Double Breasted WaistCoats (Vest)

Waistcoat is a sleeveless garment with buttons in the front. It is worn usually over a shirt or as a part of a three-piece suit. Coat is worn above it and thus waistcoat for men is part of formal clothing. Traditional waistcoats for men are different from today’s as the traditional ones used be embroidered, colored and had applique work. Although these are still there for if you talk about formal dressing then the traditional men’s waistcoats are not part of it.

The term “waistcoat” derives from the fact that the coat is cut at waist level. In countries other than India like Canada and US, a men’s waistcoat is called as Vest. It refers to the third piece of a three-piece male suit, to distinguish the men’s waistcoat from other types of vests. In UK, it is called waistcoat. During the Restoration of the British monarchy, King Charles II of Great Britain introduced the waistcoat as a part of correct dress.