Whether it’s a business meeting, a wedding or a dinner date- you are all dressed up in an incredibly designed suit, and this is what you ask yourself before leaving your home: Am I well-dressed today? Do I look good? Is my look professional and profound? The art of dressing well is also a form of good manners.
The waistcoat is a portrait of male style, elegance and beauty. It is a gentlemanly attire that is worn with a tie. The suit waistcoats are stylish garments worn over the shirt, even without the blazer and tie. Waistcoats denote a sleeveless, informal and sporty item of clothing such as a sweater or jacket that is worn mostly over other clothing. Whether you’re skinny or built up, a waistcoat can be worn for various occasions. It proclaims itself as a new must-have for your winter wardrobe.
Waistcoat Styles
Single Breasted
It is a more commonly used variant with three to six evenly spaced buttons. Most people prefer single-breasted vests with five buttons. This popular style is timeless and looks flattering on every body shape. Generally, the more buttons you have on your waistcoat, the higher it will fasten on your chest. The waistcoat’s bottom is usually pointed, which has a flattering torso-lengthening effect.
Even if the event is not black tie, a waistcoat adds a hint of formality and enhances your overall look. For these situations, choose single-breasted waistcoat styles in slick fabrics.
Double Breasted
The double-breasted vest is more formal in style, with four to eight buttons. It has a more traditional and formal feel. Hence, it is very uncommon to wear a double-breasted waistcoat with something like a casual tweed suit. It is cold-weather appropriate since the double layering adds extra warmth. Most double-breasted waistcoats will have six buttons, with three that fasten. If you want to customise it, you could opt for an 4×2 or even 8×4. Like a single-breasted waistcoat, the more rows of buttons, the higher it will fasten on your chest.
A double-breasted waistcoat will have a straight bottom which is why the right length of the waistcoat is vital to avoid showing any shirt.
It is a personal preference- single button vs double buttons. The single style is a more contemporary choice, making it a dapper three-piece look for work. The double-breast style in peak, notch or shawl lapel is more traditional.
You can wear a double-breasted waistcoat for most occasions – from work to weddings, but you’d want to avoid them in the warmer months.
Waistcoat with a Lapel
When it is about lapels, any bespoke waistcoat can feature a lapel. When you want to make a fashion statement, a contrasting cloth such as velvet or satin can be used. A small line of hand stitching can be added to the edge of the lapel.
If a jacket is uncomfortable for you, this style is particularly appealing in warm climates. It can even be made with a buttonhole if you intend to wear a flower or lapel pin.
You can wear lapel waistcoats to more formal events like parties, dinners and business events.
If you’re still finding it difficult to style your ensemble, contact our style consultants at 03 9429 7617.
