WordGarden.iowaistcoat
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /wˈeɪstkəʊt/
US
Meanings
Noun
a sleeveless tailored garment worn over a shirt and usually under a jacket
Beyond the definition
A waistcoat, often called a vest in American English, is a sleeveless piece of clothing worn over a shirt and usually under a jacket. Think of Sherlock Holmes or a well-dressed guest at a wedding. It is most often linked with formal or smart dress, especially as part of a three-piece suit, but it can also be worn on its own to make an outfit look more polished. Some are plain and simple, while others have bold patterns or decorative details.
In the past, waistcoats were not just stylish; they also added warmth as an extra layer. Today, you are most likely to see one at weddings, formal events, or in business wear. In British English, the word can sometimes also be used for other close-fitting sleeveless garments, but the most common meaning is still the tailored item worn with a shirt.
The word "waistcoat" brings to mind tailored clothing, old-fashioned elegance, and formal dress. It usually refers to a fitted, sleeveless garment worn over a shirt and under a jacket or coat. In American English, this item is normally called a "vest," while in British English, "waistcoat" is the more traditional word. Even when the two words refer to the same thing, "waistcoat" often sounds a little more formal or classic.
Historically, the waistcoat was an important part of men's dress, especially in formal clothing. In earlier centuries, it was commonly worn with a coat as part of a complete outfit, and it could show wealth, taste, or social position through its fabric and decoration. At the same time, it was also practical, adding warmth and another layer under outer clothing.
Today, waistcoats are still most closely tied to three-piece suits and special occasions such as weddings, ceremonies, and some business settings. However, some people also wear them without a matching jacket, pairing them with trousers or even jeans for a smart but less formal style. They can be made from wool, linen, silk, cotton, or other fabrics, depending on the season and the occasion.
In a broader sense, especially in some British usage, the word can sometimes be applied to other sleeveless upper garments. Still, its clearest and most common meaning is the tailored garment associated with suits and formal or semi-formal dress. Overall, a waistcoat is both practical and decorative: it adds a layer, shapes the outfit, and often gives the wearer a neat, refined appearance.
Examples
- 1
Formal clothing
He wore a dark waistcoat with his suit at the wedding.
- Usage
In American English, this is usually called a vest.
- 2
Stage clothing
She buttoned up her waistcoat before going on stage.
- 3
Period costume
For the period drama, the actors wore bright silk waistcoats with gold buttons.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- dress vest
- gilet
Contrast
Do not confuse
- wastecoat
Used with (collocations)
- wear a waistcoat
- buttoned waistcoat
- three-piece suit
Explore
- formalwear
- tailoring
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- waistcoatnoun
Forms
- waistcoatspluralnoun