waistcoat

Waistcoat, or vest in American English, is a sleeveless garment worn over a shirt and under a jacket. Traditionally part of a three-piece suit, it adds warmth and a smooth silhouette. It can also be worn separately for a casual or smart-casual look.

Design features: Waistcoats are usually cut to the waist or slightly below, with a front opening fastened by buttons or hooks. They may have pockets and a back panel, often with an adjustable strap. Styles include single-breasted and, less commonly, double-breasted, in fabrics from wool and tweed to linen, cotton, and silk.

History: The waistcoat originated in 17th-century Europe as an under-vest and evolved into a formal component of the three-piece suit during the 18th and 19th centuries. In the 20th century its use declined in everyday dress but remained standard for formal daytime occasions and weddings.

Contemporary use: Today waistcoats appear in formal and casual wardrobes. In business settings a matching waistcoat is often worn with a suit. In the US the garment is called a vest, while in the UK waistcoat remains the common term; women's waistcoats are also produced in tailored styles.