Vest, waistcoat or gilet: what to order
Vest, waistcoat or gilet?
The word changes meaning by country, which is why this collection is easy to mis-order. In American English a vest is the tailored sleeveless layer worn over a shirt. In British English that garment is a waistcoat, and a vest is an undershirt. This collection uses the American sense throughout: every piece here is outerwear, worn over something.
| Type | Structure | Worn over | Reads as |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brocade waistcoat | Tailored, buttoned | Dress shirt | Gothic, formal |
| Strap vest | Straps and buckles | T-shirt, bare | Punk, harness-adjacent |
| Utility vest | Panels and pockets | Long sleeve | Street punk |
| PU sleeveless jacket | Zipped, structured | T-shirt | Biker punk |
Sizing
Men's Asian sizing runs roughly two sizes below EU and US. Measure your chest and read the centimetre table on the product page. Tailored waistcoats have the least ease, so size up if you are between measurements.
Frequently asked
- Is a punk vest the same as a waistcoat?
- In American English, yes. In British English a waistcoat is this garment and a vest is an undershirt. Everything in this collection is outerwear.
- What do you wear under a punk vest?
- A shirt for the tailored waistcoats, a T-shirt or nothing for the strap and PU styles.
- Can a punk vest be worn on its own?
- The strap and PU styles are designed to be. Brocade waistcoats are cut to sit over a shirt.
- Do PunkRave vests run small?
- Yes, around two sizes below EU and US for men. Order from the chest measurement in centimetres.