Waistcoat
A sleeveless garment worn as formal wear's third piece.
A waistcoat (also called a vest in the US and Canada) is a sleeveless upper-body garment worn over a dress shirt and necktie and below a coat as part of most men's formal wear. It is the third piece in the traditional three-piece male suit and can be simple or ornate, worn for leisure or luxury, and historically either in place of or underneath a larger coat depending on weather and setting.
- type
- Garment
- also_known_as
- Vest (US and Canada)
- associated_with
- Formal wear, three-piece suit, white tie, black tie
- key_variants
- Single-breasted, double-breasted, daywear, evening wear
Lore & Background
The term 'waistcoat' derives from the cutting of the coat at waist-level, as tailors once cut men's formal coats well below the waist. An alternative theory suggests it came from 'waste-coat,' using leftover material from a two-piece suit, though recent academic debate has cast doubt on this. During the 17th century, troops wore waistcoats made by turning old worn-out overcoats inside-out and removing sleeves, possibly giving rise to the name from 'wastage.'
Reader's Guide
It evolved from earlier garments like the doublet and gambeson, and from brightly colored silk versions in France and England. Today, it remains essential for white tie (white waistcoat) and black tie (black waistcoat), as well as for morning dress and lounge suits. The practice of leaving the bottom button undone, often attributed to Edward VII, is more likely to prevent stress when sitting or riding. Waistcoats also appear in clergy cassocks, Girl Scout uniforms, and billiard tournaments.
Did You Know?
- The term 'waistcoat' may derive from 'waste-coat,' using leftover material from a two-piece suit.
- A custom of leaving the bottom button undone may have originated to prevent the waistcoat riding up when on horseback.
- In the 17th century, troops wore waistcoats made from old overcoats turned inside-out with sleeves removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Waistcoat?
A sleeveless top garment that sits between a dress shirt and an outer jacket, serving as the middle layer in classic men's formal attire.
What is Waistcoat called in North America?
In the United States and Canada, the same garment is referred to as a vest.
Where does Waistcoat fit in a three-piece suit?
It occupies the middle slot, layered over the shirt and tie but beneath the jacket, completing the traditional tripartite look.
What main styles of Waistcoat exist?
Common variations include single-breasted and double-breasted cuts, as well as versions tailored specifically for daytime or evening formal occasions.
More in Clothing Types 1-18
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