Vest vs. Waistcoat — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 30, 2023
A "Vest" is a sleeveless garment worn on the upper body, often under a suit jacket in the U.S. "Waistcoat" is the British term for the same garment. Both serve decorative and functional purposes.
Difference Between Vest and Waistcoat
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Key Differences
The terms "Vest" and "Waistcoat" refer to similar clothing items, but their usage is differentiated mainly by region. In American English, the term "Vest" is more prevalent and is understood as a sleeveless upper-body garment, typically worn under a suit jacket or alone for a casual look. On the contrary, "Waistcoat" is the term used in British English for the exact same piece of clothing, traditionally part of a man's formal attire, accompanying a suit or a tuxedo.
In the context of clothing, both Vest and Waistcoat serve the same function. They can act as an insulating layer, provide pockets for storage, or simply serve as a decorative element in a formal outfit. While the utility is the same, the terminology changes across the Atlantic. So, an American might compliment someone's "Vest" while a Brit would commend the "Waistcoat."
However, it's worth noting that the term "Vest" in British English can also denote a completely different clothing item: a sleeveless undergarment or tank top. This can lead to confusion for those not familiar with the regional nuances of the language. Therefore, while an American might wear a "Vest" over a shirt, a Brit might wear a "Vest" underneath.
Furthermore, both Vest and Waistcoat have been in fashion for centuries, with their styles and patterns evolving over time. From intricate brocade Waistcoats of the 18th century to modern sleek Vests in business attire, these garments have remained a staple in men's wardrobes. And while they are most commonly associated with men's fashion, women too have adopted the Vest/Waistcoat in various styles.
Comparison Chart
Region of Usage
Primarily American English
Primarily British English
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Refers to
Sleeveless garment worn over a shirt
Same as Vest; also an undergarment in UK
Worn With
Suits, alone, or with casual wear
Suits, tuxedos
Materials
Various including cotton, silk, wool
Same as Vest
Gender Association
Traditionally male but now both genders
Traditionally male but now both genders
Compare with Definitions
Vest
A protective garment worn to shield the body.
The construction worker wore a reflective vest for safety.
Waistcoat
Part of traditional men's formal attire.
The groom wore a tailored waistcoat for his wedding.
Vest
An insulating layer worn for added warmth.
During winter, he always wore a down vest.
Waistcoat
A sleeveless, collarless upper-body garment.
His waistcoat had intricate patterns stitched onto it.
Vest
A garment signifying authority or office.
The priest's vest was adorned with golden embroidery.
Waistcoat
A garment often with buttons down the front.
He adjusted the buttons on his waistcoat.
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.
Waistcoat
A decorative garment showcasing style and sophistication.
The bespoke waistcoat was the highlight of his ensemble.
Vest
A waist-length, sleeveless garment worn for protection
A warm down vest.
A bulletproof vest.
Waistcoat
An item worn under a suit jacket but over a shirt.
The silk waistcoat added elegance to his outfit.
Vest
A fabric trim worn to fill in the neckline of a woman's garment; a vestee.
Waistcoat
A waistcoat (UK and Commonwealth, or ; colloquially called a weskit), or vest (US), is a sleeveless upper-body garment. It is usually worn over a dress shirt and necktie and below a coat as a part of most men's formal wear.
Vest
Chiefly British An undershirt.
Waistcoat
A garment formerly worn by men under a doublet.
Vest
(Obsolete) An ecclesiastical vestment.
Waistcoat
Chiefly British A short, sleeveless, collarless garment worn especially over a shirt and often under a suit jacket; a vest.
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.
Waistcoat
An ornamental garment worn under a doublet.
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.
Waistcoat
A sleeveless, collarless garment worn over a shirt and under a suit jacket.
Vest
To clothe or robe, as in ecclesiastical vestments.
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.
Vest
To become legally vested
Stock options that vest after the second year of employment.
Waistcoat
A man's sleeveless garment worn underneath a coat
Vest
To dress oneself, especially in ecclesiastical vestments.
Vest
(North America) A sleeveless garment that buttons down the front, worn over a shirt, and often as part of a suit; a waistcoat.
Vest
(British) A sleeveless garment, often with a low-cut neck, usually worn under a shirt or blouse.
Vest
A sleeveless top, typically with identifying colours or logos, worn by an athlete or member of a sports team.
Vest
Any sleeveless outer garment, often for a purpose such as identification, safety, or storage.
Vest
A vestment.
Vest
Clothing generally; array; garb.
Vest
A loose robe or outer garment worn historically by men in Arab or Middle Eastern countries.
Vest
(chiefly passive) To clothe with, or as with, a vestment, or garment; to dress; to robe; to cover, surround, or encompass closely.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Vest
(obsolete) To invest; to put.
To vest money in goods, land, or houses
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.
Vest
Any outer covering; array; garb.
Not seldom clothed in radiant vestDeceitfully goes forth the morn.
Vest
Specifically, a waistcoat, or sleeveless body garment, for men, worn under the coat.
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.
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.
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.
Vest
To invest; to put; as, to vest money in goods, land, or houses.
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.
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.
Vest
A man's sleeveless garment worn underneath a coat
Vest
A collarless men's undergarment for the upper part of the body
Vest
Provide with power and authority;
They vested the council with special rights
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
Vest
Become legally vested;
The property vests in the trustees
Vest
Clothe oneself in ecclesiastical garments
Vest
Clothe formally; especially in ecclesiastical robes
Vest
A sleeveless garment worn on the upper body.
He paired his suit with a blue vest.
Vest
A close-fitting waist-length garment.
She wore a leather vest to the concert.
Common Curiosities
What's the difference between a Vest and a tank top in the UK?
In the UK, a "Vest" can refer to what Americans call a tank top, while a "Waistcoat" is the formal sleeveless garment.
Are Vest and Waistcoat the same?
In the context of a sleeveless garment worn over a shirt, yes. However, regionally, "Vest" in the UK can also mean an undergarment.
Is a Waistcoat only for formal occasions?
While traditionally formal, waistcoats can also be styled for casual occasions.
Do all Waistcoats have buttons?
Most do, but there are variations in design.
Is it necessary to wear a tie with a Vest/Waistcoat?
No, it's a matter of personal style and the formality of the occasion.
Can a Vest be worn without a jacket?
Yes, Vests can be styled without jackets for a more casual look.
Are Vests and Waistcoats season-specific?
No, but material choice, like wool for winters or cotton for summers, can make them season-appropriate.
Can women wear Vests/Waistcoats?
Absolutely, both garments are worn by men and women.
Why are there pockets in a Waistcoat?
Traditionally for pocket watches, but now they serve both functional and decorative purposes.
Can you adjust the fit of a Vest/Waistcoat?
Yes, many have a strap at the back for fit adjustment.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
