Ways To Wear A Quilted Vest

The quilted vest may not be a classic piece of tailoring, but it’s an increasingly relevant item in today’s more dressed-down environment. In some offices, it’s even taken the place of the suit jacket or sportcoat.

There are utilitarian reasons for the quilted vest’s popularity: its front pockets easily store smartphones and warm hands, and its zipper closure gives it an adjustable fit. The quilted vest’s insulating power makes it a helpful extra layer for the worst of winter, while its light weight allows it to be worn as outerwear through the early spring, fall and other shoulder seasons. 

Its diverse range of uses also means that the quilted vest can pair with a broad swath of your on-duty and off-duty wardrobe. Some of our favorite ways to wear a quilted vest are listed below:

Over a dress shirt with chinos 
This is the classic: a crisp dress shirt and a pair of chinos provide a business casual foundation for the quilted vest, allowing it to act as a casual sportcoat alternative.

Over a flannel shirt with jeans
This is the off-duty cousin of the look above; pair it with your favorite flannel shirt and denim for a casual look that’s equally at home in the city or the country. 

As a mid-layer between a dress shirt and a suit jacket
Whether it’s cold enough that you need an extra layer or warm enough that you can wear a suit without outerwear, you can add a little extra insulation by wearing a quilted vest between your dress shirt and a suit jacket.

Over a suit jacket 
It’s the same philosophy that guides the look above, only this time the quilted vest is worn over the jacket. When your topcoat is ready to retire for the season, allow your quilted vest to take over.