The Best Vests for Men

  • Geraldine Orentas

As soon as the first hint of chilly weather appears in your region, it's vest-wearing season. Whether you're traveling, working, or going about your day-to-day chores, a vest can work spectacularly as a top layer during the less-chilly months or a mid-layer during blizzard season. Designed to keep you warm where it matters most – at your body's core – a vest retains heat without all the bulk of a chunky winter jacket. Though you may have your doubts, aside from being functional, a vest can be stylish, too. From Marty McFly to GQ magazine, pop culture is full of examples of a vest done right, so browse through our five favorites and see what tickles your fancy.

Amazon Essentials Polar Fleece

Essentially a No-Brainer

Those on a budget need look no further than Amazon's in-house Essentials line. This full-zip polar fleece vest for men is a must-have in every modern men's wardrobe.
Best Overall

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Every man needs a fleece vest in their closet, and this one from Amazon Essentials is, without a doubt, a must-have. This midweight fleece vest is made from 100-percent polyester, featuring a high collar, full front zipper, and side seam pockets. All in all, this makes for a cool-weather staple that’s ready to double as a comfy base layer when it’s time to bundle up. The design comes with zippered pockets to keep your wallet or phone safe, elasticized arm openings, and a straight hem for ultimate comfort.

Pros:

  • Made from 100-percent polyester that is machine-wash friendly.
  • Features zippered side pockets that keep your personal items safe and secure.
  • A high collar design makes it perfect for windy days, or it can double as a base layer.

Cons:

  • The polyester fleece can attract lint very easily.
  • The design’s loose silhouette may result in a fitting that looks baggy or too large.

Gihuo Lightweight Golf Vest

Time to Upgrade Your Golfer's Look

While we can't promise this vest will help you score a hole-in-one, we can at least guarantee you'll look dapper while giving it your best shot.
Best for Golfing

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Get ready to upgrade your golf game with the ultimate vest. The Gihuo Men’s Golf Vest is made from a lightweight polyester and nylon blend that stays dry, breathes, and is perfect for golf. The vest features a full front zip closure, a stand collar, mesh lining, and a mild waterproof coating to keep you dry while you play. This vest’s every detail is constructed to perfection, including the firm cuffs, the pocket shrink hem, and the inner pockets, all so you can worry more about your game and less about your vest.

Pros:

  • It is made from a lightweight nylon and polyester material blend that keeps you dry and comfortable.
  • The design features a chest pocket, an inner pocket with velcro closing, and an elastic rope to adjust the hem.
  • The vest comes with two zippered side pockets and an extra zippered zip pocket to keep all your golfing essentials with you at all times.

Cons:

  • The material is not washing-machine friendly as its delicate fabric can easily tear and get damaged.
  • Most lightweight vests are usually breathable and reversible; this one isn’t.

Columbia Steens Mountain Vest

You'll Want to Wear This Vest to Sleep

This vest is so comfortable that you won't want to take it off – not even for sleeping. Plus, it's so versatile, you can wear it everywhere you go.
Most Comfortable

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When it starts to get a bit chilly outside, you take out this legendary vest. Made from 100-percent fleece polyester that won’t pill, this Columbia vest is an absolute staple. The design comes with handy features like two zippered side pockets to keep your small items secure, a full-zip closure, and a collared neck that works perfectly as a layering piece. The classic modern fit of this vest is lightweight enough for everyday use, and its active fit is ideal for outdoor activities like walking or jogging.

Pros:

  • The vest is made with anti-pill microfleece polyester to extend its lifespan.
  • It comes with zippered hand pockets to help keep your essentials secure.
  • The drawcord waist gives you a comfortable and adjustable fit.

Cons:

  • The microfleece fabric is not warm enough for colder days.
  • The design doesn’t feature a chest pocket or any inner pockets to keep larger items secure.

Tommy Hilfiger Polar Fleece Vest

Who Says Vest Aren't In Style?

Prove everyone wrong when you show them how versatile, stylish, and perfect for so many occasions this vest is.
Most Stylish

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Who says a fleece vest is only for outdoor activities? You can still look stylish and put together with a fleece vest, especially when you’re wearing this one from Tommy Hilfiger. The classic fit and style of this polar fleece vest are simply timeless. And speaking of time, you’ll be able to wear this style all year round. The stand collar and full front zipper keep you warm and cozy on windy days. We love that this vest features two zippered side pockets to keep your small items safe and secure when you’re running errands or walking around in town, too.

Pros:

  • It is made from 100-percent polyester that is machine-wash friendly.
  • The design features a full-zippered front closure and interior pockets to keep your items secure.
  • It features a medium weight fleece, making it perfect for chillier days.

Cons:

  • The polyester fleece can attract lint very easily.
  • The polar fleece fabric is not warm enough for colder days.

Columbia Cathedral Peak Front-Zip Fleece Vest

Stay Warm Even on the Coldest Days

Don't let a cold day stop you from having fun. Start layering and use this fabulous vest as your base, so even when you start to peel off your layers, you'll still exude swagger.
Best for Layering

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When it gets colder outside, you’ll know you’re ready to face whatever the day throws at you because you have this popular fleece vest from Columbia lying in wait in your closet. This hugely popular midweight fleece vest will keep you warm and comfortable in colder conditions. Utterly versatile, you can layer this one for outdoor adventures or you can use it by itself for everyday use. Finally, the zip-closed pockets keep valuables stashed safely and easy to access, key for those outdoor adventures you’re already planning.

Pros:

  • This vest is made from 100-percent polyester that is machine-wash friendly.
  • The vest features a foldover collar to ensure maximum protection and versatility.
  • The design features two on-seam side zippered pockets that can help you keep your valuables secure.

Cons:

  • The jacket runs on the shorter side, making it a bit uncomfortable for some people.
  • The polyester fleece can attract lint very easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a man’s vest be?

To make sure your vest fits appropriately, ensure it fits snug to the body, but not so tight that the zipper pulls. If you go by most traditional recommendations, it should be long enough to hit about an inch below the trouser waistband, showing no dress shirt between the two garments. However, everyone’s preferences are different, so you might prefer a longer or shorter length.

What type of fleece is the warmest?

If warmth is your goal, make sure you choose polar fleece. Polar fleece is thicker and warmer than microfleece, which is why you often see it used in blankets as well.

Can I wear a fleece when it’s hot out?

Fleece comes mainly from polyester, which reduces natural ventilation and traps moisture. So short answer: yes, you should stay away from fleece during hot days if you’re trying to stay cool and fresh.

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