The difference between waistcoat and vest mainly stems from the regional variations of language. In British English, waistcoat is a close-fitting, sleeveless and collarless upper garment with a front opening, worn over a shirt and under a jacket. The American English equivalent for waistcoat is vest. This is the key difference between waistcoat and vest. It is also important to notice that the term vest have different meanings in different parts of the world.
What is a Vest?
The term vest refers to different garments in different areas. However, it typically refers to a garment that covers the upper part of the body.
In American English, vest refers to a sleeveless under jacket which is worn as a part of formal attire or part of a lounge suit. In the United Kingdom and many Commonwealth countries, this is known as a waistcoat.
In British English, vest refers to an undergarment worn on the upper part of the body; it typically has no sleeves. This is similar to a singlet, A-shirt or a tank top.
In addition, vest can also refer to the following garments:
Sweater vest: A close-fitting sleeveless top typically worn over a shirt or blouse, which is also known as slipover or sleeveless sweater. In British English, this is also known as a tank top.
Cut-off: Cut-off is a type of vest that is made from a denim jacket with sleeves removed. This is popular among bikers.
What is a Waist Coat?
A waistcoat is a sleeveless upper garment that is part of men’s formal attire. This is worn over a dress shirt and beneath a coat. This is also used as the third of a men’s business suit. They are worn as a part of a three piece suit.
Waistcoats have a front opening which is fastened typically with buttons. Waistcoats can be single breasted or double breasted, but single breasted waistcoats are more popular. They also have revers or lapels depending on the style. When worn as a part of a three-piece suit, waistcoat should match the trouser and the jacket. However, waistcoats are not usually worn with belts.
For formal daywear, some men wear waistcoats with contrasting colors. However, waistcoats worn for black tie and single tie are different from daywear. White tie events require a white low cut waistcoat whereas black tie events require a black low-cut waistcoat.
In modern fashion, waistcoats are also worn over shirts and t-shirts, as a part of casual wear. Here, waistcoat can be either closed or open.
What is the difference between Waistcoat and Vest?
Waistcoat vs Vest |
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| A waistcoat is a sleeveless upper garment that is part of men’s formal attire. | Vest can have different meanings around the world; it can refer to a singlet, crop shirt, or a waistcoat. |
| Usage | |
| Vest, in American English, refer to a sleeveless, collarless garment worn over a shirt and under a suit jacket. | Waistcoat, in British English, refers to a sleeveless, collarless garment worn over a shirt and under a suit jacket. |
Image Courtesy:
“Black Tie Waistcoat Gold and Black Studs” By Irvnik – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
“Alex Jacke Tank Top” By Randbfan1980 – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia