I’m really into ‘smart’ looks. By smart, I mean looks that are classic, but in a sense transitional: from the office to a date without much effort. Also, I don’t buy too many things that are fashion forward…however, every once in a while, a bold sport coat or a brighter shirt are a great seasonal addition.
With Fall coming, I’m eyeing a quilted vest. I really like this look. It’s smart. They work with a dressed up outfit – like a pair of APCs, a solid oxford, and a pair of double monks, or with a pair of beat up Levi’s, a plaid flannel, and a pair of boots. Fleece vests are fine, but they don’t add much to the outfit, other than warmth. There are some great options available…here you go:
From top Left:
1. Belstaff Quilted Waistcoat: The tip of the pyramid in terms of a ‘dressy’ quilted vest. Belstaff is as nice as it comes, and their waistcoat in British Racing green is outstanding. Check out Mahogany as well. From a thickness perspective, this vest doubles as a liner, so it’s not too bulky.
2. Southern Proper Varsity Quilted Vest: A great option for anyone looking for a general vest. This option from Southern Proper can be dressed up or down and will provide a little more warmth than the others. Think mid-October football game, and then a trip to the bars afterwards.
3. Brooks Brothers Quilted Vest: Another dressy option; the Brooks Brothers quilted vest lines right up with what you would expect from Brooks Brothers. Not too thick, but warm enough for cool Fall mornings.
4. LL Bean Signature Down Quilted Vest: Not as thick as a goose down puffer vest, but warmer than a liner. Signature did a great job with this one, especially for the guys that are looking for a little more utility. Pack this one on your next camping trip.
5. Patagonia Nano Puff Full Zip Vest: Patagonia leads the pack in outerwear, and their Nano Puff is no exception. Thin enough to wear all day, but nice enough to wear with khakis. Good price point as well. Walk your dog in this one.
6. Barbour Lowerdale Gilet Vest: Barbour wrote the book on quilted outerwear. Their Lowerdale Gilet is an excellent example of Mashburn-esque ‘cool’. It can be dressed way up or way down, and will never look out of place. This one will never go out of style.
Any vests that I missed? Which one do you like?
http://www.petermillar.com/men/clothing/outerwear/mf14z13
Also a nice one by Peter Millar
Kevin’s of Thomasville and Stafford’s also have nice and economical vests.
I’m also a big fan of Southern Proper’s other quilted offering: http://www.southernproper.com/new-arrivals/all-prep-vest-navy.html It’s reversible and all around awesome! Use code FUCR to get 15% off this vest or any other SoPro product, including #2 on the list above!
The most important thing is proper fit. A vest needs to fit snug. Not tight, but not loose and baggy either. Snug, like a sweater.
Polo Ralph Lauren makes a navy quilted vest almost identical to the Barbour version shown above. I own one and get a lot of use out of it and compliments in the office.
A nice feature is that it has back snaps so it can be slightly fitted or let out to layer over a sweater.
I will second what Pete said – I too have the Ralph Lauren navy quilted vest and love it. Can be dressed up or down and will still fit the occasion.
Any reason you decided to include the Signiature Down LL Bean, instead of the Goose Down or the Waxed Cotton Down from them? They both seem far more aesthetic and have similar price points. More of a winter option perhaps?