A waistcoat is a tight-fitting, sleeveless garment for the upper body, originally designed for men. It fastens with buttons or sometimes with a zip in front to the waist. The classic men's waistcoat is available in single or double breasted styles, designed to be worn under a suit or jacket over a classic button-down shirt with a tie. It is used as the third part of the traditional three-piece suit, tuxedo. In the White Tie and Black Tie dress code types, these are traditionally white and black vests, respectively.
The waistcoat remained fashionable in the early 20th century, but its popularity was declining. Instead of a symbol of decadence, the waistcoat was seen as nothing more than a functional piece of clothing to complement a formal three-piece suit to hold a pocket watch. With the spread of wristwatches, the vest has become a less sought-after element of the men's wardrobe. In the second half of the 20th century, vests were worn by entrepreneurs to work, they became popular among representatives of youth subcultures.
At the beginning of the 21st century, classic men's vests are worn with business suits by representatives of conservative professions, such as lawyers, bankers. Waterproof sports, fur vests are also widespread, which are often used as outerwear or professional uniforms. Such models are a universal element of everyday style and street fashion for men and women. Companies issue branded products for their employees and customers. custom logo vests, which serve as practical workwear, casual wear and effective brand advertising thanks to the presence of the logo.
17th century
The origin of the waistcoat can be traced back to the mid-17th century, when in October 1666 King Charles II of England introduced the waistcoat as part of the "proper dress" for men at court. The idea was very close to the design of the clothes previously seen in Persia and India. The king was convinced that gentlemen should wear more restrained, simple clothes with an eye for luxury and extravagance shown by the French court at that time, and thus sought to teach the nobility thrift.
Originally in the 17th century, the vest reached the knees, had a collar, sleeves to the elbows, and resembled a coat, but was more fitted. Vest styles have changed over the centuries, with long hem and sleeves eventually disappearing.
18th-19th century
By the 18th century, waistcoats had become much shorter, reaching above the knee, and only a few had collars or sleeves. The styles of sports vests had practically no hem. As the waistcoat became shorter, it also became more cropped along the curve in front, showing off the wearer's breeches. While richly embroidered waistcoats were fastened with hooks and loops, most models were fastened with buttons, like a coat.
Double-breasted vests were the most popular style in the first few decades of the 18th century and featured small flap pockets. By the middle of the century, instead of the old-style waistcoats with elbow-length sleeves, sleeveless models began to be made. The hem became much shorter and by 1790 was cut to the waist. Products sat more tightly on the figure.
Initially, in the 17th and 18th centuries, ornate vests in bright colors were in vogue, but gradually intricate embroidery, bright colors were replaced by more sober designs and colors. By the early 19th century, single-breasted waistcoats with small lapels came into fashion; fabrics with horizontal or vertical stripes predominated, especially if the item was finished with silk trim.
Men wore single-breasted, double-breasted, square-cut, waist-length, with turn-down collar, low stand-up collar, and flap pockets. Dandy at that time began to wear two vests at once. After the middle of the 19th century, vests became simpler in style, most of them were supplied with suits, and were not an expression of high status, wealth. At the end of the 19th century, vests designed for women became widespread.
