just a vest

[Bruce Wayne]

anyone know of any stores, either online, or that i can walk into, where i can purchase just a vest? the places around me will only sell me a vest if i purchase the jacket & pant to go along with it. i am not looking for a tuxedo vest. just a few different styles.
thanx!!!
Charlie

 

[Marty M.]

Vest up this fall.

I'll have them this fall. Tweeds and Woolens. This fall doesn't do you much good now though. Sorry.
Marty Mathis

 

[The Wolf]

I'm with you

In the late 1970s-early 1980s I could get a vest by itself in department stores. When I asked about it recently at Macy's the man in the men's wear section looked confused then suggested the area of suits. I asked the gentlemen there and they kept thinking I meant "with a suit". I asked for only the vest and they gave me a look like I was insane.
Now that many pop stars (male and female) are wearing vests we have a better chance in stores carrying them. I recently bought a pinstripe vest in a store in the mall. They sell studded belts and t-shirts with rude sayings. Of course the vest does have skull buttons.[huh]

Sincerely,
the Wolf

 

[FedoraGent]

Vests...

Folks,

I've found that there are really only three ways to get a vest now:

1. Have it made (bespoke).
2. Buy it with a suit.
3. Find a vintage vest.

I like going to discount fabric places, picking my fabric...buying a couple of yards and having them made bespoke.

FG.

 

[Les Gillis]

Or they say this....

Or they say "you should try a tux shop" ...It's no problem looking like Kenny Rogers from the Gambler; it's just impossible to find a new vest you could wear and not look like you're on your way to prom...

 

[Alan Eardley]

Vests across the world

How different things are across the world. It is still relatively easy to obtain separate vests (waistcoats) in traditional men's outfitters in the UK. In fact, I know a town where there is an establishment called The Waistcoat Shop that sells nothing else...

Alan

 

[Feraud]

Check thrift/vintage stores.

 

[FedoraGent]

Check thrift/vintage stores.

All things being considered, this is the way to go if you can find something in your size. A guy my size though wouldn't have too many options.

FG.

 

[Feraud]

Absolutely. Size is a consideration along with quality, style, etc.
It is not easy to walk into a store and buy a vest so having options is necessary.

 

[Orgetorix]

Brooks Brothers still has odd vests on occasion, depending on the season. I just picked up a NWT linen vest from BB on Ebay, from a seller who has a bunch of them.

 

[Tomasso]

Brooks Brothers still has odd vests on occasion, depending on the season.

Yes, and Paul Stuart carries them as well.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

thanx for all the responses. anyone know a good shop to ket a bespoke vest made in the chi-town, NW Indiana, area?
thanx!!!
Charlie
p.s.: i am asuming that bespoke means one off. i have heard it thrown around alot on here, but i always jsut ifgured that is what it meant...

 

[tonyb]

Check thrift/vintage stores.

I'll third that suggestion. Don't know how things are in Chicagoland, Wayne, but I'm always finding nice vests at the thrift stores out here.

 

[Orgetorix]

thanx for all the responses. anyone know a good shop to ket a bespoke vest made in the chi-town, NW Indiana, area?
thanx!!!
Charlie
p.s.: i am asuming that bespoke means one off. i have heard it thrown around alot on here, but i always jsut ifgured that is what it meant...

Bespoke means custom made. Made to your specifications and to fit you exactly, with your choice of style and materials.

If that's what you want, check out Chris Despos. 34 E. Oak, 3rd floor in Chicago. I haven't used him, but he comes highly recommended.

Be warned, though--bespoke isn't cheap.

 

[Tomasso]

If that's what you want, check out Chris Despos..........Be warned, though--bespoke isn't cheap.

Since a Despos 2 piece is around 4k, a vest would probably cost close to 1k.

 

[Marty M.]

Second the motion.

Bespoke means custom made. Made to your specifications and to fit you exactly, with your choice of style and materials.

If that's what you want, check out Chris Despos. 34 E. Oak, 3rd floor in Chicago. I haven't used him, but he comes highly recommended.

Be warned, though--bespoke isn't cheap.

I second Orgetorix recomendation about Chris Depos. He's a not only a stand up guy. But also a great Tailor. If that doesn't work, I know another guy in the Northland............. Good Luck.
Marty Mathis

 

[Marty M.]

Folks,

I like going to discount fabric places, picking my fabric...buying a couple of yards and having them made bespoke.

FG.

Fedoragent,
I like the way you think.
Marty

 

[Aloysius]

Check out Pakeman Catto & Carter

 

[Jovan]

Pakeman unfortunately uses fused construction. At least, that's what I was told here. A shame.

If you want a great example of how to do an odd vest (or waistcoat, as I call them), look no further than Grant's nemesis in North by Northwest. He wore a green one with a brown suit if I remember right, and it looked very refined.