A
waistcoat is a sleeveless garment with buttons in the front. It is worn
usually over a shirt or as a part of a three-piece suit. The term "waistcoat"
derives from the fact that the coat is cut at waist level. In countries
other than India like Canada and US, a waistcoat is called as Vest. It
refers to the third piece of a three-piece male suit, to distinguish it
from other types of vests. In UK, it is called waistcoat. During the
Restoration of the British monarchy, King Charles II of Great Britain
introduced the waistcoat as a part of correct dress. It can be worn with
both winter clothing like suits and traditional clothing like kurta
pajama.Fabric used in Waistcoat:
Various fabrics are used for manufacturing waistcoats in different styles and designs. Listed below are few of the natural and synthetic fabrics used for manufacturing waistcoats:
- Silk
- Satin
- Wool
- Flannel
- Mohair
- Twill
- Viscose
- Linen
- Lycra
- Gabardine
- Polyester
- Acetate
These fabrics are manufactured keeping in mind the comfort and
warmth provided to the wearer. A waistcoat is available in numerous
shades including black, beige, brown, gray, blue, fawn etc.
Styles and Designs in Waistcoats
- If it is a part of three-piece suit, it is cut from the same
material as the rest of the suit.
- The waistcoat is available in both single and double breasted
styles.
- Since the waistcoat is fully buttoned and if worn only with a
pair of trousers and a shirt underneath, then men opt for designer
buttons made of various metals including precious stones like gold,
diamond, silver etc.
- Generally, waistcoats have pattern for a straight-bottom.
- Neck shape is V-shape or Nehru collar.
- The waistcoats worn with kurta pajama is generally Nehru
collared.
- The silk and satin waistcoats give a shiny look and there is
always a lining in these waistcoats.
- A popular type of waistcoat preferred by young men is the silver
waistcoat which is a totally new kind of clothing. The silver
waistcoat is made of a highly effective shielding material which
is normally used by the military to shield missiles in microwave
exposed environments. The shielding fabric contains pure silver.
That gives the waistcoat a fancy glance and at the same time an
effective radiation protection. The silver waistcoat is a perfect
casual or formal wear and fits to jeans and to most of the other
colors and fabrics in your wardrobe.
- Besides being plain or solid, waistcoats can be striped, printed
and even embroidered.
| Collar Size | Measure the collar eg: 16” |
| Chest Size | Measure accurately across middle of the chest under the arms and all around the back to make a full circle. |
| Stomach Size | Measure accurately across navel, and all round back to full circle |
| Height | Measure your height accurately |