Are you familiar with assembling a men’s outfit that incorporates a vest? I assure you, this additional garment can effortlessly enhance even the most basic ensemble.
I may not excel at many pursuits. My knowledge typically stems from years of education, practice, or long-standing experience. You could say I’m a jack of no trades, but a master of a few. One area in which I’ve become proficient is in wearing a vest. That’s why I’ve been selected to guide you on how to style a vest for men.
I’ve donned vests since I was a child; they were always part of my school uniform. Nowadays, I pair sweater vests with my suits and wear a waistcoat with my tuxedo. That said, I’m well-equipped to help you with tips on styling a vest for men.
What Is a Vest?
A vest is a sleeveless garment that reaches the waist, typically worn over a shirt. It is generally close-fitting, though this can vary. A vest typically lacks a collar and can be fastened with buttons, zippers, or even toggle-and-rope closures like those found on duffel coats.
In this article, I will explore all variations of this essential middle layer. You will discover that there is a vest suitable for every type of style. Be it a sporty, preppy, or business-oriented look, you can create a fantastic outfit incorporating a men’s vest.
Vest vs. Waistcoat
A waistcoat refers to a formal vest worn as part of a suit or tuxedo. The term “waistcoat” is primarily used in British and Indian English, while “vest” is the preferred terminology in American English.
Even if you refer to a suit vest as a waistcoat, it’s important to note that a vest worn with a tuxedo is, of course, not a suit vest. Could you refer…
Can it be referred to as a tuxedo vest? Technically, yes. However, the more widely recognized term is waistcoat. The term tuxedo vest tends to serve more as a straightforward description.
All waistcoats can be classified as vests, though not every vest qualifies as a waistcoat. For instance, a cable-knit, v-neck cricket vest wouldn’t ever be labeled as a waistcoat.
Leather Vest Outfit for Men
Incorporating a leather vest into your style can be approached in two distinct ways.
For those who favor a biker or rock aesthetic with distressed jeans, hardware-laden accessories, and vintage tees, a leather motorcycle vest may be the ideal choice. You could team it with dark denim, a T-shirt, and Converse shoes, or opt for ripped jeans, pointed leather boots, and a long-sleeve utility shirt.
Alternatively, you might consider an Americana or cowboy look. These styles often overlap in terms of protective apparel and textures. A brown leather vest, a distressed ranch-style vest, or a suede vest with fringe can beautifully complement Western-themed outfits.
Men’s Grey Vest Outfit
A grey vest is a versatile piece worth having in your smart casual wardrobe.
First, curate your go-to smart casual outfit, which could range from a classic button-down, slacks, and leather sneakers to a henley, jeans, loafers, and a sport coat. You might be surprised at how a grey vest can effortlessly add a dash of unpretentious sophistication.
A lightweight grey puffer can introduce a casual, sporty flair, while a cashmere or merino sweater vest adds a hint of refinement. For a balance between the two, a cable-knit vest is an excellent option, as grey’s neutrality allows it to complement virtually anything.
Men’s Jeans and Vest Outfit
There are endless possibilities when it comes to pairing a vest with jeans. Consider it: if you can rock sporty tops with denim, you can just as easily incorporate tech vests or fleece styles. Add a baseball cap and some stylish sneakers, and you’ve achieved a laid-back dad vibe. Furthermore, combining a button-down shirt or a sweater vest with slim jeans strikes a casual yet undeniably sophisticated look.
Men’s Green Vest Ensemble
Green vests are incredibly adaptable. Keep in mind that dark olive functions as a neutral in men’s fashion, allowing you to pair an olive fleece zip-up or a sweater vest effortlessly with any casual or smart-casual outfit. On the other hand, an olive waistcoat can create a striking appearance with a matching suit or one in shades of brown, grey, or tweed.
For warmer months, opt for mint greens or pastel greens. A light green tech vest can perfectly complete your summery look.
Image Source: Gennady Danilkin / Shutterstock
