Why the Vest? Traditionally, vests have not always been a popular choice when it comes to choosing a warmer outer layer. However, over the years, vests have seen a makeover in both style and fit. No longer are they bulky and tight, but rather, they provide you with a comfortable option in the transitional cooler months. Sometimes it is not cold enough to wear a large jacket, yet it is also not warm enough to be in just a t-shirt, polo or long sleeve button-down. This is where the casual vest comes in. Modern vests feature a variety of styles and cuts, allowing them to become a functional and versatile addition to your outfits. You can wear them to add a casual flair to your look and use them to stay warm when the weather turns sour. Gone are the days where casual vests were only worn by outdoors explorers, they are now just as appropriate for the office too. They offer the perfect blend of flexible style, making them suitable for almost every smart casual occasion. Vest or Waistcoat? When we are talking about the different kinds of vests in this article, we will be focusing the outer wear vest, rather than a waistcoat which you would typically wear as part of a three-piece suit. Although similar in style, they are very different in how they are worn and for what occasion. The vests that we are going to mention below are casual vests that can be worn as an alternative to jackets and layered to provide extra warmth and style. Types of Casual Vests The casual vest is likely the most popular style of vest you will come across. Like our complete menswear range, vests can come in different shapes, sizes, and materials, and depending on what and where you’ll be wearing your vest depends on what type will be right for you. Puffer Vests: The puffer vest is the perfect addition to any outdoors or cooler occasion. Our puffer vests, are filled with soft down, giving you the perfect sporty edge to any outfit. It provides great protection from the elements, while also letting your body breath if the weather warms up Suede Vests: Suede vests are another type of vest that is more commonly worn in the workplace and other professional occasions, however, there are always exceptions to the rule. We recommend that you pair a suede vest with a business shirt and pants to add extra class and style to any outfit—great for important meetings and where making a good first impression is crucial. How to Wear Casual Vests Layering Vests The first, and most obvious way to wear a vest, is to layer it in an outfit. Whether you are walking to the office on a cold day, going for a bush walk early in the cooler months, or picking up coffee on a brisk Sunday morning, a vest provides the flexibility of being warm while staying comfortable. A casual vest also adds little or no restriction, meaning that you can go about your day unbothered and uninhibited. A vest can also be layered with many different types of shirts and pants, adding to its versatility. Layer your vest over a warm knit and a pair of jeans, and you have a professional yet comfortable office outfit. Alternatively, you could layer a vest under a larger jacket, adding to your overall warmth, while also providing a stylish look with the contrast of materials. Outer Wear Another way to style a vest is to use it as an outer layer instead of a jacket. Due to the make of the vest, the lack of sleeves means that your body can more easily regulate its body temperature so that you don’t overheat during the day. This is great for when the weather is unpredictable. Add a vest with a pair of track pants and a t-shirt when walking earlier in the morning, to provide a warm outer layer that won’t make you overheat. Styling Tips If you’re still a little unsure about how to style your vest, whether that be layered or as an outer piece, don’t worry. There are many occasions where your outfit would benefit from having a vest including: Outdoor BBQ: Going to a family or friends BBQ on a Friday evening is a great place to wear a vest over the top of a long sleeve shirt or jumper. It will provide you warmth against the cooler nights, as well as providing pockets for extra keys or phone that you don’t want to hold. Sports games: We all know how cold it can be to stand on the footy fields at 8am in the morning, so having the right outerwear is crucial for both staying warm and comfortable. A puffer vest is easy to wear on those cold mornings, while also giving you a sporty edge to your weekend attire. Client meetings: Vests can also give you more of a professional look when it comes to speaking with clients. Wearing the right kind of vest, like a suede vest for example, will help appeal to your clients tastes. How to Pick the Right Vest It can be hard to know which vest is right for you. There are many kinds of casual vests that fit and look different on everyone, so making sure you pick the right one is important for your overall comfort and outfit look. When picking the right vest, make sure that it: Sits correctly under your arms: You don’t want the vest to sit too tightly or too loose. We recommend one that is a slim fit, but not too tight, so you can still fit bulkier shirts or knits underneath. Is lightweight: We recommend that you look for a lighter puffer vest, instead of one that is too fluffy or oversized. Choosing a lighter material vest will mean you are still able to style the vest under a larger jacket or keep as an outer layer on its own. Fit’s your style: Picking a vest that matches the weather as well as your style is important because you are the one who is going to be wearing it. Picking a neutral colour like black or a dark grey gives you the option to wear the vest with multiple outfits. On the other hand, a colourful vest is a great option for the weekend and for sporting events. For example, you can easily pair a colourful vest with a pattern shirt to give you more outfit options. Alternatives to Vests If you’re not too sure about vests yet, there are other alternatives that will provide similar warmth and versatility. Instead of a vest, we recommend a lightweight puffer jacket, which will still allow you to layer clothing underneath. You could also try a Navigator Jacket, which provides you with similar warmth to a vest, and is great for cooler weather and outdoor activities. Investing in a vest is a great way to add variety to your wardrobe as they can be worn as both a stylish layering piece and as an outerwear staple. Shop our range of men's vests at GAZMAN now.