Vest facts for kids

A vest is a type of clothing worn on the upper part of your body. It does not have any sleeves.

In the United States, people usually call a vest a piece of clothing worn over a shirt. It's often part of a suit.

In Britain, a vest is a piece of clothing worn close to the skin, under other clothes. It's like an undershirt.

What is a Vest?

A vest is a simple piece of clothing that covers your torso but leaves your arms free. It can be worn for warmth, style, or for specific activities. The way people use the word "vest" can be different depending on where they live.

Vests in the United States

In the United States, when someone says "vest," they usually mean a sleeveless jacket. This can be a formal vest worn with a suit, often called a waistcoat. It can also be a casual vest, like a puffer vest for warmth, or a fishing vest with many pockets.

A man wearing an American vest over a shirt. In Britain, this might be called a waistcoat.

Vests in Britain

In Britain, the word "vest" means an undershirt. This is a light piece of clothing worn directly on the skin, under a shirt or jumper, to keep warm or absorb sweat. What Americans call a "vest" (like a suit vest) is usually called a "waistcoat" in Britain.

A man wearing a British vest, which is like an undershirt.

Different Kinds of Vests

Vests come in many styles and are used for different purposes.

Formal Vests (Waistcoats)

A formal vest, or waistcoat, is often worn with a suit. It adds a touch of style and warmth. These vests usually have buttons down the front and are made from nice fabrics like wool or silk.

Casual Vests

Many vests are worn for everyday activities.

• Puffer vests are thick and warm, filled with down or synthetic material, great for cold weather.
• Denim vests are made from jean material and are often worn as a fashion statement.
• Sweater vests are knitted vests, often worn over a shirt for a smart-casual look.

Specialty Vests

Some vests are designed for specific jobs or hobbies.

• Fishing vests have many pockets to hold fishing gear.
• Safety vests are often bright orange or yellow with reflective strips, worn by workers to be easily seen.
• Bulletproof vests are special vests designed to protect against bullets.

Related pages

• Bulletproof vest

Images for kids

• 

  A young man wearing a modern waistcoat

• 

  Woman in a modern denim waistcoat.

• 

  Man wearing waistcoat without shirt

• 

  Man's sleeved waistcoat of silk woven to shape, 1747.

• 

  1800 British Male Court Coat and Waistcoat: Made of Embroidered Velvet and Satin

• 

  A traditional waistcoat, to be worn with a two-piece suit or separate jacket and trousers

• 

  1780-1795 American or European Silk Vest

• 

  1795-1800 American or European Silk Vest

• 

  1800-1815 American or European Silk Vest

• 

  1823 American or European Vest

• 

  1830-1849 American or European Vest

• 

  1838 American Silk, Cotton, Leather, Wool, Glass Evening Vest

• 

  1840 American or European Vest

• 

  1850 European Silk Vest

• 

  Mid-19th Century American Cotton Vest

• 

  Mid-19th Century American Linen and Wool Vest

• 

  1850-1889 American or European Vest

• 

  Circa 1870 American Silk Vest

• 

  1880 European Leather and Wool Vest

• 

  1885-1890 American or European Vest

• 

  1892 American Silk Vest

• 

  1930 Three-Piece Suit (worn by Al Capone)

• 

  Cut-Off Biker Vest

• 

  Sweater Vest

• 

  Fisherman's vest

• 

  French waistcoat in silk, circa 1750, LACMA.

• 

  French waistcoat in cotton, circa 1760, LACMA.

• 

  Child's Beaded Waistcoat, Sioux (Native American), late 19th or early 20th century, Brooklyn Museum

• 

  Guitarist Ruthie Morris of Magnapop wearing a leopard print vest on stage.

• 

  Joakim Brodén of Sabaton is known for wearing a distinctive vest with metal plates when performing with the band.

See also

In Spanish: Chaleco para niños