Waistcoats

A waistcoat, also known as a vest in American and Canadian English, is a sleeveless garment worn over a dress shirt and beneath a coat. It is typically front-fastened with buttons, hooks, or a zipper, and reaches at or just below the waist. Waistcoats are commonly tailored to provide a close fit and may include various pockets and design details. They can be worn as part of a three-piece suit, with formal morning dress, or as a standalone item in casual or workwear.

Historically, waistcoats originated in Europe in the 17th century as an intermediate layer between the doublet and the outer coat. They evolved into an essential component of the three-piece suit in the 18th and 19th centuries and remained prominent in formal menswear into the 20th century. In modern usage, the term waistcoat emphasizes a tailored, dressy form, while vest is often used for more casual or contemporary styles, particularly in the United States.

Design and materials vary widely. Front closures typically use buttons, but some styles employ hooks or hidden fasteners. The back panel is frequently made from a contrasting material, such as satin, and may include an adjustable strap to fine-tune fit. Common fabrics include wool, wool blends, cotton, linen, tweed, and, for formal wear, satin or silk. Colors range from black, gray, and navy for formal outfits to lighter shades and patterns for casual or seasonal wear. Pockets, lapel shapes, and the number of buttons can also differ by style.

Usage and occasions vary: waistcoats are integral to many formal ensembles, such as morning dress and black-tie outfits, and are also worn in business and casual contexts. Care typically involves dry cleaning or gentle washing and careful ironing to maintain a crisp, tailored appearance.