Which piece of attire motivates you most upon opening a masculine wardrobe? Are you on the lookout to elevate your sartorially inclined waistcoat game?! If so, cue in the men’s waistcoat!
Waistcoats, which first appeared in the 17th century as part of men's three-piece suits, quickly evolved into a mark of refined taste and social status. They evolved in terms of design, material, and purpose over time. One can wear it as a separate entity, paired with trousers, chinos or their favorite match.
Waistcoats are no longer strictly limited to menswear; they have also found a place in women's fashion, surpassing gender barriers and embracing inclusivity.
For a fashion-savvy man planning on making a lasting impression to showcase his impeccable sense of style in any event, he has to plug in an elegant and well-tailored waistcoat to match his outfit.
Style doesn’t have to be synonymous with monotony, so why not shop for a garment that offers both timeless elegance and modern panache? Enter our spree of wool waistcoats and vests for men and make an informed purchase.
Vest or waistcoat? In this guide, we begin with a detailed explanation of the two names. We will cover the various types of waistcoats available in The Sweater Shop stores illustrating how to style them – along with how they can be paired with other lovely tweed wool items.
Is it Vest or a Waistcoat?
In common English parlance, vests and waistcoats are often used interchangeably to refer to the same item of clothing, though this was not the case from its origin.
Waistcoats were originally worn over a formal shirt and with a full suit (three-piece suit). Today, the narrative has changed to accommodate the trending men’s fashion. Both vest and waistcoat are garments covering the upper part of the man’s body and shoulders. They are sleeveless and usually buttoned up.
Vest, on the other hand, can be used as a more generic term to denote a sleeveless, informal and sporty item of clothing – such as a sweater or jacket – worn mostly over other clothing (a shirt or jacket).
Unveiling the Most Recommended Wool Waistcoats
Crafted with an unwavering commitment to quality and attention to detail, The Sweater Shop range of waistcoats are the result of precision tailoring and unwavering craftsmanship. Each piece is a work of art, designed to elevate your appearance to new heights of refinement.
In addition to craftsmanship is choice and expression. We are about to present a range of classic colors that transcend the boundaries of time, sizes that perfectly fit fashion-savvy men, and design options that include traditional pockets.
The resurgence of the wool waistcoat is not just a nod to tradition but a step into the modern fashion arena where the view looks tweedier than ever. These waistcoats aren't confined to formal settings; they're versatile enough to accompany you to weddings, formal gatherings, or even a casual day out when you want to make a distinct impression.
The Ideal Waistcoats
From the classic charm of the Sand Tweed Waistcoat to the understated sophistication of the Pinstripe Waistcoat, we offer a wide range that caters to your every fashion taste. We also advise the best modern ways of matching these vests so stick around to find out more!
Mens Full Zip Waistcoat Parsnip
An all-season classic, the Men’s Full Zip Waistcoat Parsnip is the perfect layering piece for when the weather starts to drop. Regular fitting, it has a super comfortable jersey-ribbed neck, jersey binding at the arms and hem and a full zip front for great styling. It is ideal for wearing over your favourite grandfather shirt in the warmer months or layer over an aran sweater in the winter to get used year-round.
Aran Zip Waistcoat Merino Wool - Charcoal Marl
The Aran Zip Waistcoat Merino Wool effortlessly blends nautical charm with urban sophistication. Its rich charcoal color exudes confidence, making it an ideal choice for casual gatherings. The traditional design, complete with notched and hemmed collar options, is accentuated by a trendy full zip.
This waistcoat is a stunning shade of gray, featuring two tones mixed to give a beautiful shade. It can be combined with a blue grandfather shirt to give a heartwarming match for your casual event.
Mens Full Zip Aran Waistcoat - Blackwatch
Bring a breath of freshness to your wardrobe with this Blackwatch waistcoat. It is a beautiful shade of navy and green mixed to create a colour called Blackwatch. This color adds a touch of playfulness to your ensemble.
On colder days, we recommend you layer up with a scarf. Its cozy texture not only adds warmth but also adds depth and dimension to your outfit. It's an excellent way to infuse some rugged charm into your look without compromising on style.
Ultimately, the shirts you choose to wear under your black waistcoat should reflect your personal style and the occasion. Whether you opt for crisp whites, pastels, earthy tones, or cozy plaids, the synergy between your shirts and your waistcoat is the key to a well-rounded, refined appearance that's sure to turn heads.
Wool Blend Lined Waistcoat Brown - Herringbone
This Wool Blend Lined Waistcoat is both stylish and sophisticated. Beautifully lined, it features a button closing and v-neckline, with pocket detail on the chest and sides.
Made with craftsmanship and quality with a modern twist, this premium high-quality waistcoat can be paired with a matching tweed bow tie or tie for a smart sophisticated look. This versatile, neutral-colored waistcoat can also be combined with our traditional grandfather shirts and an adjustable buckled tab. It comes with 4 welt pockets at the chest and waist.
For a more distinctive look, we recommend adding a cap to this look. Our handcrafted men's Irish hats add a touch of class to any man’s outfit.
Mens Tweed Waistcoat - Olive
Our standard Tweed Waistcoat in olive color has been meticulously crafted with precision, and boasts a distinctive herringbone pattern in a rich blue overcheck, effortlessly blending traditional charm with modern flair.
Designed without reveres, it delivers a sleek and streamlined look that exudes confidence and versatility, and can even be used as a sleeveless jacket due to its warmth and ruggedness.
Crafted with sustainability in mind, we create collections that blend classic tailoring with contemporary cuts, providing the wearer with a contemporary sharp style.
Finally, if you are still stuck on how you can get a perfect-fitting waistcoat, we will help you out with a few tips.
How to Find a Well-Fitted Waistcoat
Most of the tailored clothing must fit the wearer very well. Same with your made-to-measure Tweed Waistcoat. Well-fitted tailoring makes you look smart and elegant–wrong tailoring will make you look sloppy and ruin the entire look.
You ideally want your waistcoat to be fitted enough that it doesn’t gape, but loose enough for you to move comfortably.
The goal of a waistcoat is to define and lengthen your torso. A properly tailored waistcoat will sit flat on your shoulders when you move your arms.
The Ideal Shirts to Wear Under a Wool Waistcoat
The correlation between your style of waistcoat and the shirts you choose to pair them with can elevate your style to great looks, making it essential to consider several factors when making your choice.
For formal occasions where your wool waistcoat is irresistible, crisp white shirts are an impeccable choice. Their clean, classic look pairs seamlessly with the timeless elegance of a vest, creating an ensemble that exudes sophistication and one that will fit you just perfectly.
But if you're inclined towards a more casual or business-casual appearance, opt for light pastel shirts or subtly patterned designs. These shirts inject a touch of personality into your outfit while maintaining a level of refinement that harmonizes effortlessly with your wool waistcoat.
When aiming for a more relaxed, countryside-inspired look, consider earthy-toned shirts. These tops, often in hues of olive, brown, or mustard, complement the rustic charm of tweed or herringbone wool waistcoats beautifully. They bring warmth and character to your ensemble, making it perfect for outdoor fittings.
In general, the type of shirts you choose to wear under your wool waistcoat should reflect your style and occasion. Whether you opt for crisp whites, pastels, earthy tones, or cozy plaids, the synergy between your shirts and your waistcoat is the key to a well-rounded, refined appearance that's sure to turn heads.
Perfectly Fitted Wool Waistcoats from The Sweater Shop
As longstanding purveyors of only the finest Aran wool apparel in the land, The Sweater Shop has remained at the forefront of crafting bespoke wool outfits, with the waistcoats giving a touch of class and grace.
In the era of growing fashion trends every day, we aim to seamlessly blend modern trends with timeless artistry, ensuring an unmatched product made from high-quality materials.
Presenting to you a carefully curated selection of premium Irish fabric brands, tailored to meet the refined tastes of the contemporary gentleman. A waistcoat, through the sheer act of incorporating it into your ensemble, adds a certain aura of dapper.
While, traditionally, they have been reserved for more formal events and their associated three-piece suits, the strong emergence of smart casual wear has made the waistcoat a staple in the discerning gentleman’s wardrobe.
Explore the art of personalized men's fashion in a range of classic colors and styles with The Sweater Shop waistcoat collections.
So, should you wear a waistcoat to your next event? Simply contact our friendly sales team for any questions and let us know what you think about our lovely warm waistcoats!