If you go back far enough, it can be argued that the first
vest-like garment was worn by a caveman, made from animal skins and worn for
protection against the environment. Simply
put, the vest (Latin for clothing) is that which covers the upper part of the
body but omits the sleeves. [Add sleeves and it can be called a “jacket—” the
two are interchangeable; a coat is too large and bulky to do this—take out its
sleeves and it could never be a vest.]
In addition to its existence as an open bolero style in
warmer climates, or as a quilted more padded affair in northern Europe and Asia , the vest has been a familiar and mandatory part of
dress for centuries. When made from
metal, it even served as armor during the Middle Ages. Various sleeve openings, lapel preferences,
lengths, and closures have evolved with cultures and time. Usually worn as a complement to an already
existing outfit, the fabric, colors, and/or cut of a vest can reveal a person’s
job description and social standing; the garment has been so specifically
designed.
Although decreed a fashion imperative in 17th
century Britain, the traditional vest has gradually begun to disappear as a
staple in men’s wear for a few reasons: After World War I when the pocket watch
became replaced by the wrist watch, there was no more need for the vest pocket;
during World War II when fabric became a premium, money was better spent on the
War effort; our society has become more and more casual and formal vests have
been replaced with 2 piece suits, or sweaters and slacks.
The vest as a uniform has increasingly grown in popularity
as our low budget economy looks for high visibility in the marketplace. The
vest is an excellent way to draw attention to identity. Because it has no sleeves, the vest is simply
cooler and easier to navigate. No
bulkiness, nothing to dirty or roll up, as with long sleeves.
Further just as telltale vests marked a
person’s status and job description many years before, vests of today do the
very same thing. Restaurant and food-service wear will have vests of one
color for the
maitre d’ and hostesses, another for the waiters, and a
third for the bus-staff. Or, there is
the idea of the front part of the house having waiters’ jackets (sleeved vests),
but removing the sleeves (vests), while maintaining the same unique fabric and
style for the bartenders. The continuity
is very smooth.
Vests in the hotel industry go with the most formal
Victorian styling by adding braid, embroidery, tassels, lace, gold or silver
brocade, shoulder straps, and even epaulets.
Being cut away at the waist, they were once called “waistcoats,” as they
were worn under much longer and fuller frock coats. For a more corporate appearance, the
conservative business vest still maintains that fabulous look when everyone was
bandbox: Single or double breasted with
notch, peak, or sans lapels and a sophisticated presentation that says, “Yes,
Sir!”
There are loose vests for sports, such as soccer, baseball,
basketball, volleyball, and other lower contact activities where heat, cleaning
ease, and cost all make a difference.
Screen printing is a definite plus here.
Or, let the colors alone carry the ball.
There are elongated tunic vests that reach the thigh. This style, having originated in the colonial
American South, has the advantage of offering a slimmer look when not everyone
has a perfect figure.
There are even multi-colored sleeveless knit T’s,
undershirts, and women’s lingerie. There
is the alternative “vestee,” which is a faux set of front panels set into
either side of a coat. This provides the
look of the vest without the expense or the added warmth of extra fabric in the
back. And speaking of a backless vest,
there is the timeless tuxedo style. Best
of all, everything can be made adjustable.
For protection, whether it’s DuPont’s magic fiber, Kevlar,
or some other wonder substance, being bullet proof in today’s world hits the
mark. The impenetrable vest is one of many
ways law enforcement officers, political officials, security guards, and even
teachers find physical protection. Add
reflective tape, remove the Kevlar, and it’s a street scene for construction
and/or safety. Quilt them and you’re
outside with terrific warmth.
Whether it’s Wal-Mart, 7-11, Target, Kroger or Safeway,
Circle K or Quick Mart, McDonald’s, a Mexican restaurant, Walgreen’s, a gas
station, car dealer, or the local school band, vests are everywhere. Fancy or plain, expensive Italian tapestry or
imported poly cotton, Microfibre, cable knit sweaters or fur; they are one of
the most prevalent means of visual identity that we experience as
consumers. Check them out in your major
uniform supplier catalogues. From baby
Ottoman knit weaves, to fancy brocade with lame, waist length to tunic, wool to
Oxford Nylon, buttons, zippers, Velcro, or snaps: There’s a vest concept that’s
just right for your customers.
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