In the Southern United States, October’s cooler temperatures require extra protection and warmth. Adding vests to your wardrobe this fall provides warmth, comfort, and style. Here are the best casual vests for men this year.
History of Vests
England’s King Charles II gets credit for inventing vests when he sought to upend the French by introducing a sleeveless garment designed to end at or around the waist. Although vests are typically associated with three-piece suits, today’s stylish gentlemen wear them in more casual settings.
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A puffer or fleece vest’s versatility adds performance and style when tailgating before a football game, taking a stroll on the beach, or dove hunting on a chilly fall morning. Plus, layering is ideal for adding warmth and color, whether you’re dressing up or down.
Below are the best causal vests for men this season.
Peter Millar
The casual vests from Peter Millar are stylish and an excellent value. I have a grey Peter Millar quilted vest that I purchased in 2018, and it still looks great.
Peter Millar’s Essex Quilted Travel Vest is a best casual mens vest for year-around comfort.
New for 2023 is their Essex Quilted Travel Vest. It’s available in nine colors and will last several seasons. If you’re seeking a lighter-weight vest, then consider the Thermal Flow Micro Fleece Vest or the Stealth Performance Quarter-Zip Vest.
For the guy who desires to take his vest wardrobe to the next level, Peter Millar’s Vantage Suede Vest or Vast Corduroy Vest are excellent options.
Barbour
Another of my favorites is Barbour. Whether you’re seeking a lightweight layer for a cool morning stroll or need to layer up under a sport coat, Barbour vests always add a dash of style for extra warmth.
The Essential Gilet vest from Barbour is a favorite of Southern men.
This season Barbour features 49 vests in various styles, colors, and fabrics. A couple of my favorites are the Finn Gilet and the Essential Gilet.
Southern Tide
One of my personal favorites comes from Southern Tide. Using quality fabrics and style, Southern Tide clothing can be found at several locations, including their stand-alone company stores and department stores such as Dillards.
The Abercorn Camp Performance Vest from Southern Tide is an excellent casual mens vest.
Check out the Abercorn Camp Performance Vest. At only $138 and available in True Navy, this vest includes ample interior and exterior pockets and adds a touch of style when worn alone or layered with other garments.
Moncler
If you’re in the market for a luxury vest, then check out the 2023 line from Moncler. Whether you’re hitting the slopes in Aspen or scrolling beachside at The Cloisters in Southern Georgia, or along the white sandy shores at Alys Beach, Florida, Moncler vest are comfortable, stylish, and on the the more expensive side.
The hooded, Luiro Down Vest at $1,365 or the Gui Down Vest at $870 signify that elite style and fashion sense are in order.
Carhartt
You can’t talk the best casual vests for men today without including Carhartt. Once thought of as only a manufacturer of rugged work clothes, you”ll not only find Carhartt clothing on a construction site or farm, but also at fraternity tailgates, and even in corporate offices.
Carhartt mens vests capture both durability and style.
You can’t go wrong with Carhartt’s Rain Defender Relaxed Fit Lightweight Insulated Vest. This versatile and comfortable vest is available in seven colors and fits well with plenty of wardrobe options.
True to the Carhartt style, another option is the Montana Loose Fit Insulated Vest in Oak Brown, Olive, or Black. The sherpa fleece lining and synthetic down insulation are ideal to keep cool winds and light rain at bay.
Hawke & Co.
An inexpensive, yet quality vest comes from Hawke & Co. The Mercer or The Brooklyner are affordably priced, usually between $45 and $75 at major department and chain retail outlets.
Red, Crown & Ivy puffed vest (OneSouthernMan/2019)
Final Thoughts On the Best Casual Vests for Men
There are lots of quality men’s stores thoughout the South where you can find casual men’s vests for fall and winter. Other brands you might consider include Orris, Faherty, and Roundtree & York. Of course, Amazon is always an option if you can’t locate your size or style at a mens store near you.