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15 Best Designer Vests

Sophie Diego

Choosing The Best Designer Vests

I swear, vests were considered cheugy years ago. In the past, they were commonly associated with mom and dad-core. Functional, not fashionable, this sleeveless garment was destined for closet abandonment—but 2022 came along. 

Thanks to Y2K and the spread of microtrends, vests were suddenly the in-thing. Today, it’s synonymous with luxury ski villas, Gilmore Girls, and oversized white button-downs.

Gosh, you can always count on fashion for upcycling controversial fits into Instagrammable moments!

Unless you’re an Amazon Prime member or an avid thrifter, chances are that you’re looking for other shopping avenues. For those who can afford to spend a bit of money, why not opt for the designer approach?

There are hundreds of reputable labels to support—ranging from Brunello Cucinelli to Akris Punto. 

The 15 Best Designer Vests

In the market for some recommendations? If so, we’ve got your back. We’re counting down 15 of the best designer vests that money can buy.

As a bonus, we’ll also provide some styling inspo for trendsetters to consider. 

#1: Brunello Cucinelli Reversible Cashmere Vest 

Brand: Brunello Cucinelli

Retailer: Nordstrom

Price: $3,695.00

This sporty yet sophisticated vest offers versatility by reversing from water-resistant nylon to cozy cashmere rib with a contrast back. Thermore insulation ensures warmth during transitional months, while monili beading along the two-way zip placket adds a signature touch.

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#2: Brunello Cucinelli Linen Blend Hooded Down Vest

Brand: Brunello Cucinelli

Retailer: Nordstrom

Price: $3,495.00

A down puffer vest is refreshed in linen-and-cotton corduroy, providing a carefree yet polished look for this just-right outer layer for transitioning seasons.

A removable hood adds versatile functionality, while signature monili beading adds an eye-catching, elegant touch on the zipper pull.

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#3: Moncler Beurre Lightweight Down Puffer Vest with Genuine Mink Fur Trim

Brand: Moncler

Retailer: Nordstrom

Price: $2,915.00

Mink-fur trim adds subtle, luxe flair to a buttery-soft puffer vest direct-injected with ultralightweight down that feels perfectly comfortable in milder temps.

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#4: Balenciaga Cozy Sporty B Logo Puffer Vest

Brand: Balenciaga

Retailer: Nordstrom

Price: $2,550.00

A sporty riff on the brand’s logo is embroidered at the chest of this puffer vest bulked up with the cocoon shape made famous by Cristóbal Balenciaga.

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#5: Balmain Logo Monogram Quilted Puffer Vest

Brand: Balmain

Retailer: Nordstrom

Price: $2,450.00

The 1970s monogram motif of this hooded puffer vest is inspired by founder Pierre Balmain’s fascination with France’s labyrinth gardens. Golden zips add a flashy gleam to the cold-weather layering favorite.

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#6: Fendi Down Reversible Puffer Vest

Brand: Fendi

Retailer: Nordstrom

Price: $1,850.00

Double your options for keeping your core stylishly warm with this down-filled nylon puffer vest that reverses from a solid hue to an FF logo print.

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#7: Lafayette 148 New York Shay Reversible Quilted Lambskin Leather Down Vest

Brand: Lafayette 148 New York

Retailer: Nordstrom

Price: $1,798.00

This diamond-quilted down vest reverses from lambskin leather to luxurious Italian flannel woven from a stretchy blend of virgin wool and cashmere.

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#8: Amiri Paint Splatter Hooded Down Puffer Vest

Brand: Amiri

Retailer: Nordstrom

Price: $1,690.00

Looking like an abstract-expressionist canvas, this puffer vest is hooded and filled with down for a layer that nails the art of everyday style and warmth.

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#9: Maison Margiela Distressed Denim Vest

Brand: Maison Margiela

Retailer: Nordstrom

Price: $1,560.00

Dirtied, paint-splattered, and distressed denim underscores the insouciant attitude of a raw-edged high-low vest featuring a trompe l’oeil spliced design. Four white basting stitches at the yoke add a signature finish.

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#10: Burberry Broadwas Check Down Puffer Vest

Brand: Burberry

Retailer: Nordstrom

Price: $1,550.00

Made from recycled polyester featuring an exploded check pattern, this puffer vest is filled with cozy down and set off with contrasting patch pockets.

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#11: Moncler Diotis Hooded Down Puffer Vest

Brand: Moncler

Retailer: Nordstrom

Price: $1,550.00

With a look that evokes the ’80s paninari phenomenon, this hooded, quilted vest in lacquered nylon is packed with high-loft down fill to keep your core warm.

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#12: Amiri Hooded Down Puffer Vest

Brand: Amiri

Retailer: Nordstrom

Price: $1,490.00

Safety-orange is highlighted with liquid-shine black lining and branded detailing on this hooded, down-filled puffer vest for a layer that arms and warns.

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#13: Zegna Water Repellent Vest

Brand: Zegna

Retailer: Nordstrom

Price: $1,31400

This versatile vest featuring a water-repellent shell and sumptuously soft knit lining knit is ideal for layering in fickle weather.

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#14: Frame Sleeveless Leather Puffer Vest

Brand: Frame

Retailer: Nordstrom

Price: $1,298.00

Showcase your fashion-forward style in this quilted puffer vest cut from soft leather with extended shoulders.

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#15: Akris Punto Circle Quilted Puffer Vest

Brand: Akris Punto

Retailer: Nordstrom

Price: $895.00

Akris punto’s signature dot motif appears in the circular quilting of this padded vest tailored with precise seaming that creates a more structured look.

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Where to Buy a Designer Vest

Haute couture and designer dupes are two sides of the same coin. If credibility is heads, we assume that you don’t want to end up with tails. For those who want to stay clear of counterfeits, here are some reputable stores to purchase high-quality vests:

How to Choose the Best Designer Vest

You should treat designer fashion like an expensive car. It requires major consideration, research, and months of saving up.

Of course, this doesn’t apply to those who can afford to spend thousands of dollars—but to the average shopper, opting for luxury goods entails a lot of justification.

If you encountered a brand that’s not on our top 15 list, here are some ways to choose the best designer vest. 

Brand

In most cases, designer brands are usually known for one thing. For Jacquemus, it’s the mini bag. If it’s Gucci, the monogram tracksuit usually comes to mind. 

When it comes to luxury vests, it’s important to find a company that’s recognized for them. This helps to ensure legitimacy and quality.

Of course, you can take care knowing that the 15 we’ve featured are considered highly reputable within the fashion industry. 

Material

Vests are not an after-thought. Usually, they’re the foundation to the outfit or worn for function rather than fashion. With that in mind, it’s crucial to find a garment that’s durable and practical in use.

This includes looking for fabrics such as cotton, wool, cashmere, and linen. Usually, most vests come stuffed with down-fill for additional circulation. 

Style

There’s a reason why vests were considered cheugy in the past. Most versions were strictly practical and often sacrificed fashion in the name of being functional. At the end of the day, it’s essential to find a designer vest that’s timeless in style. 

You should stay away from microtrends, as they usually have a lifespan of a mayfly. Instead, trendsetters should opt for styles that blend cohesively with their wardrobe. 

Size

2022 is the year of slim-fit silhouettes and oversized clothing. There is no middle, but of course—you’re free to wear whatever you like. Regardless, it’s important to opt for a size that compliments your figure.

The designer vest should be flattering and comfortable to wear. We highly suggest skimming through the brand’s measurement chart for a head’s up. 

Warmth

Before fashion entered the playing field, vests served as functional outerwear only. With all designer pieces, you should definitely opt for a style that’s warm and soft.

This bodes especially true for shoppers who live in colder climates. Most of the options we’ve featured come with down-fill, which is just another fancy term for insulation. 

Price

From the designs we’ve featured, a luxury vest can retail from $895 to $3,695. I know, it’s a large price to pay for a sleeveless top, but hey—what do you expect from haute couture?

To ensure the best value for your money, you should consider size, style, quality, and brand before committing to checkout. 

How to Style a Designer Vest

Need a simple way to style a puffer vest? If so, you can never go wrong with a white turtleneck and a pair of jeans.

Offered with a set of streetwear sneaks, a Jacquemus bag, and minimalist jewelry, it’s the perfect coffee-run look in place of sweats. 

If you’re not a fan of exposing your midriff, we recommend opting for a longer cable knit that you can French-tuck into your pants.

I get it; vests can look cheesy—but not if you style them properly. For instance, this utilitarian-inspired outfit comes with a double-pocket raincoat, a loose pair of trousers, black boots, and a dark gray fleece for additional layering. 

Due to the monochrome hues, this ensemble definitely screams Top Gun aviator vibes. We highly suggest finishing off the look with a pair of shades and a matching tote bag. 

Guys can rock vests too. In this case, we suggest an outfit composed of gray sweatpants, a flannel button-down, a green sleeveless puffer, and a white hoodie underneath.

This streetwear look is perfect for running daily errands, university lectures, or grabbing coffee. To top off the ensemble, how about a matching beanie and a pair of lace-up sneakers? 

Not a fan of the mundane? Don’t worry; we’ll teach you how to elevate any traditional vest into a runway moment.

For example, this outfit styles the classic utility no-sleeve with a long, bright orange hoodie, a beige button-down, and a pair of khaki pants.

Finished off with glasses and a set of white sneakers, it’s definitely a more daring take on an everyday look.

FAQs

Are designer vests warm? 

Yep! Designer vests aren’t just made for show. They’re practical too. Most of the styles we’ve featured are made with insulated fill and warm fabrics.

This includes goose or duck plumage, cashmere, wool, cotton, and polyamide. They’re quite sturdy and thick as well, making it ideal for winter and fall layering. 

Since vests are sleeveless, we recommend wearing a hoodie underneath to keep warm. You can also wear them under coats for added insulation, such as a trench jacket or a quilted puffer. 

What makes a good vest?

We’ve covered this in detail in a previous segment, but here are the general specifics. A good designer vest should be stylish, practical, warm, and reasonably affordable, given the quality.

You should stay away from microtrends, as they usually include vibrant patterns and asymmetrical cuts. This ensures continued wearability. 

Of course, a ‘good vest’ will depend on your personal preferences. A quilted puffer might appeal to some trendsetters, but not all. You should always assess your core aesthetics and needs before settling on a design. 

Are vests unisex? 

Yes! Vests are entirely unisex. Factors such as cut, color, and silhouette don’t matter, as you’re free to wear whatever you want.

In the previous segments, we shared multiple outfits to consider when wearing a vest. We didn’t mention this before, but all four OOTD are completely genderless. 

The only qualm with unisex vests is sizing. You may want to look up the measurements chart before deciding on a fit. 

Looking to stay up to date on all things designer? We’ve got you covered:

The Best Designer Robes

The Best Designer Sweatshirts

The Best Designer High-Top Sneakers

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