TextileGlossary.com
What is "Vest" - Definition & Explanation
Last Updated on: 15-Feb-2023 (1 year, 2 months, 11 days ago)
Share on Facebook • Share on Twitter
Vest
A vest is a type of men's garment. The term has different meanings in the United Kingdom and the United States.
In the UK, a vest is an undergarment typically taking the form of a white sleeveless T-shirt. When worn without anything on top, it may be jocularly referred to as a wifebeater, due to the stereotype of violent men as people who sit around in their underwear drinking beer.

A variant is the string vest which is constucted from a loosely woven string mesh. The string vest in particular is seen as having comic potential and is even more strongly associated older aged working class men.


A vest may also be worn as an outer garment in sports wear, especially in athletics. Advanced sports vests are made from hitech man-made materials designed to wick persperation away from the body and aid cooling.


In the US, the word vest is used to mean refer to what is referred to as a waistcoat in the UK. What the UK refers to as vests are called "undershirts" in the US. However, most undershirts in the US have sleeves and resemble T-shirts.
In this context, the vest is commonly associated with outdoor activities. The padded vest is popular apparel for hunting. Another common variant is the fishing vest which carries a profusion of external pockets for carrying fishing tackle
Vest
A vest is worn in place of a cummerbund to cover the waistband. A vest is usually worn with a coordinating bow tie. A vest comes in a full back, half back and open back.

Some other terms

Some more terms:

Zoot Suit 82
A zoot suit is a man's suit with wide-legged, tight-cuffed, or "pegged," trousers; a long coat with wide lapels, and wide, padded shoulders. It was described by one young fan at the time as "a...
Marseilles 38
Named after it's city of origin in France. It is identified by its raised woven pattern. This double-faced textile has a quilted appearance that is very elegant. Usually found in white, but other...
Sun Protection Factor SPF 39
SPF measures the effectiveness of sunscreen on the body. the test for SPF is done by using a living organism or body to measure the length of time it takes for the skin to redden without coverage or...
Briefs 116
Briefs are a type of men's underwear. It is Y-shaped and preferred for athletic activities. Briefs were first sold on 19 January 1935 by Coopers, Inc., in Chicago, Illinois. They dubbed the new...
Skant 704
A Revolutionary Addition to Textiles: SkantBrief History and OriginSkant, an innovative fusion of skirt and pants, has emerged as an intriguing addition to the textile and fashion industry. The term...

Add a definition

Add a definition for a textile term that you know about! Send us an email & tell us:
  • The term you want to define
  • Its definition in 500 words or less
  • Attach an image if necessary.
  • Optionally, tell us about yourself in 200 words or less!

Add a definition

Companies for Vest:

If you manufacture, distribute or otherwise deal in Vest, please fill your company details below so that we can list your company for FREE! Send us the following details:
  • Company name
  • Company address
  • Attach a logo, if necessary.
  • Optionally, tell us about yourself in 200 words or less!

Get Free Listing

(s) 2024 TextileGlossary.com Some rights reserved. • Sitemap