Iannuccilli: The Fashion of Wearing a Vest

Iannuccilli: The Fashion of Wearing a Vest

Not long ago, I wrote of wearing a necktie and how it was such an important part of my wardrobe when I was working.  I learned from my father that good dress is a good letter of recommendation.  Well, my interest was piqued a few weeks ago.

I met some friends at an event, and they were wearing vests, so nicely clad unlike so many who “dress down” in public these days.  The vests were tightly woven snug tweeds, ideal accents to their sport coats.  Jon looked at home and professorial. I hastened to ask, “Jon, why the vest?  I like it.”

“Thanks, Ed.  I’m wearing it because I think it looks good and just plain makes me feel respectable.  And, I think more people should be dressing better, with a bit more thought.”  No argument there.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

I was driving by one of the colleges recently and noticed several students wearing vests where once I saw only the professors wearing them … with a three-piece wool suit, of course. So, a garment we usually associate more with older, dignified gentlemen like professors, is now capturing the interest of students.

The first time I remember wearing a vest was to my junior prom in college.  Dad reminded me that night to “Always leave the bottom button undone.”

“Why?”

“Because if you want it to look good, that’s what you do.”  I can find no other explanation.

Not long ago, I wrote of how my Dad rarely went out without being well-dressed, often wearing a tie, even to the cobblers.  Now more incentivized, I am thinking I should be wearing a vest often, not just to accent my wardrobe, but also to feel good.  I looked online and found a vintage vest store that enticed me; however, I will not buy before checking local merchants (another story).

As you might expect, there is a history to the popularity of the vest, once de rigueur in any gentleman's wardrobe.  It dates to King Charles II of England (1630 – 1685), who introduced it to the English court as part of proper attire.  The word comes from the French “veste” meaning jacket or sport coat; waistcoat in other locales.  King Charles wanted to formalize men’s wear in court.  Once, no self-respecting chap would dare be caught without a waistcoat.  It would be like venturing outside in underwear.

The vest can be simple wool or more elaborate silk, satin or velvet; ideal for formal affairs. There are so many styles, colors, and fabrics.  It can be worn under a sport coat or stand on its own with a long-sleeved shirt. I see more people wearing the vest casually, without a jacket.  That’s how the college students were wearing them.

Now, as I think more on it, the vest signals a sense of fashion that makes you feel good and less rumpled.  Oh, one other thing: a vest can be slimming.

Let’s jump start the trend, or at least encourage what may have started already.  I will.

 

Ed Iannuccilli is the author of "Growing up Italian" and "What Ever Happened to Sunday Dinner?" and "My Story Continues"  can be found here.