The vest is the true warrior of the men’s fashion world. Once trapped in the shackles of being reserved for 3-piece suits, vests now have broken those shackles and transformed into a versatile layer that can elevate everyday outfits effortlessly.
Whether you are looking for an everyday casual look, a more polished corporate look or simply to embrace the traditional elegance, a vest paired with the right piece of clothing can enhance your overall aesthetic.
In this blog, we’ll explore three stylish ways to incorporate a men's vest jacket into your outfit, focusing on pairing it with a T-shirt, a shirt, and a kurta, covering everything from laid-casual wear to festive traditional wear.
1. Casual Cool: Pairing a Vest with a T-Shirt
For a casual, everyday look, a simple and well-fitted t-shirt is perfect. This combination creates a relaxed look that works perfectly for casual outings, brunches, or even travel days.
How to Style: Choose a men’s casual vest like our Nico- Uni-Sex Linen Vest and layer it over a plain or graphic T-shirt.
- A neutral-coloured T-shirt keeps the look simple.
- A graphic tee adds a unique character to your outfit.
This pairing is ideal for men who want to add layers without looking too dressed up. It’s effortless yet adds a touch of style that separates you from the crowd.
You can pair this black linen vest with either our Indi Men's Wide Leg Denim or Oro - Men’s Hemp Trousers.
2. Smart Meets Relaxed: Styling a Vest with a Shirt
Classic formal vests look very authoritative, when worn right. Think about Arjun from ZNMD or Sahir Khan from Dhoom 3. They look professional, exude confidence, and of course can steal any woman’s heart.
Formal Style:
-
For formal occasions like an important client meeting, you can check out our 100% cotton Vale - Men’s Cotton Herringbone Vest.
- For shirts, you can opt for a white shirt like our Pine - Men’s Linen Shirt, to create the ever classic black and white pairing.
-
For trousers, choose well-fitted trousers like our Celo - Men Linen 40 Lea trousers (black) and complete the look with leather oxfords or brogues.
Casual Style:
For a relaxed yet polished appearance, go for a casual cotton or linen vest over a button-down shirt. You can leave the shirt slightly unbuttoned and untucked for a laid-back vibe.
Roll up the sleeves, and pair it with chinos or dark denim. Loafers or suede shoes work best to complete this smart-casual look.
Pro Tip: Stick to solid colours or subtle patterns to keep the focus on the layering. Avoid pairing a heavily printed shirt with a patterned vest—it can make the outfit look too busy.
3. Traditional Elegance: Pairing a Vest with a Kurta
Vests are not just limited to Western wear; they pair beautifully with ethnic outfits too. Layering a vest over a kurta is a timeless style that exudes traditional charm and elegance. From our first Prime Minister to our current Prime Minister, a vest on a kurta has been a part of our culture for more than half a century.
How to Style: Choose a Nehru jacket or a traditional ethnic vest made using premium quality linen like OJAS- Men’s Linen Vest. For daily wear or low-key events, a cotton or linen vest works perfectly.
Pair it with a solid or lightly printed kurta and team it with our Otis-Linen 40 Lea Trousers.
Finish the look with mojaris, juttis, or kolhapuris, depending on your comfort.
This pairing is perfect for weddings, family gatherings, festive celebrations, or even modern fusion looks.
Conclusion
Premium men's vests are a powerful yet underrated piece in your wardrobe. With the right pairing, they can be styled casually, formally, or traditionally, offering unmatched versatility.
Whether you’re layering a cotton vest over a tee, styling a vest with a shirt for a sharp look, or embracing traditional vibes with a kurta, the vest allows you to play with textures, layers, and styles effortlessly.
Check out Adam Leaves to explore our range of sustainable clothing. Along with the best vests for men, you can also check our shirts, blazers, trousers, and jackets. Shop Now.