Vest or waistcoat: what to order
A note on the word
In American English a vest is the sleeveless layer worn over a shirt. In British English that is a waistcoat, and a vest is an undershirt. This collection uses the American sense: every piece here is outerwear, made to be seen.
| Type | Structure | Worn over | Reads as |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brocade waistcoat | Tailored, buttoned | Shirt | Gothic, formal |
| Strap vest | Straps and buckles | T-shirt or bare | Punk, harness-adjacent |
| Utility vest | Panels, pockets | Long sleeve | Street punk |
| Sleeveless jacket | Zipped, structured | T-shirt | Biker punk |
Sizing
Asian sizing runs roughly one size below EU and US for women, two for men. Tailored waistcoats have the least ease across the chest, so size up if you fall between measurements. Strap styles adjust and are far more forgiving.
Frequently asked
- Is a punk vest the same as a waistcoat?
- In American English yes. Everything in this collection is outerwear, worn over something.
- Can a vest be worn on its own?
- Strap and PU styles are designed to be. Brocade waistcoats are cut to sit over a shirt.
- Are the vests unisex?
- Some strap styles are. Tailored waistcoats are cut differently for the men's and women's ranges.
- Do PunkRave vests run small?
- Yes, one size below EU and US for women, around two for men. Order from the chest measurement.