Reviewed & updated: October 19, 2022 by Jamie Wilson BA
Most guys keep their waistcoat tucked away in the back of the wardrobe, only to be worn to weddings and black tie events. Our guide will give you all you need to know about how you can make men’s waistcoats a wardrobe staple for every occasion! Ready to find out what is the right way to style a waistcoat? Keep on reading and find out more down below!
Can You Wear A 3 Piece Suit Without The Waistcoat?
Formal wear is not a one-size-fits-all. It is also important to style everything you own per your preference & your style. A three-piece suit contains:
- A jacket (blazer- can be casual, tweed, wool etc)
- A pair of pants/trousers (chinos or any other formal pants, not necessarily jeans since these are not your dress-up pants)
- A shirt (a classic dress shirt)
These two or three-piece suits are the most sold & loved kind. Men usually buy a whole packet deal, since they want everything to be in one place. Plus, it is way more convenient to shop for your business or formal menswear in one place, at once. Regarding the question on whether should you wear a three-piece suit along with your waistcoat, it may be best to wear it if is for the right occasion, or if it is during winter. A waistcoat will come in handy for business meetings, as well as proms & weddings. So yes, technically you can wear a three-piece suit without the waistcoat, but your suit can look a bit prettier when you wear a waistcoat on top.
Top 10 Ways How To Wear A Waistcoat: Different Waistcoat Designs
1. Brown Single Breasted Waistcoat
If you are into outfits that are very fashion-forward go for this waistcoat. It is the perfect old British wear and is the perfect piece of clothing for men who wish to stand out. You can pair the outfit with some interesting fabrics such as a stylish tie, sunglasses, or a watch. This combo is ideal for the office and is also appropriate for date night-outs if you want to come across as an old-fashion soul, and a true gentleman. If in need of layers, you can always aim for thicker cotton fabrics.
2. Navy Suit Grey Waistcoat For Formal Occasions
If you have no experience in pairing up smart shirts and formal outfits, go for this waistcoat. Grey & black are super easy to style & wear, and you can easily throw on a blue or navy suit/blazer on top. Avoid wearing black, gray or white if you are trying to make a strong first impression, but stick to these colors if you are wearing a waistcoat for the first time ever. You might also like this suit vest thanks to its both stylish and practical reasons.
3. Blue Suit Grey Waistcoat
If you love to wear blue blazers on top go for this muted blue/gray waistcoat underneath. Add your favorite accessories such as a stylish belt & go for some smart/formal shoes. You can add your favorite watch and finish off the look. It is suitable for everyone but is mostly ideal for men who are in their thirties or forties. This charcoal shade will look amazing with some black trousers and can make for a casual look. Aim for a tweed waistcoat on top to get that sharp style.
4. Grey Waistcoat Blue Suit Blue Shirt
If you love lighter pastel colors and you need something formal looking, this is it! Go for lighter shirts such as blue & white, and incorporate a bow tie or a regular tie to enjoy the day-to-day office look. Make sure you go for a double-breasted suit if you wish to look a bit bigger & masculine, and especially during the Fall & Winter season. The double-breasted suit is thicker, warmer, as well as more appropriate for colder days. This trend can also work well with a pair of denim, and even a simple t-shirt.
5. All Green Suit With Waistcoat
If you love brighter colors and you love green shirts go for this suit outfit combo. It is a beautiful & bold piece, especially ideal if you are into tailored smart wear. You can easily throw on some knitwear on top, or go for a popular square pocket detail. Also, make sure you have many different ties which you can wear & experiment with when you wear this suit. Ties can easily make any outfit work, as long as they are cohesive with the entire vibe of the outfit.
6. Black Waistcoat With Grey Shirt
Planning on wearing a waistcoat to your wedding or prom? Black is the most common go-to color. It is easy to style, and it looks beautiful on every body shape. If you love formal wear and you don’t like that street style, wear something like this to your next event. It is smart & casual at the same time. Aim for high-quality comfy garments, and opt for a proper suit jacket that can frame your body. If in the mood, you can also opt for a stylish colorful shawl and a pocket watch.
7. Grey Waistcoat With White Shirt & A red Tie
Many brands make beautiful & stylish red ties, but not that many of them are good with stylish jackets, blazers or waistcoats. This one comes in this beautiful gray color which you should wear during Summer. Lighter colors of your waistcoat such as gray, white & pastel blue are ideal for the summer seasons since these colors won’t attract the sun & will feel quite airy. Make sure you opt for the best pattern that suits you and try to wear your favorite pair of shoes with this OOTD.
8. Dark Grey Waistcoat With Check Print
Blue shirts & dark grey waistcoats look amazing when worn together. Wondering how to wear this outfit? Go for a yellow tie or any other brighter tie since it will add to your look. These outfits are often spotted on Pinterest and are worn with short sleeves or shirts which are not too bold, tacky or colorful.
Your Most Asked Questions: How To Wear A Waistcoat?
Q: Why Do You Leave The Bottom Button Undone On A Waistcoat?
A: Most men love to leave this button undone since it is way more comfy for them to sit & walk around. The bottom of the waistcoat can also wrinkle up if left buttoned, which can ruin your suit look. Usually, men who are a bit on a heavier side love to leave this button undone since it leaves way more space for their belly.
Q: Should A Waistcoat Cover The Belt?
A: Your waistcoat and your shirt should cover the entire lower back portion. This means that your belt should be covered at any point. If you are wondering how to achieve this simply leave your shirt untucked, and don’t go for short shirts, short suits or waistcoats. Ensemble the right outfit and watch out for your waist, sticking to the right texture that is within your comfort zone.
On That Note
So, how does it feel to read through our guide? Have you learned something? We feel like you can probably wear a waistcoat at any given point now, and that it will surely become your staple piece for your formal events. Men who love to dress-up & those who are getting married will love this clothing item. It is easy to style, it suits every body shape + it can look amazing in pictures! Just remember to shop for your proper size, leave the last button unbuttoned, and enjoy your suit with vest next time you’re off to any event!
