Vest vs. Waistcoat: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A vest is a sleeveless garment worn on the upper body, while a waistcoat, in British English, refers specifically to a formal vest, often part of a suit.
Key Differences
A vest is a general term in American English for any sleeveless upper-body garment, including casual and formal styles, whereas a waistcoat in British English specifically denotes a formal garment worn with a suit.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Vests can be functional or fashion items, made of various materials, and are not limited to formal wear. Waistcoats, however, are traditionally made of finer materials and are part of formal attire.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
In terms of design, vests can range from outdoor gear to sports wear, while waistcoats are characterized by their tailored fit, buttons, and often a back strap to adjust the fit.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
The term vest in American English is synonymous with the British waistcoat when referring to formal suit attire. However, in British English, a vest can refer to a simple undershirt, which is different from the American usage.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Both vests and waistcoats can be accessories in formal fashion, but vests have a broader range of styles and uses in different contexts, compared to the more specific and formal nature of waistcoats.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
General Definition
Any sleeveless upper-body garment
Specifically a formal garment as part of a suit
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Material and Use
Can be made of various materials, used casually or formally
Traditionally made of finer materials for formal wear
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Design Variety
Ranges from casual to formal, includes various styles
Tailored, buttoned, and part of formal attire
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Terminology in English
In American English, includes formal waistcoats
In British English, refers specifically to formal suit vests
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Functionality
Broad functionality, including fashion and utility
Primarily a formal fashion accessory
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Vest and Waistcoat Definitions
Vest
A sleeveless garment worn on the upper body.
He wore a leather vest on his motorcycle ride.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 27, 2023
Waistcoat
A tailored vest with buttons, worn over a dress shirt.
He buttoned up his waistcoat for the wedding.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 27, 2023
Vest
A protective or functional garment.
The construction worker wore a high-visibility vest.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 27, 2023
Waistcoat
A formal sleeveless garment, part of a suit.
His waistcoat was a key part of his three-piece suit.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 27, 2023
Vest
A sleeveless garment, often having buttons down the front, worn usually over a shirt or blouse and sometimes as part of a three-piece suit.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Waistcoat
An elegant, often decorative, upper-body garment.
The vintage waistcoat had intricate embroidery.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 27, 2023
Vest
A waist-length, sleeveless garment worn for protection
A warm down vest.
A bulletproof vest.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Waistcoat
A garment typically worn for formal occasions.
The groomsmen wore matching navy waistcoats.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 27, 2023
Vest
A fabric trim worn to fill in the neckline of a woman's garment; a vestee.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Waistcoat
A classic component of men's formal wear.
His silk waistcoat added a touch of elegance to his outfit.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 27, 2023
Waistcoat
Chiefly British A short, sleeveless, collarless garment worn especially over a shirt and often under a suit jacket; a vest.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Vest
To place (authority, property, or rights, for example) in the control of a person or group, especially to give someone an immediate right to present or future possession or enjoyment of (an estate, for example). Used with in
Vested his estate in his daughter.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Vest
To invest or endow (a person or group) with something, such as power or rights. Used with with
Vested the council with broad powers.
Vests its employees with full pension rights after five years of service.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Waistcoat
A sleeveless, collarless garment worn over a shirt and under a suit jacket.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Waistcoat
A short, sleeveless coat or garment for men, worn under the coat, extending no lower than the hips, and covering the waist; a vest.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Vest
To become legally vested
Stock options that vest after the second year of employment.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Vest
(North America) A sleeveless garment that buttons down the front, worn over a shirt, and often as part of a suit; a waistcoat.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Vest
(British) A sleeveless garment, often with a low-cut neck, usually worn under a shirt or blouse.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Vest
A sleeveless top, typically with identifying colours or logos, worn by an athlete or member of a sports team.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Vest
Any sleeveless outer garment, often for a purpose such as identification, safety, or storage.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Vest
A loose robe or outer garment worn historically by men in Arab or Middle Eastern countries.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Vest
(chiefly passive) To clothe with, or as with, a vestment, or garment; to dress; to robe; to cover, surround, or encompass closely.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Vest
To clothe with authority, power, etc.; to put in possession; to invest; to furnish; to endow; followed by with and the thing conferred.
To vest a court with power to try cases of life and death
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Vest
To place or give into the possession or discretion of some person or authority; to commit to another; with in before the possessor.
The power of life and death is vested in the king, or in the courts.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Vest
(legal) To clothe with possession; also, to give a person an immediate fixed right of present or future enjoyment of.
To vest a person with an estate
An estate is vested in possession
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Vest
(of an inheritance or a trust fund) To devolve upon the person currently entitled when a prior interest has ended.
Upon the death of the Sovereign the Crown automatically vests in the next heir without the need of coronation or other formality.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Vest
To become vested, to become permanent.
My pension vests at the end of the month and then I can take it with me when I quit.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Vest
An article of clothing covering the person; an outer garment; a vestment; a dress; a vesture; a robe.
In state attended by her maiden train,Who bore the vests that holy rites require.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Vest
Any outer covering; array; garb.
Not seldom clothed in radiant vestDeceitfully goes forth the morn.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Vest
Specifically, a waistcoat, or sleeveless body garment, for men, worn under the coat.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Vest
To clothe with, or as with, a vestment, or garment; to dress; to robe; to cover, surround, or encompass closely.
Came vested all in white, pure as her mind.
With ether vested, and a purple sky.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Vest
To clothe with authority, power, or the like; to put in possession; to invest; to furnish; to endow; - followed by with before the thing conferred; as, to vest a court with power to try cases of life and death.
Had I been vested with the monarch's power.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Vest
To place or give into the possession or discretion of some person or authority; to commit to another; - with in before the possessor; as, the power of life and death is vested in the king, or in the courts.
Empire and dominion was [were] vested in him.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Vest
To clothe with possession; as, to vest a person with an estate; also, to give a person an immediate fixed right of present or future enjoyment of; as, an estate is vested in possession.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Vest
To come or descend; to be fixed; to take effect, as a title or right; - followed by in; as, upon the death of the ancestor, the estate, or the right to the estate, vests in the heir at law.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Vest
Provide with power and authority;
They vested the council with special rights
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Vest
Place (authority, property, or rights) in the control of a person or group of persons;
She vested her vast fortune in her two sons
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Vest
A casual or formal sleeveless top.
She chose a silk vest for the summer event.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 27, 2023
Vest
A fashion accessory in formal attire.
He complemented his suit with a matching vest.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 27, 2023
Vest
A garment for additional warmth or style.
She layered her outfit with a knitted vest.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 27, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a vest?
A vest is a sleeveless garment worn on the upper body, either as casual wear or part of formal attire.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Are vests and waistcoats the same?
In American English, a vest is the same as a waistcoat in British English when referring to formal attire.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Is a waistcoat a fashion statement?
Yes, a waistcoat can be a key fashion accessory in formal wear.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
How is a waistcoat defined?
A waistcoat is a formal sleeveless garment, typically part of a suit, with buttons and a tailored fit.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Are waistcoats adjustable?
Many waistcoats have a back strap for adjusting the fit.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Do vests have buttons?
Formal vests have buttons, but casual vests might not.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Is a vest suitable for outdoor activities?
Certain types of vests are designed for outdoor and sporting activities.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Are waistcoats only worn with suits?
Waistcoats are traditionally worn with suits but can be styled in contemporary fashion.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Are vests part of professional attire?
Vests can be part of professional attire, especially in formal business settings.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Can vests be sleeveless jackets?
Yes, some vests are designed as sleeveless jackets for additional warmth.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Do waistcoats have pockets?
Many waistcoats have pockets, which can be functional or decorative.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
What materials are vests made of?
Vests can be made of various materials, including cotton, leather, and synthetic fabrics.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Can women wear vests or waistcoats?
Yes, vests and waistcoats are worn by both men and women.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Do waistcoats come in different colors?
Yes, waistcoats are available in a variety of colors and patterns.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Are there different styles of vests?
Yes, vests come in various styles, including formal, casual, utility, and sporty designs.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Can waistcoats be worn without a jacket?
Yes, waistcoats can be styled without a jacket for a more casual look.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
What is a vest called in British English?
In British English, a vest can refer to an undershirt, while a formal vest is called a waistcoat.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
How should a waistcoat fit?
A waistcoat should fit snugly, with the bottom resting just above the waistband of the trousers.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Is a waistcoat traditional wedding attire?
Waistcoats are commonly worn as part of traditional wedding attire.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Hifza Nasir
