JEAN-MICHEL TIXIER POUR M LE MAGAZINE DU MONDE
W
ithin the hierarchy of the most stigmatized items in our wardrobes, the sleeveless puffer vest holds such a prominent position that it raises questions: Why, even more than cropped trousers or tank tops, does it make everyone so uneasy? Why, unlike Crocs or fleece jackets, has it never enjoyed an ironic or fashionable comeback? In short, why so much disdain?
The reasons are certainly varied, but at least when it comes to France – and after a careful review of dates and photographic records at our disposal –we can offer a political interpretation. Indeed, it was undeniably on the backs of our ministers, MPs and other lawmakers that the sleeveless puffer vest gained significant visibility over the past decade.
With this garment, these officials found a way out of the winter coat dilemma: too warm, too bulky, too austere, too old-fashioned and, depending on the style, too much like a pea coat, duffle coat, loden or raincoat. No doubt traumatized by images of President François Hollande tightly wrapped in his navy wool overcoat, many in the Macronist camp grew accustomed to slipping a sleeveless puffer vest under their suit jackets, opting for convenience and warmth.
