Combining a vest for men: 7 ways from casual to a three-piece suit

Combine a men's waistcoat can be much wider than just as part of a three-piece suit. The same garment can work classic, casual or distinctly vintage. The key is that the waistcoat fits well and that the layer underneath and trousers match in terms of formality.

First: how should a waistcoat fit?

A waistcoat may fit without the buttons pulling. The front should be long enough to cover the waistband of the trousers, so that in a classic combination no strip of shirt is visible between the waistcoat and trousers.

Read for the details how tight should a waistcoat fit?.

1. Waistcoat with white shirt and trousers

This is the simplest neat combination. A white or light blue shirt with gray, dark blue or brown trousers provides a calm base.

The waistcoat may be plain, but a subtle check or texture gives more character without making the outfit busy.

2. Waistcoat with jeans

A loose waistcoat works well with denim. Preferably choose calm straight jeans and a shirt or nice shirt.

A tweed, corduroy or vintage waistcoat often feels more natural with jeans than a very smooth formal wedding waistcoat.

3. Waistcoat with vintage print shirt

A waistcoat can actually make a busy shirt more wearable because part of the print is covered. This works particularly well with large 70s collars.

Is the shirt pronounced? Then choose a quiet waistcoat. Also view our print shirts.

4. Waistcoat with tie

A tie immediately gives the waistcoat a classic character. The tie should remain behind the waistcoat and not extend below the bottom edge.

With a checked waistcoat, a plain or quietly patterned tie is often enough. With a plain waistcoat you can allow more patterns.

Also read how should a tie fit?.

5. Waistcoat under a jacket

A loose waistcoat under one jacket can work well as long as the fabrics and colors fit together logically. It doesn't have to be the exact same fabric as the jacket.

Make sure that the jacket still closes comfortably. A thick waistcoat under a tight jacket quickly makes the chest too full.

6. Three-piece suit

A three-piece suit includes the jacket, trousers and waistcoat together. This is the most formal and cohesive way to wear a waistcoat.

The bottom button of a classic single-breasted waistcoat is often left open. Read why this practice exists why do you leave the bottom button of a waistcoat open?.

7. Waistcoat with denim or leather jacket

For a less formal outfit, you can wear a waistcoat under a casual jacket. A shirt, waistcoat, jeans and leather jacket clearly gives a different energy than a three-piece suit, but can be well balanced.

Keep colors calm when the jacket or waistcoat already has a lot of texture.

What do you wear under a waistcoat?

A shirt is the most logical basis. A T-shirt can work with some casual vests, but makes the combination much more informal.

More options are included what do you wear under a vest?.

Open or closed?

With a formal outfit you usually wear a waistcoat closed. Casual can be worn open, especially over a shirt or T-shirt.

Read for the nuances can you wear a waistcoat open?.

Which colors are easy?

Dark blue, gray, brown, cream and olive are easy to combine. With a checked waistcoat you can use one color from the pattern in trousers, shirt or tie.

Do not guess material

A waistcoat that looks like wool or tweed is not automatically made of a certain material. For second-hand clothing, we use the label or other reliable information for material claims.

Vintage waistcoats

Older waistcoats may close higher, be shorter or longer and have different lapels or pocket details. Therefore, look at the garment itself and not just the size.

Gilets at EcoGents

View our collection second hand and vintage waistcoats. In the store you can immediately combine different models with shirts, trousers and jackets.

Do you want to know which layers work per season? Then read wear a vest in spring, summer, autumn and winter.