The Waistcoat Is the Easiest Way to Elevate Your Wardrobe
Employ it in the right way, and you'll be in very good company.
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The coolest guys in the world wear waistcoats. I'm talking Bradley Cooper. I'm talking Ryan Reynolds and Jason Momoa. I'm talking Brad Pitt and Idris Elba and David Beckham—and every other guy who you look at and think, "Damn, he looks sharp."
And why, exactly, do these guys look sharp? What do they all have in common (aside from unfathomable wealth and fame)? Easy: waistcoats. A man who can pull off a waistcoat can pull off just about anything, and to be quite frank, it isn't terribly hard to pull off a waistcoat. It's a garment that speaks for itself: Classic yet chic, it's a sophisticated layering piece that, over a button-down or under a blazer, looks like you put in that much more effort.
Every closet needs a waistcoat, even if you don't have any formal occasions planned. Wear it over a nice shirt for dinner, or even over a turtleneck in winter, if you're feeling incredibly suave. (Just don't wear it with the bottom button buttoned; that's a tailoring faux pas.) Having a waistcoat on hand is like having a good tie on hand; you may not need it every single day, but when you do, you'll be so glad you had it at the ready. And you'll look like a million dollars—or, better yet, an actor to whom a million dollars is child's play.
Gioberti Men's Formal Suit Vest
Gioberti Men's Formal Suit Vest
You can opt for black or gray for a waistcoat, certainly. But rich forest green—especially at formal events—is an eye-catcher.
Rag & Bone Chester Wool Waistcoat
Keep it classic and sophisticated with a simple, wool waistcoat. This one has a modern cut.
Prada Single-Breasted Re-Nylon Vest
Prada Single-Breasted Re-Nylon Vest
Ah, the good ol' Prada triangle. If that wasn't enough to sell you on this waistcoat, consider the luxury fabric, discreet fastenings, and perfect tailoring.
Gant Glen Check Suit Waistcoat
Gant Glen Check Suit Waistcoat
This one evokes Reynolds and Pitt and Cooper, for sure. Over a white button-down or under a black blazer, you're golden.
Charles Tyrwhitt Natural Stretch Twill Vest
Charles Tyrwhitt Natural Stretch Twill Vest
For a waistcoat that doesn't feel too snug, Charles Tyrwhitt has you covered. This isn't Bridgerton, after all.
Alex Mill Vest in Rugged Corduroy
Alex Mill Vest in Rugged Corduroy
The great thing about waistcoats is that, even though the silhouette is classy by nature, they can be made from...anything. Corduroy keeps things casual and easy-breezy, especially with a button-down and jeans.
Lu'u Dan Black Tailored Leather Waistcoat
Lu'u Dan Black Tailored Leather Waistcoat
You can also go the opposite direction from corduroy, and opt for leather instead. This tailored waistcoat is edgy and grunge-y.
Theopen Product Brown Diamond Patched Waistcoat
For a waistcoat that isn't your standard design, Theopen Product's patchwork one is cool, but also classy and elegant.
Gucci HA HA HA Checked Vest
Gucci HA HA HA Checked Vest
Channel your inner Harry Styles and go for a Gucci waistcoat that'll make even your simplest suits look a little bit more playful and stylish.
PJ Paul Jones Irish Wool Tweed Vest
PJ Paul Jones Irish Wool Tweed Vest
BTW, suiting doesn't always have to be expensive. This tweed waistcoat from Amazon clocks in at under $50.
The Kooples Black Suit Vest
The Kooples is all about understated elegance, which is exactly what this waistcoat evokes. Jeans will do just as well as trousers.
Ted Baker Modern Fit Debonair Sharkskin Suit Waistcoat
Ted Baker Modern Fit Debonair Sharkskin Suit Waistcoat
And, because no one does suiting like the Brits, a posh blue waistcoat from Ted Baker.
Mango Slim Fit Checked Suit Waistcoat
For a minimalist look that isn't just plain black, a subtle windowpane check is the way to go.
And for a waistcoat that's cool and contemporary, Zara has you covered. It even has a nicely finished back so you can easily wear it on its own, instead of under a jacket.
Ralph Lauren Purple Label 25th Anniversary Handmade Silk Vest
Ralph Lauren Purple Label 25th Anniversary Handmade Silk Vest
If you're willing to splurge on a waistcoat, let it be this one—handmade from silk, the Italian-crafted waistcoat is the very essence of finery.
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