Vested

Sleeves are so overrated right now.  On outerwear only…seriously.  With the temperatures still hitting the 70s at peak of the day, Barbour season remains a little prohibitive, but the 40s and 50s in the AM make vest weather just right.  In terms of style and function, vests are all over the map.  You have the Marty McFly-esque puffer vests that look great with anything from jeans to khakis or just running out to grab the mail.  You have the technical vests that are typically a little lighter, and are great for the golf course, as a base layer, or for Walking on the Moon.  While a ‘shooting vest’ isn’t the term that producers of those quilted jobs with deep front pockets were going for, they are great for burning gunpowder.  Finally, the dressier vests are making inroads into the #menswear discussion, doubling as a blazer, or actually over a blazer.

See folks, there’s something for everyone.  The point is, get one and wear it.  It’s a great look; a masculine look.  Here’s what I like:

Clockwise from top left:

1. Filson Reversable Down Vest:  Filson rarely misses, and after seeing this, their newest vest release, I was more amazed at how long it took them to produce a down vest.  This is a great look, and the reversible blaze orange is awesome for Tennessee Volunteer fans.
2. Belstaff Tenby Down Quilted Gilet:  I really like what Belstaff does.  It’s very ‘English’, but more than just in a Bond way…  Think 007 riding a motorcycle instead of driving an Aston Martin.  Cool, but with an edge.  And probably more hair grease.  Badass vest, though.
3. Sid Mashburn Shetland Down Vest:  The sort of vest that you wear with dress shoes.  The color is spot on; who says a vest has a be a dark shade of anything?  The shetland wool gives it a great texture, and will keep your core nice and toasty.
4. Peter Millar Potomac Quilted Vest:  Peter Millar has been doing an excellent job of expanding beyond golf shirts and pullovers.  While I always look forward to seeing their stuff in pro shops, I’m just as excited to see their off-the-course stuff as well.  Their Potomac vest is a great example of that transitional style that Peter Millar has perfected.
5. Southern Proper Varsity Vest:  The ladies really did us all a favor with their vest.  This one will work in almost any of the categories I outlined above: the quilted looks makes it dressy, the down fill makes it warm, and the big front pockets will hold all the shells you can shoot.  Oh – and it’s Masters Green.
6. K-WAY Valen Light Thermal Vest:  This vest reminds me of the old mountain climbing ads I used to see at High Country and Go With the Flow.  Bright colors, mirrored sunglasses, and giant hiking boots with shorts.  In other words: AWESOME.
7. Dubarry Yeats Quilted Vest:  By now you are familiar with Dubarry (more to come on RCS – I assure you…).  They are more than those really cool hunting boots; they have expanded to a full range of men’s and women’s clothing and outerwear.  Their Yeats vest is a great example of shooting style.  Great lines and deep pockets.
8. Penfield Outback Vest:  Personally, I call this the standard.  I’ve had an Outback vest for years, and it always finds a way into all sorts of outfits and situations.  That vest has seen a lot, and continues to kick ass.  This one has the RCS stamp of approval.