A men's vest or a sleeveless jacket is far from uncommon today. This is a part of a classic men's suit and a sleeveless insulated jacket, and special clothing – part of the uniform of the military, security guards or police officers. There is even a bulletproof clothing – body armor.
Today we will talk about the classic men's vest, which has become an integral part of men's style and fashion. What place does a vest take in a men's wardrobe and is it really necessary for a stylish gentleman?
The term “vest” has a broader meaning than “sleeveless”. A vest is a sleeveless garment that wraps around a person's waist, hiding the top of his pants and the bottom of his shirt. The sleeveless jacket is a sweater or sleeveless pullover that women or men like to wear while playing golf. Sleeveless jackets are also called sleeveless insulated jackets.
The men's vest is part of the classic men's three-piece suit. It is made from the same fabric and lining as the suit, creating a cohesive ensemble from top to bottom. Vests and sleeveless jackets are complementary pieces of clothing that are used in formal dress code and casual style.
Vest history
The progenitor of the men's vest is the camisole – this is a fitted men's clothing, usually sleeveless and knee-length. Influenced by Western European fashion, the camisole was worn on Russia by noblemen of the 17th – 18th centuries. Around the end of the 18th century, a vest came to replace the camisole in Europe. A little later, he appeared in Russia.
By the end of the 19th century, the vest had become a popular accessory, worn with or without a jacket. The role of the vest has remained unchanged until now.
Formal men's vest
A 'Black Tie' vest is a very specific piece of clothing. It should not be worn on its own, without a jacket. Many have no backs at all, with only a reinforcing strip in the front. Formal vests often have lapels, which are rarely seen in most other vests.
A formal men's vest tends to have a much shorter front section than a vest that complements a three-piece suit. This was done in order to reveal the white shirt.
Although formal 'Black Tie' vests are usually made from the same black fabric as the tuxedo, it is possible to wear a different fabric instead of a vest for formal events. This is not prohibited by the 'Black Tie' dress code.
The vibrant colors you sometimes see in stores are still novelties, but a dark green or burgundy vest is appropriate enough to wear even in front of the Queen of England. Tradition comes first.
Classic men's vest in a three-piece suit
The three-piece suit was the standard at the beginning of the 20th century, and fell out of fashion during the Second World War, when the need to conserve fabrics affected their availability.
The men's vest remains an expressive classic piece of clothing, as does the double-breasted jacket in its formality and elegance. The best men's vests are usually made with the help of a good tailor in order to obtain a snug fit and appropriate attitude (in terms of shape and lapel line) to the jacket, which necessary for a proper look.
Men's vest in a gray three-piece suit 
Men's vest in a three-piece suit in black 
Men's vest in a three-piece suit in dark blue
Suit vests always wrap around the waist and should rise just above the lapels of the jacket, widening just enough to cover the shoulders. These vests are sewn without any collars.
Like formal vests, a men's three-piece suit can consist of a vest with the same type of fabric, or with any other fabric. In the latter case, the appearance becomes less formal, which is suitable for a relaxed evening, but not appropriate for a serious business event.
Suit vest by Henderson
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Suit vest by Henderson
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By the way, if you like Arabic monograms (cucumbers) or a herringbone pattern, then wearing such a vest with a suit is quite appropriate, but only in an informal setting.
Men's vest as an independent piece of clothing
As an independent piece of clothing, a men's vest is very organically suited for a business-casual style.
It plays the same role as a sports jacket, complementing the shirt and trousers in color, and not trying to imitate the business style of a classic suit.
A vest different from the color of the trousers is suitable here. If it is the same color as the trousers, it can give the impression that the person has forgotten their jacket somewhere. Rolled up the sleeves of the shirt can help to understand that the combination of trousers and vest was chosen deliberately, and this will create an interesting casual business style.
With daily use, the men's vest allows more freedom and relaxation than a classic suit. There is no need to strictly select the color of the jacket or the pattern; it is enough to wear classic dark trousers and any light shirt. That's it, your business-casual dress code is ready.
Men's vest light gray 
Gray wool men's vest 
Men's dark gray wool waistcoat
Since men rarely wear vests in Russia and the CIS countries, their presence is already eye-catching – and the addition of a bright color or pattern will hardly ruin the overall impression. Traditional stripes or a cage are quite acceptable, as well as brighter items with Arabic patterns.
Even casual vests can look out of place without a matching tie. A bow tie is perfect for a confident person. However, a thin tie will also be appropriate, the main thing is to tuck it under the vest.
Vest Marcello Gotti
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Vest United Colors of Benetton
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For a true dandy, you can offer to tie a scarf. Although this accessory may seem old-fashioned at first glance, it will nevertheless look quite appropriate and elegant. Try to maintain the harmony of your appearance, do not overdo it. Your goal is to look businesslike on the one hand, and free and elegant on the other.
Casual vest or sleeveless jacket
In addition to the classic vest, there are casual vests or sleeveless jackets. This can be both underwear and outerwear. For example, T-shirts or sleeveless vests are very popular in Russia, as they allow you to keep warm in winter and protect from excessive sweating in summer.
We have already mentioned a sweater or a sleeveless pullover. It is not such a common wardrobe item for men, but it is increasingly appearing among office workers.
Fleece casual sleeveless vest 
Casual sleeveless vest 
Warm casual sleeveless vest
Another type of vest is a fleece sleeveless jacket. Great for relaxing with friends and family. The sporty style of the vest is a small stylistic emphasis on convenience and comfort in use.
Sisley Vest
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Springfield Quilted Vest
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Sleeveless jackets, depending on the style and how they are worn, may be more or less suitable for formal wear. Solid or muted items are more formal, including those worn with a tie and shirt.
Vest in men's wardrobe
Men's vests and sleeveless jackets are elegant garments that add more to the look than other accessories. They can add formality to a suit, style to a casual outfit, comfort to casual wear, and the warmth of a business suit in cool weather.
A three-piece suit is a great start for someone who has no other vests, as the vest can be worn separately. The only thing you need to be careful not to lose color and shape due to frequent wear, and does not become lighter in other parts of the suit.
How often can vests and vests be worn? Any style that doesn't change gets boring, so you don't need to be a 'vest guy', but have a couple in case you want to stand out a bit and diversify your dress code. And yet, the versatility and unusual style of vests and sleeveless jackets is too good for a stylish man to ignore these clothes.
Men's vest and sleeveless jacket photo
Business casual gray vest 
Violet Black Tie Vest 
Beige and burgundy casual vest 
Gray-brown casual tank top 
Woolen casual vest with jeans
