Once solely reserved for octogenarians, private school-goers, and frequenters of Mar-a-Lago, the once frumpy sweater vest has become a bonafide sartorial staple. Much like dad sneakers, socks and sandals, and half-zip sweaters, the narrative of the sweater vest has undergone a seismic shift, transforming from a daggy throw-on piece of a viable style statement.
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And we couldn’t be happier about it. After all, the sweater vest has all the makings of a style icon. Cosy material? Check. Versatile? Check. Transseasonal? Check. Styled over a shirt or alone, the humble sweater vest can be adapted to a number of climates and dress codes. Whether you pair yours with a billowy shirt and flowing pinstripe trousers à la Harry Styles, or make like Bella Hadid and exercise the right to bare arms, the sweater vest quite simply works.
Plus, unlike their sleeved cousins, sweater vests don’t have the tendency to appear bulky when worn over t-shirts, shirts, or turtlenecks, making them the ideal layering companion. To avoid looking dowdy, opt to pair baggy iterations of the look with form-fitting pants or a slip skirt and team cropped, tighter variations with tailored trousers or high-waisted jeans. Alternatively, go a different route and try wearing a knit vest or waistcoat under a suit.
These are the best 9 sweater vests to nail the sleeveless knit trend with.
1. Holzweiler Hafjell Tie-detailed Ribbed Wool-blend Turtleneck Sweater
2. Gucci Striped Intarsia Wool Tank
3. The Frankie Shop Josephine Knit Vest
4. Zara Textured Weave Top
5. The Frankie Shop Jules Cable Knit Sweater Vest
6. Miu Miu Crystal-Embellished Wool Tank
7. Burberry Cut-out Detail Argyle Technical Wool Jacquard Vest
8. H&M Rib Knit Vest
9. GANNI Cashmere Knit Vest
Words by Theo Rosen
