How To Wear A Summer Vest For Men
A men’s vest has commonly served as a functional item of clothing, an undergarment below a formal shirt and tie combo, a loungewear choice when relaxing at home, or when hitting your fitness goals at the gym. However, when summer lands, the humble vest comes out guns blazing as a fashionable wardrobe choice. In my latest post, I will share how to rock this sleeveless number! Carry on reading for more.
Vests for men have unfortunately attracted a negative stigma over the years (especially a white colourway), long associated with unfavourable monikers. This representation slowly came about through various depictions in TV, movies, and the wider media. There isn’t a single catalyst, but Marlon Brando in A Streetcar Named Desire (and his brutal depiction of Stanley Kowalski regularly wearing a white vest), along with numerous 70s/80s cop shows in which a criminal would often sport this sleeveless attire, didn’t help its cause!
Summer Vest – A Holiday Essential
However, times move on, and opinions change – fast-forward to the 2020s and the vest is considered a wardrobe essential once more (especially when you are enjoying the blistering heat when on holiday!). There is always room for the classic white/grey/black cotton variants; however, a summer vest (also called a knitted sleeveless top) is a halfway point between sportswear and hot-weather tailoring. As a rule, a summer vest offers a low front, showing off the chest, and is constructed using a close-knit fabric design (which allows the air to flow freely when the heat is heavy!).
These knitted sleeveless pieces are available in a wide variety of colours, but the quintessential options would be beige, tan, cream, brown, olive, and of course white (all of which are highly suitable for your beach vacation). Plus, its loose fit means it won’t stick to your body (which can make it hard to remove in a pinch!), so you can pull it off quickly when you want to sunbathe or jump into the pool or sea.
In the following section, I will share how I styled a summer vest during a recent trip to the beautifully hot island of Lanzarote.
My Summer Vest Outfit
Vest
I grabbed an off-white knitted vest from my luggage, featuring a plunge neckline and fairly roomy armholes (so your skin can soak up plenty of sunshine and extra tan!). The knit-style construction provided a semi-transparent effect (ideal if you have some tattoos to show off – like my black and red abstract designs on my chest and back).
In some respects, it can be hard to find a quality summer vest that looks the part, offers a relaxed fit, and is at a reasonable price point – fortunately, this is where Shein hits the mark! They offer an abundance of styles like mine (nevertheless, your mileage may vary, as some were ill-fitting, too tight, or just plain poor quality!). Alternatively, ASOS sometimes has similar options, but be prepared to pay a little extra!
Shorts
I paired the sleeveless top with relaxed-fitting shorts in a pre-washed grey colourway (also from Shein – but when I fly abroad, I’m more than happy to stock up on budget fashion, in case they get ruined). Once upon a time, I preferred a fitted (even tight!) look, but as I got older, comfort is king. Plus, you can fit all your essentials (i.e. phone/cash/cards) in your pockets without creating an unsightly bulge!
Sneakers
Footwear-wise, I slipped on a pair of Grey Adidas sneakers (Grand Court Base 00) in a striking light grey-and-white combo, which perfectly complemented my off-white top and charcoal grey shorts. When away, I play it safe with comfortable trainers so you can walk for miles without issue (the last thing you want is painful feet, rubbing, or blisters!). I actually purchased these from Amazon (another bargain!), but you can easily pick up a similar pair from Sports Direct, END, or directly from Adidas (who, as you can imagine, have a vast amount of choice available).
Accessories
Finally, we have the accessories (the icing on the cake for any outfit!). Jewellery was my first point of call, with a mix of silver (rings and a cuff), a brown/gold extra ring for contrast, and a fabric bracelet in off-white. Next up, my Apple Watch with a custom brown leather strap (so I can keep my steps and fitness goals in check, even when on holiday), which blends classic materials with modern-day tech. Lastly (but by no means least), a pair of sunglasses (Ray-Ban RB4451 in transparent acetate plastic) to defend my eyes from the sun’s UV rays, and the ultimate finishing touch to any holiday attire.
Location – Lanzarote
I wore this summer vest ensemble during our holiday to Lanzarote (in the Canary Islands). The weather was fantastic (super hot), and we enjoyed our private pool pretty much every day to top up the tan! The shots were taken just outside the private villa, taking advantage of the beautiful early-morning golden hue (just before the sun was in full effect). The grey/brown tones of the background (plus the breathtaking mountain in the shot) were the ideal complement to my hot-weather outfit.
Although I often only wear certain outfits just for a “shoot”, I actually wore this getup regularly during our 7-day vacation. In fact, I even slipped it on for the flight back, as it offered unparalleled comfort and let me stretch my legs without any unwanted constriction. That said, it was a tad chilly upon returning to the UK (specifically Glasgow Airport), when I had to quickly scramble for a hooded top to throw on, typically hidden away at the bottom of my suitcase!
It’s unfortunate that this type of look is frowned upon back home; you can largely get away with a solid-coloured vest (in the right circumstances), but a knitted sleeveless top would get some “judging” looks from passersby, unless you hit a UK coast. Otherwise, pack it safely away till your next journey to the sun-kissed beaches of Europe or beyond.
What are your thoughts on my latest style guide? Are you a fan of summer vests? Are they your go-to options for trips abroad? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.
