Is a waistcoat still in fashion? This way you can wear it without looking old-fashioned

Is a waistcoat still in fashion? Yes, but the waistcoat is more interesting as a permanent garment than as a temporary trend. It still works within classic tailoring, wedding wear and smart casual, but also as a loose vintage layer. Whether it looks modern or old-fashioned mainly depends on the fit, fabric and combination.

Why a waistcoat is not tied to one trend

The waistcoat has been around in the men's wardrobe for centuries and has had various roles: as part of a three-piece suit, as a work and outer layer and as a standalone garment.

Precisely because there are so many different designs, a waistcoat can look very formal, rural, vintage or modern. A shiny wedding waistcoat is something completely different from a coarse checked tweed model.

The classic way: as part of a three-piece suit

With a three-piece suit, the waistcoat forms one whole with the jacket and trousers. This remains a strong choice for weddings, formal dinners and occasions where you want to dress smarter.

The fit is important here: the waistcoat should cover the waistband of the trousers and be tight enough to form a neat line without pulling.

Casual: waistcoat without jacket

A waistcoat does not have to disappear under a jacket. Loose over a shirt it immediately becomes less formal. Tweed, checks and matte fabrics work particularly well here.

For example, combine a checked waistcoat with a light blue shirt and dark trousers or jeans. This gives structure to the outfit without making it look like a wedding suit.

Vintage waistcoats give more character

Vintage items often have designs, buttons and fabrics that you see less often in new collections. A paisley, check or warm wool look can immediately add character to an otherwise simple outfit.

At EcoGents we notice that waistcoats are interesting for different ages, because you can combine them in both classic and distinctive ways.

How do you avoid the 'wedding suit look'?

If you want to wear a waistcoat every day, avoid combinations that look completely ceremonial. A shiny waistcoat with a white shirt, tie and formal trousers quickly reads like wedding attire.

For a looser look you can choose:

• a matte or structured fabric;
• an Oxford or vintage shirt;
• jeans, corduroy or unusual trousers;
• loafers, boots or quiet sneakers;
• no tie or a vintage tie with character.

Can you wear a waistcoat open?

That's fine casually. An open waistcoat feels looser and shows more of the shirt or T-shirt. With formal clothing you usually wear it closed.

Read the full explanation can you wear a waistcoat open?.

What do you wear under a waistcoat?

A shirt remains the most versatile basis, but a polo, fine-knit sweater or turtleneck can also work depending on the model. A robust casual waistcoat offers much more freedom than a formal suit waistcoat.

Check this out what do you wear under a vest?.

The right fit makes the difference

Many waistcoats look old-fashioned because they are simply too large, too short or wrongly combined. A good model fits the chest and waist without the buttons pulling.

The front pieces should be long enough to cover the waistband. Read more about this how tight should a waistcoat fit?.

And the bottom button?

With a classic single-breasted waistcoat, the bottom button usually remains open. It is a well-known style agreement, but not every modern or double-breasted model follows exactly the same construction.

Read the background why do you leave the bottom button of a waistcoat open?.

Which colors are easy to wear?

Gray, dark blue, brown, beige and olive combine widely. Checks in earth tones are easy to wear with denim and light blue or cream shirts. A bold print usually requires calmer clothing around it.

Waistcoat with jacket

A different waistcoat under one jacket can be beautiful when colors and textures complement each other. So you don't necessarily have to have a complete three-piece suit.

For example, a brown or checked waistcoat under a dark blue jacket is an easy way to add more depth to an outfit.

So is the waistcoat still in fashion?

Yes. Not because every man has to wear one, but because the garment still has many different functions. Formal, casual, vintage or as an extra layer: with the right fit, a waistcoat feels personal rather than old-fashioned.

Second-hand and vintage waistcoats at EcoGents

In our collection second hand and vintage waistcoats you will find a variety of models, from quiet classics to checks and bold prints. This makes it much easier to look for a waistcoat that suits your own way of wearing rather than looking for one trend model.