A vest is an essential component of a three-piece suit. While two-piece suits consist entirely of a suit jacket and a pair of matching trousers, three-piece suits contain an added vest. Also known as a waistcoat, it's over a dress shirt but underneath a suit jacket. By sporting a vest, you'll achieve a more formal-looking appearance. When it comes to mastering the art of style, understanding the seven essential rules for wearing a vest suit can elevate your formalwear game to new heights. With that said, you should follow these seven tips to reap the full benefits of a vest and everything it has offer.
#1) Stick With the Same Material
It's a good idea to choose a vest in the same material as the rest of your suit and vest ensemble to maintain a cohesive and refined appearance. Mixing materials is a fashion faux pas. If your vest is made of a different material than that of your suit jacket or trousers, your outfit will feature an eclectic appearance that's not particularly flattering or otherwise stylish.
Thankfully, this problem is easily prevented by choosing a vest suit in the same material as the rest of your suit. If your suit jacket and trousers are made of wool, choose a wool vest. If they are made of linen, choose a linen vest. Choosing a vest in the same material as the rest of your suit allows for a more cohesive outfit in which all your garments match. If you use a different approach by choosing a vest in a different material, you may struggle to create an attractive suit outfit.
#2) V-Neck Opening
While vests are available in many different styles, those with a V-neck opening typically offer the highest level of aesthetics when worn in conjunction with a suit jacket and matching trousers. With a V-neck opening, the collar of your dress shirt will easily show, thereby enhancing your suit outfit. If you choose a vest with a different neck opening, such as a crew-neck opening, your dress shirt collar will be concealed, in which case it won't offer any aesthetic benefits. Therefore, it's recommended that you choose a vest with a traditional V-neck opening if you're planning to wear it with a suit.
#3) Color-Coordinate
You should color-coordinate your vest with the rest of your suit. What does this mean exactly? Basically, your vest should match -- or at least flow cohesively with -- your suit jacket and trousers. Most men prefer to wear a vest in the same color as the rest of their suit. If you're planning to wear a navy suit jacket with a pair of navy trousers, for example, you may want to choose a similar navy-colored vest. If you're planning to wear a black suit jacket with a pair of black trousers, on the other hand, you can choose a black vest. However, there's room for creativity, and some men opt for a different color vest with suit to achieve a unique and personalized look. Just be cautious when attempting the mismatched vest and suit trend, as it requires a keen eye for style and can sometimes be a fashion risk.
Color-coordinating your vest with the rest of your suit will help you create a matching outfit that uplifts your appearance. Remember, a vest is intended to accentuate a suit jacket and trousers. If it features the wrong color, it won't perform its intended function. You need to color-coordinate your vest with the rest of your suit to create a complete and attractive suit outfit.
#4) Watch the Length
Don't underestimate the importance of choosing a vest in the right length. Some vests are longer than others. While you shouldn't choose a vest that's too short, you should also avoid choosing one that's too long. If your vest is too long, it will look awkward.
What's the ideal length for a vest? A good rule of thumb to follow is to choose a vest that falls to about 1 inch past your trousers' waistline. When standing, for example, your vest should stop at about 1 inch past the belt loops on your suit trousers. If it extends farther than 1 inch, it's probably too long, in which case you should choose a different vest. Whether you're going for a classic three-piece suit or experimenting with a more modern look, remember that watching the length of your vest is a fundamental rule that shouldn't be overlooked. It's a small detail that can make a big difference in your overall appearance.
#5) High-Quality Buttons
If you're going to wear a vest with your suit, make sure it has high-quality buttons. Although there are a few exceptions, most vests are made with buttons. They typically have a single column of vertically aligned buttons on the front, which you can fasten or unfasten when taking and off the vest. If these buttons are made of cheap materials, though, they may fall off. Therefore, you should choose a premium vest that featured high-quality buttons. When it comes to buttons on your vest, opt for those that complement the style and color of your suit. Matching buttons can create a harmonious appearance, while contrasting ones can make a bold fashion statement.
#6) Check the Pockets
Along with the buttons, you should check the pockets when choosing a vest. Manufacturers typically add two pockets to the front of their respective vests. You'll find one pocket on the front left side as well as a second pocket on the front right side. If the pockets are poorly made, they may fail to weather the hands of time.
Keep in mind that some manufacturers sew these pockets closed. By sewing them closed, the vest will retain its original shape a little better. However, that means you'll cut open the pockets to use them. You can safely cut open the pockets of a vest by using a pair of garment scissors or a seam ripper, the latter of which is recommended since it minimizes the risk of damage.
#7) De-Wrinkle
Finally, remember to de-wrinkle your vest before wearing it. Always de-wrinkle your vest suit, especially when going for a sophisticated tux with vest ensemble. well-pressed vest can make a world of difference in your overall appearance. When wearing a tuxedo with a vest, attention to detail becomes even more critical for a truly elegant look. Whether it's made of cotton, linen, wool or any other common textile, no vest is immune to the effects of wrinkles. Over time, vests can develop wrinkles just like all other garments, regardless of what material or materials it's made of.
While there's no way to completely prevent wrinkles from occurring, you can eliminate them in several ways. Having your vest dry cleaned, for example, will usually de-wrinkle it. Dry cleaning will expose your vest to powerful cleaning chemicals that, among other things, smooth out wrinkles. You can also de-wrinkle your vest by using a garment steamer. A garment steamer is a device that releases hot, moist air. You can run the garment steamer over your vest, at which point the hot and moist air (steam) will release its wrinkles.
