Throughout the 17th and 18th century, clothes transformed into a token of wealth, and the waistcoat became a must-have feature of an upper-classmen suit. The style of blazers and waistcoats has refined and was now at its peak, implementing all the colours and variety of materials, from silk to satin.
Wearing a waistcoat was a part of daily attire, and the more unique waistcoat one wore, the more prestigious place in society was assigned. But as time progress, things change and fashion with it. Coming out of the Victorian era, when waistcoats determined one's place in society, by the mid-19th century, waistcoats became part of casual attire. And with this change came normalisation of a three-piece suit, which of the waistcoat was a necessity. Casual waistcoat and blazer were part of everyday attire and so casual waistcoat in men’s fashion found its regular place. Nonetheless, casual waistcoat styles have been changing just as much as before, same as materials used. Coming from the ostentatious era and materials like silk and satin, everyday clothes had to be brought a bit more down to earth and so casual waistcoat looks changed completely. Wool casual waistcoat made its appearance as some of the most popular materials shifts on the market, followed by men’s linen casual waistcoat for more formal affairs or men’s tweed casual waistcoat for special occasions. With casual workwear including waistcoats, the colour scheme shifted towards more subtle colourization. And so styles like brown or grey casual waistcoat have been prefered over extravagant colour and patterns drawing attention. Nowadays, casual waistcoat outfits took a completely different turn from what we've seen at the very inception of this garment and combinations like casual waistcoat and jeans are normalised, even yet, desired.
Casual waistcoat selection at HANSEN
Even though the beginnings of casual waistcoat are in the UK, the style has undoubtedly taken over the world. The variations and utility are unlimited by now, taking waistcoat from one occasion to another in a split of a second. You can alter from business attire to special occasion with just simple change of a garment, like for example adding men’s casual waistcoat for a wedding instead of a formal suit vest. They vary between the styles available through HANSEN is a selection that accommodates multiple occasions and dress codes. Classic HANSEN Garments suiting is distinguished by several features, such as unique colourization of the garments, differentiating added features like a front pocket or altered collar styles. On top of that, all the HANSEN Garments casual waistcoats are manufactured in Europe, using uncommon fabrics, such as Italian herringbone fabric for our very own KAJ Casual Waistcoat or Japanese yarn-dyed fabric used in assembling HANSEN Garments DANIEL Four Button Waistcoat, both from HANSEN latest SS 20 collection.
The prefered style of HANSEN Garments casual waistcoats is opting between casual 6-button waistcoat and informal 4-button waistcoat, both fitting for occasions that alter from formal ceremonies to informal celebrations, such as weddings or anniversaries. For more formal times, reach for the slim fit double-breasted casual waistcoat and combine it with elegant black suede tassel loafers and one of HANSEN Garments casual suitings, that will add an interesting edge to a formal outfit.
Frequently asked questions about casual waistcoats
What are the options of modern styling of a casual waistcoat?
To ease off a bit from a formal aesthetics of waistcoats, make a selection of less formal garments and accessories to accompany the more strict pieces of an outfit. Combining casual waistcoat with a navy plaid blazer and a white shirt underneath, blue jeans and finishing off with burgundy leather work boots or burgundy leather tassel loafers, depending on the season, will ground the overall look. Assuming that the occasion doesn't allow relaxed outfit and require a little more formality, you can always alternate for a double-breasted waistcoat that has more decorous appeal, yet assembled in right attire and choosing the right material, it will still fit into the informal vibe.
On the contrary, when the occasion allows experimenting, don't limit your creativity. Instead of classic shapes and styles, opt for something untraditional. For example, HERBERT Lined Zipper Work Waistcoat from HANSEN Garments is an unmistakable garment that will ensure you hit the mark.
How to care for casual waistcoat?
Depending on a material, the care label varies from tweed waistcoats to wool waistcoats, each one requires different keeping procedures. But even though materials vary and so the specific requirements are altered accordingly, some rules stay the same for a specific garment. Caring for a casual waistcoat may seem rather easy, however, if you don't want to ruin the fabric, especially the tender ones, and want to prolong the lifespan of your waistcoat, you should follow several general guidelines of caring for this unique garment.
It is a standard procedure to dry clean only any waistcoat, from casual to formal, same as for any piece of suiting. Classic cleaning procedures may destroy the material and form-fitted garment you'll be left with shapeless form. Same goes for colouring alterations, home cleaning may bleach or another way alters waistcoat colourization, so it's best to leave it for the professionals. As for storing, the most fitting way is to hang your chosen waistcoat with the rest of suiting. Avoid folding the waistcoats to prevent shape alterations or deformity that may make the garment needing additional treatment before wearing.
