What is a Sweater Vest?

A sweater vest is an article of clothing that is knitted, like a sweater, but has no sleeves, like a vest. As with short and long-sleeved sweaters, a vest can have any number of stitch patterns, such as cable or double moss, and can be made from any variety of yarns including cotton, wool, or polyester. Similarly, there are any number of styles that it may come in, including cardigan style, crew neck and V-neck.

In fashion trend history, the sweater vest has been around for decades and was particularly popular in the 1970s, especially in the UK. Typically paired with a button down oxford shirt, it was first popular with men’s fashion but has become a garment worn by both men and women. A sweater vest can be paired with a turtle neck shirt, a collared shirt, a T-shirt, or even a simple sleeveless shell. Though the it has seen many various fashion styles, for many, this item of clothing invokes images of a golfer or a high school math teacher.

In more recent fashion trends, the sweater vest has seen a revival as an accompaniment to a short-sleeved T-shirt. Argyle patterns are particularly popular, as are checkered and striped patterns. The vest is not uncommon to sports, as many golfers wear them and Jim Tressel, Ohio State University head football coach is a notable example of wearer. It is also common to see this clothing as part of a young boy’s dress attire, paired with a button down shirt, a tie, and casual dress pants. It is also a popular garment for knitting patterns, with a variety of styles including button and zip cardigan, being the most popular.

Many name brand manufacturers attach their label to the sweater vest including Ralph Lauren, L.L. Bean, and Levis Dockers. When shopping for one, consumers should remember that it can be paired with both casual and dressier attire, depending on the style. It should be cared for in the same way as any other type of sweater and will be reflected on the care label.