you can, tailor these items for the perfect fit.

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