The weather’s been like a seesaw lately—one minute you’re shivering, the next you’re roasting. Dressing for these temperature swings feels like a puzzle, but there’s one piece that always fits: the vest.
This unsung hero of the layering game is here to solve your weather woes. Vests add warmth to your core without the bulk (or sleeve-induced arm traps) of a full jacket, making them perfect for fickle weather. Plus, with those free-and-clear arms, your range of motion stays intact, making vests a go-to for anyone who’s outdoorsy—whether you’re hiking, layering up for the morning commute, or trying to wrestle the yard into shape.
It All Comes Down to How You Style a Vest
Vests add just the right amount of texture and dimension to your outfit without stealing the show. Toss one over a chambray shirt, sweater, or flannel, and it instantly elevates your look without pushing you into full jacket territory. Vests are that middle ground where “I thought about this” meets “I didn’t overthink it.”
Vests are the middle ground where “I thought about this” meets “I didn’t overthink it.”
And the variety? Endless. Puffer vests bring the heat for colder days, quilted ones give off those vintage workwear vibes, and tailored or knit vests nail that classic preppy style. Each type adds something unique to your look but shares the same superpower of easy layering.
Given the variety and ways to wear vests, we tapped some of the most stylish guys out there to give us their two cents on the ways to integrate vests into your wardrobe.
Vest 1: A Technical Vest Combines Function and Form
What to look for in a technical vest
These vests are designed for utility and performance, with outdoor and commuter needs in mind. Look for technical fabrics like nylon, polyester, and ripstop, along with weather-resistant coatings, lightweight insulation, and a variety of functional pockets.
Snow Peak’s senior brand director, Michael Anderson, says his perfect vest is one that combines versatility and style for his everyday wardrobe. “I need a multitude of pockets for my EDC,” he says, adding, “and a two-way zipper or full button placket.” These details, he notes, add to his IYKYK kind of search: “It’s what keeps me a notch above the standard dad-core fare I see every day at Pre-K drop-off.”
Dad drip perfected
One of Anderson’s reliable standbys is this puffer vest. He pairs it with a heavy-knit or mock-neck long-sleeve shirt, washed-out jeans, and a chore coat that channels peak workwear vibes. To complete the fit, he says, “Throw on some made-in-USA New Balances, and you’ve got the dad drip needed to turn heads at any parent-teacher conference.”
The vest for holding production meetings on the trailhead
Art director Ruben Hughes looks for a vest that’s both practical in warmth and aesthetically clean. “I love the subtle pop of color that the Norse Projects vest offers in sediment green,” he says. It’s sophisticated yet comfortable. “I’d pair it with black loafers and an all-navy outfit—turtleneck and trousers included,” Hughes adds.
He continued, “One of the best benefits of rocking a vest is that it helps insulate your core, especially when you’re out on the trails. This vest is super lightweight, with a bit of stretch, and it’s both water- and wrinkle-resistant. Pair it with a hefty black long-sleeve and some camo cargos (try saying that five times fast) to store your snacks and other hiking essentials. Since you’re going more technical on top, opt for a hiker-friendly boot that’s equal parts sporty and utilitarian.”
Vest 2: Heritage-Workwear Vests
What to look for
These vests draw inspiration from rugged, classic American workwear, designed for durability and utility on the job. Look for heavy-duty materials like canvas, duck cloth, or waxed cotton, reinforced stitching, patch or flap pockets, sturdy hardware, and, in some cases, a quilted or sherpa lining for added warmth.
For Patagonia Merchandising Leader Luke Allen, vests have become his go-to layering piece for those chillier mornings or evenings from November through March, ever since he moved from New York to California. “Because I usually wear them as standalone outerwear, I look for styles that can easily layer over a hoodie, flannel, or sweater,” he says. When shopping for vests, he’s drawn to pieces with interesting quilted patterns, often inspired by vintage aesthetics, and prefers neutral colors that pair well with everything.
Wear it the way McQueen would
“I love the heritage vibe here—the quilting pattern is an homage to classic American outerwear, the kind you could picture McQueen sporting on his ranch in Santa Paula,” says Allen. He would layer it over a vintage-inspired sweater, like Marine Layer’s Archive Donner Sweater, with a chambray or denim shirt underneath and some washed denim jeans. For a dressed-up look, “I’d go with pull-on boots,” but if he wanted to keep it casual, like Anderson, “a pair of Made-in-USA New Balances would do the trick.”
Get Your De Niro On
For model and brand consultant Leon Cerrone, “The humble gilet (vest) is hands down one of my favorite items of clothing.” In his vests, he looks for four things: color, collar, volume (puffiness), and an essential double-zip. This one from Kestin is an easy choice for him. “I sometimes like to wear a denim jacket underneath and pop the collar over the gilet,” he adds. Cerrone’s current winter style inspiration is Robert De Niro in The Deer Hunter. With this vest, he says, “I’m loving a thermal underneath a heavy flannel from Wythe,” and he recommends styling them with some worn-in denim, Red Wings, and a beanie.
We don’t often think of Robert De Niro in The Deer Hunter as a style icon; there are other things going on in that film that usually draw our attention away from the fits, most notably the amount of Russian Roulette the men are forced to play by thier Viet Cong captors. Nevertheless, Cerrone has a point. The fit works. Look for yourself.
The monotony breaker
Wearing the same jacket day after day during the colder months can make even the 5 PM sunsets feel endless. A vest offers a stylish way to break the monotony. This quilted vest, made from durable ripstop nylon with a vintage-inspired fit, is as warm as it gets. The deep navy color is versatile, pairing well with browns, greens, and creams. Layer a cardigan underneath for added insulation, while the workwear pants complement the vest perfectly. Round-toe boots and an oat-colored beanie are practical yet elevate the look with their functionality and subtle hues.
Vest 3: Sartorial Vests are Tomorrow’s Classics
What to look for
These vests maintain their rugged appeal but can now be styled in more elevated ways. While you’ll still find materials like waxed canvas and fleece, look for them in new interpretations—such as garment-dyed finishes or reimagined designs inspired by classic military pieces, a staple in much of menswear.
This modern take adds versatility, making these vests suitable for both casual and more refined outfits. “It’s always the Goldilocks dilemma,” says Michael Williams, founder of the blog and newsletter A Continuous Lean. Williams adds, “The ability to layer is what makes fall dressing elite,” explaining that he looks for vests that aren’t too thick, so he can layer them comfortably with a sweater, shirt, and other pieces.
The quilted vest that can be dressed up or down
This one from Taion can be worn over a sweater with just about anything. Vests are incredibly versatile—they work for dinner outings or a morning coffee run. “I especially love a vest for travel because it bridges two climates, like New York and Los Angeles,’ says Williams.”
Vests make for a great midlayer
Vests are typically designed to be worn as your outermost layer, but styled right, they can also serve as a go-to mid-layer for when the temperatures become unbearable. A wool overcoat should be a staple in every guy’s closet—it’s warm as hell and made to be thrown over your entire outfit, hence the name.
A sleeker, less bulky vest like this one is perfect for layering, though it can stand on its own on warmer days, thanks to its waxed cotton construction. Pair it with a denim shirt and corduroy pants, and you’ve got all the autumnal tones and textures of the season. Add a chunkier-soled boot for those slush-stomping days and some polarized sunnies to shield yourself from the gusty wind.
