{"id":160998,"date":"2026-02-04T13:08:18","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T02:08:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/?p=160998"},"modified":"2026-02-04T13:17:11","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T02:17:11","slug":"how-to-wear-waistcoat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/style\/how-to-wear-waistcoat","title":{"rendered":"How To Wear Waistcoats For Men"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The waistcoat is a sartorial saviour. But unfortunately, its redemptive powers are too often forgotten or viciously snubbed. Well no more.<\/p><p>Its impeccable structure and clean lines flatter the masculine frame, whether you\u2019re the skinny guy, larger gent or go-hard-or-go-home gym junkie. And it can be worn for a variety of occasions \u2013 both social and corporate. Its style and practicality made the waistcoat an easy top five suiting trend from Pitti Uomo. The Italians love it, and you should too.<\/p><p>Whether it\u2019s tucked under a dapper suit jacket as part of a three-piece suit, or flying solo with jeans and a button up shirt, here\u2019s how to do it right.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>In This Story\u2026<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-a-waistcoat\" data-level=\"2\">What Is A Waistcoat<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-focus-on-the-fit\" data-level=\"2\">Focus On The Fit<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-to-buy-a-waistcoat\" data-level=\"2\">How To Buy A Waistcoat<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-to-wear-a-waistcoat\" data-level=\"2\">How To Wear A Waistcoat<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-waistcoat-colours-materials-amp-patterns\" data-level=\"2\">Waistcoat Colours, Materials &amp; Patterns<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-waistcoat-with-a-suit\" data-level=\"2\">Waistcoat With A Suit<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-waistcoat-with-jeans-chinos-or-trousers\" data-level=\"2\">Waistcoat With Jeans, Chinos Or Trousers<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-waistcoat-with-t-shirts-amp-unbuttoned-shirts\" data-level=\"2\">Waistcoat With T-shirts &amp; Unbuttoned Shirts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>    <div class=\"content-subscribe\">\n        <div class=\"subscribe-box\">\n            <p class=\"subscribe-title\">Curated news for men, <br\/>delivered to your inbox.<\/p>\n            <form class=\"subscribe-form\" method=\"POST\">\n                <div class=\"subscribe-input\">\n                    <label class=\"screen-reader-text\" for=\"subscribe-email\">Email:<\/label>\n                    <input type=\"email\" name=\"email\" id=\"subscribe-email\" placeholder=\"Enter your email\" required class=\"form-control\" autocomplete=\"on\" \/>\n                    <button type=\"submit\" class=\"button button-primary subscribe-button\">Sign Up<\/button>\n                    <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"source\" value=\"article\" \/>\n                    <input type=\"hidden\" id=\"_wpnonce\" name=\"_wpnonce\" value=\"e2df992756\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wp_http_referer\" value=\"\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/160998\" \/>                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"form-result\"><\/div>\n            <\/form>\n            <p class=\"subscribe-copy\">Join the DMARGE newsletter \u2014 Be the first to receive the latest news and exclusive stories on style, travel, luxury, cars, and watches. Straight to your inbox.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-a-waistcoat\">What Is A Waistcoat<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"580\" src=\"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/johannes.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-210055\"><\/figure><p>The waistcoat \u2013 in winter it adds a dapper element to your weekday work suit and acts as a lighter alternative to a blazer during summer. Think of it as a dapper third skin to your best suit. Overcoming stale style connotations or finding ways to work the waistcoat into a modern wardrobe is even easier.<\/p>                <div class=\"row row-center collapse\">\n                    <div class=\"column\">\n                        <div class=\"dmg-ad\"><div id=\"incontent-1011039322\" class=\"ad-container\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">var load_2121312862 = function () {googletag.cmd.push(function () {var slot_2121312862 = googletag.defineSlot(\"\/1017963\/DMarge\/incontent\",[[250,250],[300,100],[300,250],[320,100],[336,280]],\"incontent-1011039322\").addService(googletag.pubads()).setTargeting('refresh', 'true');if (gamData && gamData.sizeMap && gamData.sizeMap.hasOwnProperty('incontent')) {slot_2121312862.defineSizeMapping(gamData.sizeMap['incontent']);}googletag.display(\"incontent-1011039322\");});};adsQueue.push(load_2121312862);<\/script><\/div><\/div>                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-focus-on-the-fit\">Focus On The Fit<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"875\" src=\"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/waistcoat-1400x875.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-472366\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/waistcoat-1400x875.jpeg 1400w, https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/waistcoat-960x600.jpeg 960w, https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/waistcoat-640x400.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/waistcoat-768x480.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/waistcoat-480x300.jpeg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 400px, (max-width: 640px) 600px, (max-width: 768px) 700px, (max-width: 1024px) 800px, (min-width: 1025px) 1000px, 2048px\" \/><\/figure><p>Perfect for warm weather \u2013\u00a0 when a blazer feels too hot \u2013 the suit vest should be just as chic as a peak lapel, cotton slub jacket, acting as the outer layer of a smart casual look, that\u2019s summer-friendly. How?<\/p>                <div class=\"row row-center collapse\">\n                    <div class=\"column\">\n                        <div class=\"dmg-ad\"><div id=\"incontent-115710008\" class=\"ad-container\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">var load_670329486 = function () {googletag.cmd.push(function () {var slot_670329486 = googletag.defineSlot(\"\/1017963\/DMarge\/incontent\",[[250,250],[300,100],[300,250],[320,100],[336,280]],\"incontent-115710008\").addService(googletag.pubads()).setTargeting('refresh', 'true');if (gamData && gamData.sizeMap && gamData.sizeMap.hasOwnProperty('incontent')) {slot_670329486.defineSizeMapping(gamData.sizeMap['incontent']);}googletag.display(\"incontent-115710008\");});};adsQueue.push(load_670329486);<\/script><\/div><\/div>                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <p>Things to look for: high armholes, and a close fit around the shoulders and torso. Things to avoid: any pulling at the buttons or around the back, as well as the opposite problem \u2013 excess material, which just looks sloppy.<\/p><p>Things to avoid:\u00a0never go for an urban, oversized look. The additional material will make the waist coat look boxy and it will shift under your suit jacket if it\u2019s not snug. The whole purpose of the waistcoat is to cinch everything in \u2013 for a tidy up of your shirt and tie.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-buy-a-waistcoat\">How To Buy A Waistcoat<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"580\" src=\"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/shaun.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-210053\"><\/figure><p>Texture wins when shopping for a waistcoat. And the best textural fabrics are the naturally-derived ones such as wool,\u00a0tweed, brushed cottons, corduroy and linen. Natural fibres breath better and insulate well and don\u2019t retain odours like polyester or synthetics do.<\/p><p>A bit of poly fibre is fine as a blend with natural yarn, as it gives some sturdiness and creases less than pure natural forms. The price of the waistcoat is a good indicator of what it\u2019s made of \u2013 the more expensive ones made from wool or silk. Otherwise, read the fabrication label before you buy.<\/p>                <div class=\"row row-center collapse\">\n                    <div class=\"column\">\n                        <div class=\"dmg-ad\"><div id=\"incontent-2011371909\" class=\"ad-container\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">var load_657769014 = function () {googletag.cmd.push(function () {var slot_657769014 = googletag.defineSlot(\"\/1017963\/DMarge\/incontent\",[[250,250],[300,100],[300,250],[320,100],[336,280]],\"incontent-2011371909\").addService(googletag.pubads()).setTargeting('refresh', 'true');if (gamData && gamData.sizeMap && gamData.sizeMap.hasOwnProperty('incontent')) {slot_657769014.defineSizeMapping(gamData.sizeMap['incontent']);}googletag.display(\"incontent-2011371909\");});};adsQueue.push(load_657769014);<\/script><\/div><\/div>                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-wear-a-waistcoat\">How To Wear A Waistcoat<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"581\" src=\"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/justin-oshea-waistcoat.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-210058\"><\/figure><p>It\u2019s supposed to make you look put together, so why would you want it any other way?<\/p>                <div class=\"row row-center collapse\">\n                    <div class=\"column\">\n                        <div class=\"dmg-ad\"><div id=\"incontent-20307650\" class=\"ad-container\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">var load_39543562 = function () {googletag.cmd.push(function () {var slot_39543562 = googletag.defineSlot(\"\/1017963\/DMarge\/incontent\",[[250,250],[300,100],[300,250],[320,100],[336,280]],\"incontent-20307650\").addService(googletag.pubads()).setTargeting('refresh', 'true');if (gamData && gamData.sizeMap && gamData.sizeMap.hasOwnProperty('incontent')) {slot_39543562.defineSizeMapping(gamData.sizeMap['incontent']);}googletag.display(\"incontent-20307650\");});};adsQueue.push(load_39543562);<\/script><\/div><\/div>                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <p>Always buttoned as that is how this piece looks best and was designed to be worn. However, always leave the last button undone (like a suit jacket),\u00a0so it doesn\u2019t pull when you lift your arms up. It is almost a fashion must to leave the bottom button unfastened. It\u2019s a rule from the early days when one of the English kings was too fat so he needed to unbutton the last button to ride his horse. The look stuck and here we are today.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-waistcoat-colours-materials-amp-patterns\">Waistcoat Colours, Materials &amp; Patterns<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"579\" src=\"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/waiscoat-style.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-210056\"><\/figure><p>Just like a blazer, go for quality materials that match the weather. Think tweed and cord for winter and linen or cotton for summer: both will inject some all important texture into a monochrome shirt and vest combo.<\/p><p>Avoid shiny polyester that looks like you\u2019ve gone to rent-a-tux and hired something last minute. That means those ill-fitting poly-wool blend black waistcoats. As for patterns that personalise, look to checks and stripes, but do away with kitschy built in chains and brass buttons: think stylish not dress-ups.<\/p><p>As already mentioned, a textured waistcoat \u2013 achieved with natural fabrics \u2013 is important: adding depth and interest to a traditionally flat shirt. Pair similar textures at first glance: rougher tweeds and corduroys with raw denim bottoms or brushed cotton pants.<\/p>                <div class=\"row row-center collapse\">\n                    <div class=\"column\">\n                        <div class=\"dmg-ad\"><div id=\"incontent-290090011\" class=\"ad-container\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">var load_420214242 = function () {googletag.cmd.push(function () {var slot_420214242 = googletag.defineSlot(\"\/1017963\/DMarge\/incontent\",[[250,250],[300,100],[300,250],[320,100],[336,280]],\"incontent-290090011\").addService(googletag.pubads()).setTargeting('refresh', 'true');if (gamData && gamData.sizeMap && gamData.sizeMap.hasOwnProperty('incontent')) {slot_420214242.defineSizeMapping(gamData.sizeMap['incontent']);}googletag.display(\"incontent-290090011\");});};adsQueue.push(load_420214242);<\/script><\/div><\/div>                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <p>A cool combination is a navy tweed pant with white shirt under under a cord waistcoat. Or a denim jean in dark indigo, with a tweed waist coat and black denim jacket over the top. It\u2019s a perfect play on texture, fabric and colour. And works in the double denim trend, without even noticing.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-waistcoat-with-a-suit\">Waistcoat With A Suit<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"580\" src=\"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/double-single-waistcoat.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-210057\"><\/figure><p>If you\u2019re worried about finding a quality waistcoat, opt for one when buying a suit. Think of as it as an extension of a suit, where tailoring and the right fit is key to looking great. That way, it will come tailored (not off the rack) and perfectly fitted to you.<\/p><p>And, you have the option of matching it as a whole suit for formal occasions down the track. Plus, buy a second three piece suits and mix and match waistcoats with contrast suit pant, getting more for your suit buck. Double, we mean, triple win.<\/p><p>On the subject of single button vs.c double buttons, the\u00a0debate is just like the jacket version \u2013 it\u2019s a personal preference thing. The single variety is a more contemporary choice, especially when part of suit. It usually comes <em>sans <\/em>lapels, making it a slicker three-piece look for work. The double-breast (DB) in peak, notch or shawl lapel is more traditional, inspired by the Fifties suit looks made envious by\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/style\" target=\"_blank\"  rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Steve McQueen<\/a>.<\/p>                <div class=\"row row-center collapse\">\n                    <div class=\"column\">\n                        <div class=\"dmg-ad\"><div id=\"incontent-1619301597\" class=\"ad-container\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">var load_2068192518 = function () {googletag.cmd.push(function () {var slot_2068192518 = googletag.defineSlot(\"\/1017963\/DMarge\/incontent\",[[250,250],[300,100],[300,250],[320,100],[336,280]],\"incontent-1619301597\").addService(googletag.pubads()).setTargeting('refresh', 'true');if (gamData && gamData.sizeMap && gamData.sizeMap.hasOwnProperty('incontent')) {slot_2068192518.defineSizeMapping(gamData.sizeMap['incontent']);}googletag.display(\"incontent-1619301597\");});};adsQueue.push(load_2068192518);<\/script><\/div><\/div>                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <p>Adding windowpane checks to the DB waistcoat will play down formalities, however. And the DB in a Prince of Wales check or tweed looks impeccable over a shirt with the sleeves rolled \u2013 meaning it isn\u2019t reserved for suits. With no jacket, dress like a mid-century lawyer, relaxing post-work.\u00a0Now, sip that scotch.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-waistcoat-with-jeans-chinos-or-trousers\">Waistcoat With Jeans, Chinos Or Trousers<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"580\" src=\"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/waistcoat-jeans.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-210068\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/waistcoat-jeans.jpg 960w, https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/waistcoat-jeans-920x556.jpg 920w, https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/waistcoat-jeans-400x242.jpg 400w, https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/waistcoat-jeans-768x464.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/waistcoat-jeans-640x387.jpg 640w, https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/waistcoat-jeans-255x154.jpg 255w, https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/waistcoat-jeans-180x109.jpg 180w, https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/waistcoat-jeans-480x290.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 400px, (max-width: 640px) 600px, (max-width: 768px) 700px, (min-width: 769px) 800px, 1000px\" \/><\/figure><p>You can go with the choice of jean, chino\u2019s or a matching suit trouser. All options will work well with the solo vest option ensuring you create the right look. To avoid looking like a <em>gar\u00e7on<\/em>,\u00a0pair your vest with items that aren\u2019t black trousers. No\u00a0<span class=\"m_-2554145439241391279Apple-style-span\">black pant and white shirt combinations. And say no to\u00a0<\/span>shorts unless you\u2019re Nick Wooster. Or as cool as he is.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-waistcoat-with-t-shirts-amp-unbuttoned-shirts\">Waistcoat With T-shirts &amp; Unbuttoned Shirts<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"580\" src=\"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/waistcoats.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-210059\"><\/figure><p><span class=\"m_-2554145439241391279Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333;\"><\/span><\/p><p><span class=\"m_-2554145439241391279Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333;\">Men should play around with shirting, styling the look formally or giving it a more relaxed feel, depending on the shirt.\u00a0<\/span>It\u2019s all about creating a more relaxed feel, compared to wearing a three-piece suit. But, at the same time ensure the outfit still has a certain formality to it.\u00a0And don\u2019t be tempted to rock it with a singlet; too much arm skin, not enough discretion.<\/p><p><span class=\"m_-2554145439241391279Apple-style-span\">Try wearing it with a t-shirt, short sleeve shirt or a long sleeve shirt with the sleeves rolled up.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Hit the gallery for 30 ways to rock a suit vest both with and without a suit.<\/strong><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>See my vest, see my best.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":210045,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"gallery","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":false,"_modified_date":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[397],"tags":[],"coauthors":[146242],"class_list":{"0":"post-160998","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-gallery","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-style","8":"post_format-post-format-gallery"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/160998","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=160998"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/160998\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":536822,"href":"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/160998\/revisions\/536822"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/210045"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=160998"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=160998"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=160998"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=160998"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}