Fall is coming, which means it’s vest season. While the #midtownuniform is pretty much over (read: Better Sweaters), vests have become a pretty consistent piece over the last few years. Even in a casual environment, vests are a critical piece for us guys. They can be dressed up or down, low touch vs. dressy, and function vs. fashion (eh hem).
I have way too many vests. Mrs. RCS has essentially forbidden me to bring a new vest into the house without getting rid of one. I’m doing my best, but there are so many great ones out there…
Here’s what I’m digging:
From top left:
1. Fisher + Baker Jameson Vest: Makers of incredible outerwear, the Jameson is the lightest vest in their catalog, and probably the most versatile. These folks don’t miss.
2. Onward Reserve Featherweight Vest: Don’t be scared of down, this lightweight vest is not bulky at all, and looks great with everything from a pair of 5-pockets and an OCBD and under a waxed jacket in the field.
3. Draddy Sport Everyday Vest: Just that: built for every day.
4. Straight Down Player’s Vest: A cool performance fabric that is functional on the golf course, and not too tech-y for off.
5. Peter Millar Stealth Fleece Vest: A dressier option but it still works.
6. Arcteryx Covert Vest: Arcteryx gear can get intimidating, but they do have a line that works for some of us less daredevil folks. The Covert is one of those.
7. Orvis Recycled Sweater Fleece Vest: A sweater fleece that looks great for the jeans almost every day guy.
8. Tom Beckbe Performance Fleece Vest: The unsung hero in the vest world. They just released a couple of new colors and they all work. Well.
9. Vintage Patagonia Synchilla Vest: Stuck on Patagonia? Skip the Better Sweater and get a vintage option. You get it.
What did I miss?
Only thing I see missing is a quilted option. Think upland style Barbour (maybe a waxed cotton)
Awesome, thank you!
The Beckbe vest is killer. Wife got me one for Christmas last year.
Can anyone recommend a vest that is not too long? As a height-challenged person (5’6″), I feel like all vests these days are too long in the torso and end up hitting me too far below the waist on my hips. I have an old Patagonia one that is a good length, but want the ability to expand my options.
My first thought was Patagonia, which you mentioned. Not sure if this is helpful, but I’m 6′ and I’ve found vests from Onward Reserve and LL Bean to be on the shorter side. You may also want to check out The Sporting agent as well.
*The Sporting Gent
Thanks for the tip. I actually find that modern Patagonia vests are too long for me, along with Orvis. Maybe I’ll have to check out your other suggestions though.
May not be the style you want, but look at Pendleton.
The Mission Workshop Acre vest – runs a bit small. Weighs as much as as the two bills it costs. Really nice feature is that it has the double zipper.