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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Dec 05, 2023
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Comparison Chart
General Definition
Any sleeveless upper-body garment
Specifically a formal garment as part of a suit
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Dec 05, 2023
Material and Use
Can be made of various materials, used casually or formally
Traditionally made of finer materials for formal wear
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Dec 05, 2023
Design Variety
Ranges from casual to formal, includes various styles
Tailored, buttoned, and part of formal attire
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Dec 05, 2023
Terminology in English
In American English, includes formal waistcoats
In British English, refers specifically to formal suit vests
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Dec 05, 2023
Functionality
Broad functionality, including fashion and utility
Primarily a formal fashion accessory
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Dec 05, 2023
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Vest and Waistcoat Definitions
Vest
A sleeveless garment worn on the upper body.
He wore a leather vest on his motorcycle ride.
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Nov 27, 2023
Waistcoat
A tailored vest with buttons, worn over a dress shirt.
He buttoned up his waistcoat for the wedding.
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Nov 27, 2023
Vest
A protective or functional garment.
The construction worker wore a high-visibility vest.
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Nov 27, 2023
Waistcoat
A formal sleeveless garment, part of a suit.
His waistcoat was a key part of his three-piece suit.
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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.
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Oct 19, 2023
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Waistcoat
An elegant, often decorative, upper-body garment.
The vintage waistcoat had intricate embroidery.
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Nov 27, 2023
Vest
A waist-length, sleeveless garment worn for protection
A warm down vest.
A bulletproof vest.
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Oct 19, 2023
Waistcoat
A garment typically worn for formal occasions.
The groomsmen wore matching navy waistcoats.
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Nov 27, 2023
Vest
A fabric trim worn to fill in the neckline of a woman's garment; a vestee.
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Oct 19, 2023
Waistcoat
A classic component of men's formal wear.
His silk waistcoat added a touch of elegance to his outfit.
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Nov 27, 2023
Waistcoat
Chiefly British A short, sleeveless, collarless garment worn especially over a shirt and often under a suit jacket; a vest.
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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.
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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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Waistcoat
A sleeveless, collarless garment worn over a shirt and under a suit jacket.
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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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Vest
To become legally vested
Stock options that vest after the second year of employment.
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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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Vest
(British) A sleeveless garment, often with a low-cut neck, usually worn under a shirt or blouse.
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Oct 19, 2023
Vest
A sleeveless top, typically with identifying colours or logos, worn by an athlete or member of a sports team.
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Oct 19, 2023
Vest
Any sleeveless outer garment, often for a purpose such as identification, safety, or storage.
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Oct 19, 2023
Vest
A loose robe or outer garment worn historically by men in Arab or Middle Eastern countries.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Vest
Any outer covering; array; garb.
Not seldom clothed in radiant vestDeceitfully goes forth the morn.
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Oct 19, 2023
Vest
Specifically, a waistcoat, or sleeveless body garment, for men, worn under the coat.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Vest
Provide with power and authority;
They vested the council with special rights
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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
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Oct 19, 2023
Vest
A casual or formal sleeveless top.
She chose a silk vest for the summer event.
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Nov 27, 2023
Vest
A fashion accessory in formal attire.
He complemented his suit with a matching vest.
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Nov 27, 2023
Vest
A garment for additional warmth or style.
She layered her outfit with a knitted vest.
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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.
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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.
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Dec 05, 2023
Is a waistcoat a fashion statement?
Yes, a waistcoat can be a key fashion accessory in formal wear.
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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.
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Dec 05, 2023
Are waistcoats adjustable?
Many waistcoats have a back strap for adjusting the fit.
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Dec 05, 2023
Do vests have buttons?
Formal vests have buttons, but casual vests might not.
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Dec 05, 2023
Is a vest suitable for outdoor activities?
Certain types of vests are designed for outdoor and sporting activities.
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Dec 05, 2023
Are waistcoats only worn with suits?
Waistcoats are traditionally worn with suits but can be styled in contemporary fashion.
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Dec 05, 2023
Are vests part of professional attire?
Vests can be part of professional attire, especially in formal business settings.
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Dec 05, 2023
Can vests be sleeveless jackets?
Yes, some vests are designed as sleeveless jackets for additional warmth.
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Dec 05, 2023
Do waistcoats have pockets?
Many waistcoats have pockets, which can be functional or decorative.
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Dec 05, 2023
What materials are vests made of?
Vests can be made of various materials, including cotton, leather, and synthetic fabrics.
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Dec 05, 2023
Can women wear vests or waistcoats?
Yes, vests and waistcoats are worn by both men and women.
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Dec 05, 2023
Do waistcoats come in different colors?
Yes, waistcoats are available in a variety of colors and patterns.
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Dec 05, 2023
Are there different styles of vests?
Yes, vests come in various styles, including formal, casual, utility, and sporty designs.
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Dec 05, 2023
Can waistcoats be worn without a jacket?
Yes, waistcoats can be styled without a jacket for a more casual look.
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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.
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Dec 05, 2023
How should a waistcoat fit?
A waistcoat should fit snugly, with the bottom resting just above the waistband of the trousers.
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Dec 05, 2023
Is a waistcoat traditional wedding attire?
Waistcoats are commonly worn as part of traditional wedding attire.
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Dec 05, 2023
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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.
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