Men's suit vests

The third piece

The waistcoat, sleeveless and fastened at the front, is the third piece of the three-piece suit, along with the jacket and trousers. It is worn under the jacket, over the shirt, and adds immediate elegance, especially for weddings and ceremonies. Its back, often made from a finer and satin-like fabric, features an adjustable strap that fits the waistcoat to the body. It also keeps the shirt nicely in place, so that it doesn't come out of the trousers.

The rest of the formal wardrobe

Suit options also include:

• Suits.
• Blazers.
• Suit trousers.

The entire formal wardrobe is gathered on the suits page.

Wearing the waistcoat

Traditionally, the last button of the waistcoat is left undone, a custom attributed to King Edward VII of England, who supposedly started it for comfort reasons. The waistcoat should cover the waistband of the trousers: thus, one should wear trousers with a normal waist, not low-rise. With the jacket done up, only the top of the waistcoat shows; with the jacket open, it defines the silhouette. Worn alone, without a jacket, over a shirt with rolled-up sleeves, it gives a more relaxed look, favoured in the summer.

Choosing and matching

The waistcoat should be fitted, without pulling between the buttons or gaping at the armholes. It can be matched to the suit, like the Jack & Jones Theo, or contrasted, in a different colour or fabric, for a more original outfit. The elegant Michael Kors waistcoat and the sober but functional Sol's Max, often used for professional outfits in service and hospitality, complete the selection. Hang it on a hanger and take it to the dry cleaner with the suit.

Good deals

Good deals can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The key events of the year follow a stable order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the festive season, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by summer sales and the back-to-school season.

Frequently asked questions

Should I button the last button of a waistcoat?

No, tradition says that the last button on the bottom should remain open. This way, the waistcoat falls better on the waistband and allows the upper body to move freely when seated.

How to adjust a waistcoat to fit?

Use the adjustable strap at the back: it tightens the waistcoat at the waist so it hugs the body without wrinkling. The bottom of the waistcoat should cover the waistband of the trousers.

Can you wear a waistcoat without a jacket?

Yes, over a shirt, it gives an elegant yet relaxed look, ideal for a summer wedding or an evening out. Roll up the sleeves for a more casual style.

What colour waistcoat goes with a suit?

A waistcoat that matches the suit forms the classic three-piece look. A contrasting waistcoat, grey with a blue suit or beige with a brown suit, adds a personal touch for a ceremony.

What size waistcoat should I get?

Take the size of your jacket or your chest measurement. The waistcoat should be fitted without pulling at the buttons and should end just below the waist, without showing the shirt.