Now’s the Perfect Time for a Sweater Vest

I’ll be honest: I wasn't sure I could rock a sweater vest. I thought it was a little too preppy. Or maybe just too tied to my youth in the '90s. But now there's no denying it. The sweater vest is officially back for Spring 2025 and bolder than ever. They still look handsome layered over a causal cotton button-down, but they're anything but preppy. And as we slide into warmer days, feel free to pull it over a T-shirt. Hell, ballsy guys are now sporting a vest without a shirt entirely—but proceed with caution on that one.

No matter how you choose to wear it, the sweater vest really is an ideal layering piece. Take it from guys like Jeremy Allen White, Harry Styles, Evan Mock and Tyler, the Creator—guys with their own sense of style, who all rely on a good vest. It provides warmth without overheating you and makes for an easy slip-on/slip-off garment that allows you to adjust to the fluctuating temperatures. You'll never appreciate a sleeveless knit more than when you pull on a jacket and realize you can still comfortably move your arms.

Plus, a bold or textured knit vest gives whatever you're wearing—from regular, washed chinos or some wide-leg trousers to even a pair of shorts—an instant shot of intrigue. Because these are not the sweater vests of our grandfather's generation, even though the vibe is a little grandpa-core. But it's in this contradiction that the real allure of the sweater vest lies. It's a tad precious, but looks clever and cool when it's worn casually—just a touch oversized and perfectly slouchy.

Thanks to the surge in popularity, there are now more options than ever. You can go for bright colors or bold patterns if you want your vest to shout. You can opt for more subtle and textural vests, knit from cotton or cashmere. The choice of styles is yours, but the decision to get one should be clear. We're vest men now, okay?