A waistcoat is a sleeveless garment that is worn with a suit jacket and/or a dress shirt

The waistcoat is the third piece to a three piece suit. It was very popular in the 1920’s. In the last years the waistcoat and the three piece suit is regaining popularity.

History

The waistcoat is one of the few articles of clothing whose origin historians can date precisely. King Charles of England, Scotland and Ireland introduced the waistcoat as a part of correct dress after the restoration of the British monarchy in 1660. It was derived from the Persian vests seen by English visitors to the court of Shah Abbas.