Look Your Best in a Vest

Think about vests, and various personas come to mind: the gun-slinging cowboy, the Harley Davidson rider, the shirtless rockstar, the avid outdoorsman, a sharp-dressed businessman or your great aunt at Christmas.

Vests are iconic, and such a statement piece does not stem from humble beginnings. The first noted and notable vest wearer was King Charles II of England in the 17th century. 

What we now know as the vest was then referred to as the waistcoat. Royalty wore vests as a sign of status. Upper-crust folks liked them because when buttoned, they gave the appearance of broader chests and thinner waists.

Beginning in the 19th century, vests were largely reserved for formal occasions or as business attire. Men would wear them as part of suit ensembles, adding a bit of flair or a pop of color.

As men were donning their vests while lighting cigars in speakeasies, the women of the 1920s were experimenting with gender-bending fashion. The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City notes that many women began wearing vests and trousers in the early 1920s.

In the same decade, Irving Schott designed the first leather biker jacket, which would evolve to become the biker vest. The style wouldn’t reach its full potential until the 1960s when bikers started wearing “cuts” — cut-off vests typically made of leather or denim.

Short, fitted twill vest from H&M is lined and features a low-cut, square neckline, buttons in the front and shaping seams at front and back. It makes for a boldly elegant look even when paired with baggy jeans. Photos courtesy of H&M

Rock stars and shunners of gender-specific clothing, including Harry Styles, Prince and Mick Jagger, took to wearing vests without shirts.

“Traditionally vests were created for performance, providing warmth during movement and activities, allowing the arms to move freely while covering and protecting the chest,” said Laurie Olshefski, owner of Coastal Casuals in Panama City Beach.

This proves true, as many wear vests when running, hiking, fishing or hunting during cooler weather. Today, vests are often worn as an accent piece for layering an outfit.

“Living in coastal areas, the weather can be unpredictable,” said Debra Fortson, owner of Gigi’s Boutique & Eats. “Wearing a vest gives you the option to add a layer of warmth that can be taken off if needed.”

Shoppers look for vests in the fall and winter when Floridians begin to add layers. And, the holidays bring occasions for
vest wearing.

Fortson likes to style a vest with a turtleneck, jeans and boots or a jean vest paired with a sundress.

Rib knit holiday sweater vest from H&M. Photo courtesy of H&M

For a timeless take, style a vest with a smart collared shirt and trousers or a skirt. Think polished, preppy and professional. For a more laid-back look, let the vest shine when paired with a simple tank and a fitted pair of jeans.

“A vest can be a great statement piece,” said Fortson “It can add a pop of color or a texture to your outfit giving you warmth when needed while still being stylish.”

For both men and women, the sweater vest becomes a practical option when the weather turns chilly. Layer it over a button-down for a classic, clean look, or do the unexpected and pair it with leather pants or a satin skirt.

“We like to style comfy reversible or sherpa-lined vests with long-sleeve tees or lightweight sweaters paired with jeans, leggings or sweatpants,” Olshefski said. “This casual coastal look is perfect for walking the beach or Pier Park streets during our shoulder season.”

A buttoned vest with fitted linen trousers is a look that has long been popular. Utility vests paired with cargo pants provide plenty of pockets and that edgy streetwear style we can’t get enough of.

Remember, vests are best when worn with confidence. Dig out that denim vest you’ve had since the ’90s, and give it new life.