Waistcoats are dangerous. On the one hand, they’re a great way to layer up in fall + winter… yet on the other hand they can make you look like you fell out of the 19th century, or worse, the 1990’s.
When executed well, waistcoats or vests do the exact same thing that a sportcoat does: It cleans up your lines. Even the most tailored of shirts will bunch out ever so slightly throughout the day. A waistcoat keeps the lines at your sides clean, all while being more casual than a blazer and offering more range of motion. But buy the wrong waistcoat or pair it up with the wrong stuff, and you might end up looking like you’re on your way to a costume party. Here’s a few guidelines plus ten of the best options out there right now:
Could be a huge value at just forty bucks… assuming the description of “wool/poly/rayon/other” is accurate and there’s a decent amount of wool in there. Efforting an in person with one of these. Couldn’t find them in-store. From Claiborne, so fingers crossed that the fit is like their sportcoats. Meaning: spot on.
Like their tweedy fall sportcoats, only without the sleeves. Or lapels. Or… you get the idea. Made from Moon Mills wool and even lined in Bemberg. The lining does carry across the back so it’ll be easier to layer, and at least it’s a higher quality, less shiny lining compared to poly. Big fan of that shade of blue. Recently added to the sale section.
The best side of this one just might be the back. Chambray on the back plus side tabs instead of the standard center cinch. Multi stripe and a five button front step away from the micro patterns and six-button fronts you usually see. Should come down further in price the next time they run a code.
Might be the one to try first if you’re not sure about jumping on board this trend. Ships & returns free, which is key, through Nordstrom. Claims to be all wool but that back panel sure appears to be chambray. Five button front with a deeper V than most waistcoats. Claims to be a trimmer fit. A note about this specific “look”… The dressy pants + stark shirt isn’t easy to pull off. Better to wear this navy vest in a more casual way.
This seems to have disappeared off the BR site in the last few days, but you might want to check in store. About as good as it gets for a stand-alone vest. Grey herringbone pattern on a soft, brushed-cotton front. Smoother cotton herringbone back with no shine. Size shown here and at top of page is a 38R, which is just a touch tight on a 5’10” 170lb athletic frame.
Of course Factory produced a “Thompson” labeled, cheaper version of the Ludlow vests. Wool/nylon blend here, and the back is a black poly. Should drop further with codes.
Looks like something Professor Henry Jones Jr. might wear during weekend office hours at the University. An original. Tough as nails, not going to be cut super slim so consider sizing down. They are made in chest/jacket sizes instead of Small, Medium, Large, etc. Made in the USA.
Easily the riskiest. Double breasted, loud pattern, but being that it’s from Suitsupply you should be able to expect an impeccable fit. Washed Italian wool, and the styling here is dead on.
Steal Alert: Allen Edmonds 5th Ave. oxfords for $199. Leather or Dainite sole. 1st quality,…
For the casual get together where the "table" is a plate on your lap, and…
Something Wicked, hugs in jewelry form, a different kind of cupcake, and more.
Blazers in poly/wool blend for $63. Surprisingly great traveler jeans for $38. Lots more. Math…
Hitting the middle ground for the upcoming holiday feast.
In person with Hamilton's new 38mm, quartz powered field watch.