Is it ever a good idea to... wear a suit vest? JEAN-MICHEL TIXIER POUR M LE MAGAZINE DU MONDE
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hile some items in men's wardrobes, such as cropped pants, tank tops, harem pants or even white sports socks, are subject to relentless criticism bordering on harassment, others enjoy surprising leniency, not to say an unfortunate impunity. Such is the case, for example, with the suit vest, whose presence in public spaces is not yet overwhelming, but is becoming increasingly and worryingly prevalent.
Over the past few years, the suit vest has seemingly benefited from the influence of the hit British series Peaky Blinders, in which the protagonists are always seen in three-piece suits, with a vest layered between their suit jacket and poplin shirt. Cinched at the waist to emphasize the shoulders, the vest – like shaved temples or flat caps – serves a specific purpose: to accentuate the overt masculinity of the characters.
While this look may – perhaps – have a certain appeal on screen, adopting it in real life can be extremely risky. Except for professional reasons (a nod to café waiters) or for special occasions (such as weddings, christenings or birthdays), the suit vest in everyday settings highlights an artificially sophisticated posture and, quite often, an awkward physical insecurity. Indeed, it is frequently used as a sort of corset to conceal an unacknowledged paunch.
