Matching Vests, Jackets: A Guide

When it comes to styling a vest with a sports coat, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to choose a vest that complements the colour of your sports coat. While you can opt for a matching vest and sports coat set, it is also possible to create an eye-catching look by choosing a vest in a contrasting colour or pattern. If you do decide to mix and match, be sure to consider the material of your vest and sports coat, aiming for a cohesive look by pairing similar fabrics and weights.

The fit of your vest is also crucial to nailing this look. A well-fitting vest should be slim and tapered at the waist, with high armholes and a length that covers your whole waist, falling about 1 inch below your trouser waistline. This will create a clean, uninterrupted line and help to elongate your body.

Lastly, don't forget to consider the small details such as the buttons and pockets on your vest, ensuring they are of good quality and complement the overall style of your outfit. With these tips in mind, you'll be sure to create a polished and sophisticated look with your vest and sports coat combination.

Choose the right vest and jacket

Choosing the right vest and jacket is a matter of style and occasion. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect combination:

• Fabric and Material – It is generally recommended that the vest and jacket are made from the same fabric and material. This creates a cohesive and refined look. However, in casual settings, you can mix things up by combining different fabrics and materials. For instance, you could pair a wool jacket with a knitted waistcoat or a leather vest with a tweed jacket.
• Colour Coordination – Colour coordination is essential when selecting a vest and jacket combination. The vest should complement the jacket and can be used to create a unique and personalised look. For a more conservative approach, choose a vest in the same colour as the jacket, such as a navy vest with a navy jacket. If you want to experiment, you can opt for a contrasting colour, like a pale yellow vest with a royal blue jacket for a spring wedding.
• Pattern Mixing – When mixing patterns, it is crucial to maintain consistency. Pair larger patterns with smaller ones, such as a pinstripe jacket with a micro-herringbone vest. Alternatively, you can mix solids with patterns, like a solid-coloured jacket with a lightly patterned vest.
• Tone-on-Tone – Tone-on-tone combinations can be risky but effective. It is important to maintain colour consistency, pairing light colours with light colours and bright colours with bright colours. For example, a light grey jacket can be matched with dark grey trousers.
• Formal vs. Casual – The formality of the occasion will dictate your choice of vest and jacket. For formal events like weddings or business meetings, it is best to stick to traditional colour combinations and avoid flashy patterns. For casual occasions, you have more freedom to experiment with colours, patterns, and fabrics.
• Layering – Consider the other layers in your outfit, such as shirts and ties. The vest should complement these layers and create a harmonious look. For instance, a white dress shirt is often the best choice to pair with a vest and jacket combination.

Choose a contrast colour to match your vest and jacket

When choosing a contrast colour to match your vest and sports coat, it's important to consider the colour wheel and the concepts of hue, saturation and brightness. The natural order of colours on the wheel is red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. While the most common theory suggests matching opposites, such as blue with orange or green with red, these combinations might be too bold for a vest and jacket pairing. Instead, opt for colours that complement each other.

If you're wearing a royal blue sports coat, for instance, a pale yellow vest would be a stunning contrast, especially for a spring wedding. A white vest also works well with a darker-coloured jacket. Sand, beige or light grey vests are other good options to pair with darker jackets.

If you're wearing a navy jacket, a brown vest is a good contrasting colour. You can also try a grey vest, which goes well with navy, black and red. If red isn't your colour, swap it out for burgundy.

For a black jacket, a black vest is the most versatile option, suitable for both formal and casual occasions. However, be careful when pairing black pieces, as the shades might not be exactly the same. A grey vest can also work with a black jacket for a more relaxed look.

When choosing a contrast colour, it's important to maintain a cohesive palette. Typically, you would choose two different colours of the three colour properties (hue, saturation or brightness) but keep the third property consistent. This will create a 'theme' of colours that complement each other.

Bring your look together

Now that you've chosen the right vest and jacket, it's time to bring your look together. Here are some tips to help you do that:

• Choose a complementary colour for your shirt and trousers: If you've opted for a brown vest and jacket, for example, you could choose a blue shirt and trousers to complement it. Alternatively, you could go for a lighter shade of brown or a contrasting colour like grey or navy.
• Consider the occasion: While a vest and jacket can be dressed up or down, it's important to consider the formality of the event you'll be attending. For example, if you're going to a wedding, you might want to opt for a more formal look, whereas if you're just going out for a casual drink, you could experiment with more colourful or patterned vests.
• Pay attention to the small details: The devil is in the detail, so make sure you pay attention to the small things like choosing the right shoes, belt, and pocket square to match your vest and jacket. For example, if you're wearing a brown vest and jacket, you could choose a pair of dark brown shoes to tie the look together.
• Experiment with different styles: Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles of vests and jackets. For example, you could try a double-breasted vest or a vest with a shawl lapel. Just make sure that the vest and jacket fit you well and are made from high-quality materials.
• Layer with a waistcoat: If you're looking for an extra layer of warmth or just want to switch up your look, consider adding a waistcoat to your vest and jacket ensemble. Waistcoats come in various styles and colours, so you can find one that complements your vest and jacket.

Vests offer versatility

Vests offer a lot of versatility in terms of style, fabric, and design, making them a great addition to your wardrobe. They can be worn for formal or informal occasions and can be layered with other clothing items to create different looks.

When it comes to colour, it's best to opt for neutral tones like black, navy, and grey as these are the most versatile and can be paired with various outfits. However, don't be afraid to experiment with patterns and textures to add a unique twist to your look. You can also try out different fabrics like wool, cotton, linen, or synthetic blends to find what suits you best and is appropriate for the climate you live in.

Vests are excellent layering pieces and can be combined with sweaters, scarves, or jackets to create stylish and functional outfits suitable for various weather conditions. For a polished look, men can layer a vest over a dress shirt and beneath a blazer, while women can pair vests with dresses or tailored trousers.

The beauty of vests is that they can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. In professional settings, they contribute to a smart and put-together appearance, enhancing your overall presence and credibility. For casual weekends, opt for a relaxed-fit vest paired with jeans or shorts for a stylish yet comfortable look.

Vests are also perfect for outdoor activities as they provide mobility and comfort. Performance-oriented vests designed specifically for this purpose are a great choice.

The key to finding the right vest for you is to consider your body type, colour preferences, and the type of occasions you plan to wear it to. Experiment with different fits and styles to find what flatters your silhouette the best. Remember, vests are versatile and suitable for all genders, so there's definitely a vest out there for everyone!

Vests are easy to tailor

The length of the vest is also important. It should cover the waistband of your trousers and never let your shirt show between the vest and trousers. If your vest is riding up a bit high, a skilled tailor can lower the neckline for you.

Taking in the sides of a vest is a simple alteration, and a good tailor can compensate for any changes to the armholes. Shortening a vest is more challenging and should only be attempted by a skilled tailor. It will likely require re-cutting and finishing, making it a costly alteration.

While vests are generally easy to tailor, there are some alterations that are difficult or impossible. Lengthening a vest is usually not possible, as there is rarely extra fabric built into the sides. Vests also cannot be let out, as this would require adding fabric that isn't there.

When in doubt, consult a professional tailor. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action to ensure your vest fits you perfectly.

Frequently asked questions