Men's Waistcoats & Vests - What They Are & How to Wear Them

[@adrianraygoza9221]

The Gentleman's Gazette has helped me seamlessly transition from a medical scrubs-wearing job to a gentlemen's business style attire downtown Chicago career. I had no idea where to start. Watching these videos made me realize that I had a few items in my closet to combine for an elegant look. I've taken the first few checks to really invest in my look based on these videos ever since. I'm going nearly 6-months strong now.

[@micahbush5397]

Personally, I think vests with suits are severely underrated; they have a nice slimming effect, they counteract the sometimes unflattering angle of suit lapels, and they allow you to continue looking dapper and professional if you remove your jacket.

[@fabianprado9316]

I have to say it, as a guy with a little overweight, I LOVE watching you as a model of your outfits! Great video and great info Raphael, and oh, sweet accent. Cheers from Argentina

[@Atemporalacab]

Gentleman Gazette this chanel is not a fashion trend chanel , this is the art of being a gentlemen

[@terrydrums]

I wore a belt under my vest today and no one minded because they were all wearing cargo shorts, flip-flops and superhero t-shirts. To them, I was wearing a tuxedo. It's all relative.

[@neckutter]

terrydrums I wear a belt and vest together as well. Suspenders? Ew

[@dl733sak]

I'm probably around your age and your comment made me laugh. Same thing as where I work. I wore nice dark jeans, a really nice second hand thrift store sports coat, with a dark t-shirt for heavens sake, and everyone was like, why are you so dressed up? You have an interview or something? Just got a Donna Karan suit for eleven bucks at the thrift store and can hardly wait until they see me wearing that without a tie. These kids will probably think I'm the new CEO. Not one for shirt and tie, had enough of that in my younger days, but Jesus, I don't want to go to work looking like I just rolled out of bed. Cheers

[@terrydrums]

@@dl733sak It happens all the time. BTW, I would re-think your relationship with ties. I try to wear one at every opportunity for two reasons. First, so that I can get proficient at it. It takes skill to tie one correctly the first time, even something as simple as a Four in Hand knot. Second, simply, because most guys don't. That may come off as elitist, but think of it this way: if most guys aren't wearing a tie when they could be and you are, you have the elevated style, which makes for a better presentation to the world. Take two guys wearing the exact same level of outfit, be it a full suit or a sport coat and chinos, the one with the tie looks more put together and complete. It's that edge. And, your younger days probably didn't come with as much education and experience that your style does now. Why let that influence how you present yourself now that you're older?

[@lamedrawings]

@@dl733sak Tim Pool fan?

[@Jae20818]

terrydrums that’s true! Always represent yourself well, you also represent your friends, family, and company.

[@mecchabaron64]

Waistcoats are for sure my favourite item of clothing, and something I love wearing as a "signum". I often go with a more casual style with an odd vest, a simple dress shirt (possibly a tie) and an overcoat. I think it's a really versatile item which can be dressed up or dressed down. Great video!

[@claremiller9979]

So happy to hear a man say "not too matchy matchy" in reference to men's wear - this is a well known women's style sin and it does apply to everyone! Great video, I'll definitely need to go custom because waistcoats for women just don't exist nine years out of ten. I have one from years ago which I do like a lot, though it's not of great quality.

[@steelresilience]

Your videos are like the Ph.D. level of style.

[@CarlMurawski]

TheBigMclargehuge absolutely true.

[@natoist4889]

Damn son that’s right!

[@YakubibnEsau]

Well said!

[@theodoremcintosh6373]

Yeah he’s an absolute expert and historian, it’s a shame people are more interested in other YT’ers that offend culture instead of complementing it like Gentleman’s Gazette

[@nothingtoitbuttodoit]

His style is a bit ultra conservative and a bit dated. But I do like it. For style I tend to refer to the likes of Sartorial Talks

[@johnviano4584]

Hello, I just subscribed after viewing several videos today. I enjoyed this video on vest. I'm 64 years old and nice to see you have embraced some of the styling of the past. Best Regards, John

[@mutahharjalal3577]

Man, the level of detail in his videos amuses me. True gentleman

[@RedcoatsReturn]

I have been looking my whole life for your channel! Thank you for helping men to become Gentlemen all over the World! Style, Class, Beauty, Elegance and those special good manners! I hope a ˋHow to be a real Lady´ will start up, God knows they are becoming rare too!

[@petervamos9239]

1:20 “So why should you wear odd vests, and why should you inVEST in them”

[@annmarieveronicajames2536]

I love men in vest especially knitted. Winter 🥶 is lovely to see how the men looks and coordinated for the cold weather seasons.🙏🏽📖😇

[@simplyelitetravels]

It's a lot of style vids on youtube. But this channel is underrated. This video is maybe the greatest style video of all time.

[@kaiyusun9222]

These are wonderful videos to watch even for appreciation purposes only.

[@ProgressivePatriot28]

That moment when you find out that the way to wear a vest for business is without a belt and now you realize you need suspenders, but you're kind of excited about it because it's a new clothing item type. Thanks for another awesome video, Sven!

[@TimothyRCrowe]

Love your videos and follow most of your advice. However, I have one exception on vests when it comes to men of a more full-figured, rotund physique. For us gentleman who are more built for comfort than speed, vests are a godsend. They make you look more uniform in shape and the hang of your clothes. However, a vest that ends just above the belt-line isn't as flattering, especially if you have a bit of a pendulous belly. I use a XLT for a little more length to cover that anatomical feature, and it works very well to make me look more streamlined in the front. However, the suspenders are a must! Keep it up, my fashion guru!

[@victorespino5650]

Never seen someone wear a full suit with 7 different colors

[@MrCash-lm1xz]

Victor Espino *tones

[@drnpictures2155]

Not really

[@seancallahan5030]

also not a suit

[@SenhorKoringa]

You could if they’re all neutrals, i.e. shades of brown and gray. A suit of purple green and orange looks clownish.

[@Fritz-the-Brat]

A clown probably

[@marvindujardin463]

My favourite waistcoats: burgundy and violet velvet from Etro

[@ardentdfender4116]

This was a very great detailed and in depth video on Vests and how to wear. It surely filled in the many questions I’ve had on how to wear and if to wear. Now I understand they are completely versatile and if you have a variety of suits with vests to mix and wear with different outfits. I definitely like the Burgundy, Tan or Copper tone color ones for versatility to really mix things up.

[@bemnet2000]

Amazing video. I usually wear vests, I learned more about how to wear it.

[@gentlemansgazette]

thanks

[@shruthim1476]

Blazer tie

[@jayn8392]

I actually sometimes really like the look of a nice pair of slim fit denim with a vest and collared shirt, sleeves rolled up. It's a good casual style with some formal flair on some people. Doesn't usually flatter larger frames unfortunately, but slimmer guys look great with it.

[@peterhess2610]

The best thing about wearing a vest, for me, is pairing it with a pocket watch and chain. Where I live it garners a lot of odd looks but that just makes me feel better about it. I have two vests. A black solid one and a gray tweed one. I pair this with either a solid color or tweed sport jacket and dark jeans. I call it my formal/casual look. Then I’ll finish it off with, weather depending, an overcoat and a newsboy cap. I do get some approving looks from women. BTW I’m 74 y/o, trim and well groomed-unlike most men my age.

[@Jessie_Helms]

So far I have really enjoyed my vests from Jos A Bank. I have 1 grey wool with a large knit pattern, a charcoal grey with their lower level fabric, both off the rack. In a week or so I have a 3 piece coming in that I’m pretty excited for. This’ll be my first custom vest (the whole suit is).

[@ailius2]

Greatly appreciate these videos and your blog! They're incredibly informational and have helped me a ton when trying to dress for more formal occasions. Love this type of fashion.

[@Overlevered7]

Thank you for reducing the speed back to normal, noticeable improvement!

[@johnnyryu9207]

Would love to buy some waistcoats from you guys knowing the quality of your other products! Your ascot and gloves are second to none at their prices.

[@gentlemansgazette]

Glad to hear that, stay tuned!

[@Miyamotospoop13]

@@gentlemansgazette i guess it never worked out. unfortunate

[@baalvachan]

Such a great and in-depth video :) what you forgot to mention your opinion- should one put pocket square in his vest?

[@Rob_-dv6ei]

I would disagree - the waistcoat by itself is quite a statement, a pocket square IN the vest is overkill

[@baalvachan]

@@Rob_-dv6ei May be in odd waist style one can pull off! if he is known for wearing waists only due to hot temp.

[@giovannigobbi4832]

Waistcoats aren't made for it, it's like the blazer's pockets, if you have holes it doesn't mean you need to fill them

[@OrrosGG]

Maybe as an utilitarian handkerchief ( white and concealed ) and not the aesthetic Pocket Square

[@MrDanielWP]

I supposed you could, but vests are usually considered "under" wear, like suspenders. Ideally, no one would ever see the pocket square in a vest.

[@allegedkurd]

Thanks for the advice. I don't usually wear vests or waistcoats, but I'm looking into buying one, and this helped.

[@vincent7584]

I really love that green tweed jacket, it's amazing.

[@vishnumurthy2081]

Very nice explanation from the source of it's origin. I have subscribed to gentleman's Gazette online and share their wonderful tips on Men's dressing to all my friends. Bought a new waistcoat yesterday (charcoal grey front with sapphire back) and your video gave me the perfect tip to wear it.thank you gentleman.🤝🤝🤝

[@dannymurzi3533]

Excellent all the expertise in the art of good dress. I recently discovered this wonderful channel, and the three gentlemen who star in it. I am planning a good advice from you to make me a classic gentleman, just like Rafael wears. I am 46 years old, and I have the opportunity to wear those outfits because I am a violinist in various symphony orchestras, and I am the traditional music teacher with bow tie and handlebar moustache. I have already seen most of the items in his store and am delighted to know that I will soon start my collection with you. Thank you for such a wonderful contribution to the art of facing life with passion, elegance and category 🎩🥃 ¡Salute! From Texas 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@Stevewontdoit9]

You got me into tweed, knit ties and vests.

[@generalvoorhis3362]

Great video. Perfect timing as well now that fall has finally arrived. I always use knitted vests during the colder days, maybe I'll change it up this year and get some waistcoats.

[@Aki-sd5ch]

Great guidance for the stylish man.... Thanks.

[@zkzk2062]

Qeu vxe

[@wolfiethebumpireslyr]

Love the videos! Any advice for a medical resident who needs to dress as formal as possible while still having to treat and diagnose patients? Something to wear to the clinic. Thank you !

[@Veronensis]

I wish we could bring back the floral and embroidered waistcoats of the 1830s and 40s for men. They were so beautiful, and I wish men still wore things like that these days.

[@corporate.security]

I'm still hoping on those overcoats you teased a while ago, but now you've got me hooked with the vests too.

[@roberthunter5119]

I personally have absolute admiration for the waistcoat. In fact, for my eye, I will not wear a tie without one.

[@WolfShadowhill]

I often wear waistcoats, but personally never been a fan of sweater vests

[@chantakzee]

But hey it works and keep you mice and toasty

[@jayn8392]

Me either. I do like the look of a nice collared shirt inder a thin sweater, but sweater vests have never done it for me. Although I have seen a few guys in certain english styles that look great with the look. Charlie Hunnam comes to mind in thet movie "the gentleman" (I believev it's that one. If not I still like his style in it).I also think, as is unfortunately often the case, it is a look you have to be taller and slimmer to really pull off well.

[@filmslrcameras1559]

nice improvement from last time checking in, slower and more understandable. great video. will watch again

[@timothyfreeman97]

Pretty keen for those new fort belvedere odd waist coats.

[@jameswright6316]

There is a difference between a vest and a waistcoat. They are not the same. A vest is worn with belts in the trousers. The length of a vest is the top of the belt and no lower. This length provides access to knives, tools, coin dispensers and other things men wear on their belt band when working. A waistcoat extends lower than a vest. Remember, trousers used to be held up with external posts and suspenders. That material may look bad. So, the waist coat was worn lower to cover it. Don't forget that the suspenders loop around the post and have a bit of material below the union. Factor in the desire to keep the connection covered when walking and bending slightly and one understands why a waist coat is a few inches longer than a vest. Further, wearing an angled lower edge to a waist coat is appropriate as the posts and suspenders will not be revealed as they are not central. However, an angled lower in a vest is inappropriate as it would look like a man hole cover revealing a space of shirt over the belt band. It may be appropriate to wear a vest if the suspender posts are internal to the trouser band, but I do not like the look myself. The vest shows off a nice belt, buckle, and tools. There really is no reason to wear a vest with suspenders. Belt = Vest = short Suspenders = Waistcoat = long

[@ReydeCP1122]

This video is perfect for waistcoat lovers like me, completely spot on! By the way, i was wondering where i could get a burgundy waistcoat like the one you have.

[@caraboska]

I am greatly partial to paisley, and I love the look of a paisley brocaded/damask odd vest. I think there is a way to do this look that is discreet and beautiful, namely ensure that at least one color of the brocade/damask matches the color of the suit, and that the brocade/damask and the background either contrast in texture rather than in color, or do not differ greatly in color (e.g. deep burgundy and black). I also have a certain preference in situations where both a tie and a pocket square are worn, namely that if the tie has any pattern at all, even the simplest of stripes, the pocket square is a solid color, and vice versa. Otherwise, it appears to me to be too cluttered. And I admit to loving that look with two contrasting vests.

[@colin2623]

This is a great video and it really rekindles my love for waistcoats. I would like to implement them in my wardrobe, but I am unsure of how to proceed. I'm not used to wear jackets or suits on a daily basis at the moment (there is no situation which requires it), though I would still like to wear a waistcoat. I just don't know if it is appropriate or if it just looks odd.

[@chrisblanc663]

If it looks odd, at least you’ll look odd in a good way.

[@bertfuxdogs5647]

I've had a couple of matching fabric back vests made and I'll never go back to satin just because I love the look and versatility

[@ankitguleria]

Powerfull video, so much great info . Thanks. I was confused if you can even wear odd vest.

[@felipesidonio]

Dandiest KZbinr

[@gerald9113]

I love the outfit at 9:23 with the fair isle vest.

[@kletts42]

I have a couple sweater vests and some regular vests. The regular vests were bought for my steampunk attire, but they can go well with every day attire if I do it correctly.

[@prettyrickey7304]

Can you wear a waist coat and matching pants without the jacket, or is that a fashion faux pas? @gentlemensgazette

[@Onesmo]

this exactly what i've been looking for all day. thanks

[@bst1014910149]

Waited for a video on vest/waistcoat for a long time!!!

[@joker_film_tributes]

Why is his voice so soothing lol?

[@connergiven8999]

Sven, I love this video! Dapper as always and I've learned a great deal how to style the (should be) ubiquitous waistcoat. However, your online article on the buttoning of waistcoats has an error, I'm afraid. "Bertie" was actually Prince Albert, the former Duke of York, and Edward VII's brother; Edward's name and title prior to his accession as King was David, Prince of Wales. Edward VII abdicated the throne in the late 30's just prior to WWII over, what else, a woman he loved, namely Wallis Simpson. "Bertie" then gained the throne and ceased being Prince Albert the Duke of York, and became King George VI, ruling till the time of his death in 1952. Edward VII became the Duke of Windsor after his abdication, and remained one of the most stylish gentleman of his era. I hope this info was helpful, as your instruction to style is evermore helpful to me! Cheers.

[@DoctorPace007]

Love your outfits and clothing. I would love to know more about where you get such fabulous articles of clothing. Can't wait to see what Fort Belvedere produces!

[@Frodojo111]

Yeah, I noticed that red-blue tattersall shirts are very popular amongst country chaps in England.

[@GaryBowen73]

Just bought a brand new black suit today! Ordered a black vest to go with it as well.... What other colors would go well with a black suit?? Black pants, black jacket, black vest.... That's starting to get very Johnny Cash!

[@davidc.g.1952]

I predominately wear clerical suits which are black on black or charcoal grey, but I like to wear a vest. Embroidered black or purple, green or blue Victorian style brocades all of which with my gold pectoral cross and my pocket watch with gold chain. Topped with a black or grey Fedora in cold or rainy days and a panama hat on hotter days, plus I need a cane these days.

[@theacademyofanatomy]

Nice video, very informative. It was, however, Edward VII that introduced not buttoning the bottom button, not Prince Albert.

[@michaelangelo6947]

I love the tie and socks.

[@onsenguy]

I can't imagine sven shopping in a thrift store. 😁

[@chrisschmeitz1139]

In my opinion a brown jacket with a off-white vest looks really good with maybe a red tie or no tie at all. Great video though, i subscribed! Edit: this message is from a 13 year old!

[@jddiggy2343]

I like sweater vest in the winter with my semi-casual semi-formal look, especially a nice wool or cashmere blend will keep you very warm I do have some 100% cotton I like to almost as good they do wash better.

[@jasminhall6581]

Hello, wow, I love your videos and very grateful for you sharing your knowledge. I'm an image consultant in England, I love quality and always advice my clients to buy second hand rather than cheaper new items. I bought Alan Flusser book, compliments what you teach. I love your two coloured over the calf sock. I want to buy my man all of them. I would love to work in your shop for a month or just hang out with you to learn more on menswear and quality lifestyle. I don't have much money, but I still manage to eat lobster or turbot and buy fresh flowers weekly. I have always loved quality and my little girl is the same, she only likes hungarian goose down pillows in a flax linen pillow case sprinkled with chamomile and lavender essential oil. We must have been princess in our past lives. Still hoping one day that people will get my worth and invest in my workshops where i teach the art of looking good. If you are ever in England is love to meet you and take you for a hike on the fells in the lake District which is where I live. Xxx x Jasmin Hall

[@formam1022]

"Why should you wear, or in-vest in a odd vest" we all see the pins. Thank you for the videos.

[@robo2606]

Suitsupply is my place to go for waistcoats. Theire made to measure options and service are great. At least in my local shop...

[@moorshound3243]

When are you guys coming to England for a holiday / video making trip. I think you would love the city of Bath.

[@ronaldlake5592]

I all most went crazy trying to figure out the differences between a waist coat and a vest and yes there was a difference long ago. A waist coat was worn by upper class gentleman and a vest was worn by the middle class and the working class men even though it was the same garment.

[@Cyrx686]

That "welcome back" felt a little rushed. Are you rushing me? Haha I jest! We love your info, Sven. You are the man!

[@stefanox8908]

If you really invested in three vests instead of a second suit you'd end up looking just slightly different with every waistcoat, with that second suit you'd really change your outfit; at that point I'd say that you couldn't wear a suit everyday, so the investment loses its value. That's my humble opinion, great video apart from that, it really got me

[@joemoon5227]

Great informative video. Quick query What can I use to clean my Allen Edmunds chica boots same as the pair worn in the video? Thank you kindly!

[@isaiahgere9283]

I love waistcoats, especially the English ones

[@turi73]

Can you do a video on vest chains?

[@chapcave2468]

This is an excellent video one of your best..... Top level information.....

[@steelwarrior105]

Honestly still waiting on those Ft. Belvedere waistcoats

[@Booperino.]

Been working on those waistcoats for a while now

[@ninjassg]

Great Guide As Usual!

[@Trendy_endy]

I can’t wait till I’m older and can wear some of these items without looking weird for my age. I’d love to wear those knit vests or suspenders, but I’m 17 and I’m fairly certain if I wore those everyone would think I was trying to look old. Can’t wait until later when more of these things open up and I can look normal for my age.

[@shaunacole1]

Personally I can never wear light shoes with dark trousers but I agree with all else 👍🏾

[@EcstaticTemporality]

Raphael, are you all still offering odd waistcoats at Fort Belverde?

[@videomemmories]

Thank you. Like your other detailed guides, this is great!

[@StyleArchitexts]

I always appreciate your perspective. My mentor recently informed me that there was no difference between the term vest and waistcoat so it was good to hear that affirmed here. I have a camel double breasted and a guncheck single-breasted with notch lapels. You've given me more inspiration so thank you. Question how big should the buttons be on a waist coat? I've always thought they should match the size of the sleeve buttons. Thoughts?

[@shadymike88]

my waistcoat fits well, but crumples up and doesn't look as good when I sit. is this normal for all waistcoats?

[@danieltiborhajzer3952]

Just what I needed, thank you for your hard work!

[@artawhirler]

Very useful video! Thanks!

[@AlexOliveira-pk4lw]

excellent video, greetings from Brazil !

[@PayneMaximus]

I think I might give the vest a shot in the future. Not right now, because I just got my first custom-made suit, and it is great, but I also had to invest about $600. Raphael, do you have any tips on how to store clothes? I don't have too much space in my hangers and not too many drawers, and I was wondering if you had a couple of tips on how to store clothing (especially off-season ones), maybe in plastic boxes, etc.

[@konicu]

wood hangers

[@Leo.AC.]

Thanks for the good information and the video. Greetings from Chile

[@lss9634]

I love all of you videos, Aahhhhhh! However I can not tell which brands are in this video, or which brands are best for vests and trousers.

[@JADEGATETIGRESS]

Another lovely, informative video, Sir. Thank you.

[@1Thunderfire]

I just love the look of waistcoats and I would like to invest in some good ones. I probably like them because you can look stylish whilst keeping freedom of arm movement and you're less likely to get too hot (at least where I am concerned though I have only worn such stylish clothes on holidays during more formal evenings.

[@TheBrownBaron]

I really like the white, double-breasted waistcoat. Does it have peaked or notched lapels? I'd love to find one like it. I have started wearing more 3 piece suits, and will try mixing it up w odd vests. Thanks so much!

[@julianfarrance5620]

Thank you for your videos, always very informative. Not wishing to be pedantic, but the received wisdom on the fashion of leaving the bottom button undone, is that it originated with Prince Edward the Prince of Whales (later King Edward VII) not Prince Albert (his father). A small matter amongst the extremely useful content and I hope you won’t take it amiss.

[@beckettchawla_6339]

Nice jacket sir

[@zScrotumify]

Great video, what colour and pattern of an odd waistcoat would suit a classic navy or blue suit and bring it up a notch besides the obvious grey?

[@edwardclarke7771]

Great video, Sven! I was reading your article on lapels on the double breasted vest and you noted "..when you wear them, make sure that they are cut proportionally to the jacket, meaning that the body of the vest (as opposed to the lapels) should not be visible when the coat is buttoned." Do you mean then when buttoned, the only part of the vest showing would be the lapels? And if any other part of the vest is showing it is not a good fit? Thanks for clearing this up. You have fantastic content!

[@lordexcellent5610]

Do you think it’s possible to pull of a waistcoat with matching trousers combined with an odd jacket? Thank you for your answers.

[@pgplaysvidya]

Where can I get the waistcoat at 5:22? Or the one that Prince Charles was wearing? Are they both bespoke only?

[@Hondo0101]

Question can you wear suspenders with a vest? Also it goes under if you do correct?