How to Wear a Sweater Vest
Sophie Diego
Table of Contents
Buried deep in my father’s wardrobe, my mom’s hand-knitted sweater vest made an occurring appearance at church events and dinner parties. I didn’t care much about fashion at age 6, but I did have a strong opinion about my dad’s cable-knit.
Itchy, abrasive, and chunky in texture, I often associated SVs with what adults loved: bad clothing. Growing up, I grew to view sweater vests intrinsic to nerd culture. Of course, I was a geek back then, but you would never catch me with duck-tape glasses and high-waisted suspenders.
Being the Mia Thermopolis of fashion, sweater vests have undergone a Princess Diaries transformation in the latter years. They’re one of the hottest trends this season—notably popularized on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Cottagecore, academia, and Y2K have adopted the sweater vests as a wardrobe essential. It still imbues that classic bookish vibe but in a Taylor Swift ‘Cardigan’ kind of way.
You probably clicked on this article for some outfit ideas, and we’re here to do just that. Consider this a Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide on style, as we’ll show you how to wear a sweater vest through 10 outfit ideas. By the end of the write-up, readers will hopefully learn:
- How to wear a sweater vest female outfits
- How to wear a sweater vest male outfits
- Some unisex sweater vest outfits
What is a Sweater Vest
Considered a type of knitwear, sweater vests are sleeveless pieces of clothing. They’re usually made out of wool, acrylic, and synthetic yarn. There are hundreds of designs to choose from, but most versions come
with a v-neckline or a classic crew neck cut. The silhouette is typically form-fitting, but nowadays, most trendsetters opt for a baggier shape.
History of Sweater Vests
Intrinsic to zoomer fashion, the sweater vest outfit aesthetic entails a long-winded history. In the 1900s, athletes, workout geeks, and rowers adopted the sweater as performance wear.
Compared to breathable mesh fabrics and moisture-wicking materials, jumpers were worn to promote sweating. Logically speaking, excessive perspiration was thought to induce weight loss. It wasn’t until the latter years that the sleeves were hacked off to help encourage aeration.
Sweater vests began to slowly distance themselves from athleticwear. The transformation was notably shown in the 1910s, 20s, and 30s. Big decision-makers, such as President Woodrow Wilson, President Herbert Hoover, and Eleanor Roosevelt sported the SV as casual formalwear.
Over the years, designers and trendsetters offered their own take on old-school tradition, as sweater vests were recycled to meet the decade’s modern-day trends. Today, they’re no longer considered a workout essential but rather synonymous with the retro scene and preppy clothing.
When to Wear Sweater Vests
Compared to the regular jumper, sweater vests blur the line between formalwear and casual clothing. If anything, it shares the same styling technique as the blazer.
Designed to be fashioned outside the office, zoomers and gen x-ers have now deemed the Dwight Shrute aesthetic as the newest Instagram craze.
Due to its chunky knit, sweater vests are commonly worn during winter and fall. You can probably get away with early spring, depending on the temperature. If the weather calls for sub-degree chills, it’s time to do some thoughtful layering.
For those unsure of how to wear a sweater vest casually, a pair of light wash denim or a tennis skirt can help dress down its collegiate vibe.
If you’re heading to an important event, we suggest donning that dilf professor look composed of a well-fitted blazer, a white button-up, trousers, and a tie. All in all, there are multiple ways to answer the ‘how to wear a sweater vest’ question.
How to Wear a Sweater Vest
Sweater vests are one of the hottest trends of the season. If you consider yourself a true fashion fanatic, it’s only natural to jump on the bandwagon. Despite your best brainstorming efforts, it’s common to run into a few creative blocks along the way—and we’re here to fix just that.
Below, we’ll feature 10 sweater vest outfit ideas to consider. From well-fitted trousers to skirts, we’ve got OOTDs for all genders to sport.
10 Outfit Ideas with Sweater Vests
Throughout our “how to wear” series, we’ll commonly feature Harry Styles as part of our outfit lineup. Yes, we can’t deny his seemingly good looks—but that’s not the reason why he’s included in the list. Styles is an expert at styling clothes. For instance, he offers a creative take on the ol’ grandpa sweater vest.
Paired with a rolled-up pinstripe button-up and navy blue pants, it’s definitely getting a ‘Golden’ star in our sweater vest style book. The pink leather shoes are a must-have, as it helps to imbue that cute, quirky vibe.
In this ‘how to wear a sweater vest men edition, this prep school style outfit is definitely giving me ‘daddy paid for my tuition’ vibes. It’s slightly pretentious in aesthetic, but it only adds to the charm of the ensemble.
Dressed in a boxy black sweater vest, yellow button-up, faded black jeans, and Doc Martens, this OOTD can help you transform from an Abercrombie and Fitch follower into an upper-class trendsetter. Of course, floppy, mid-part hair is considered a necessity for this look.
For those plugging in ‘how to wear a sweater vest men’ to the search engine, there’s a good chance that Pinterest will recommend jeans and a well-fitted blazer. Well, they’re not wrong—it’s a stylish way to fashion a sleeveless jumper.
Inspired by old-school collegiate professors, this ensemble features a coffee cream sweater vest, a beige suede coat, a white button-up, and a dark green tie. The mid-wash denim and the matching Converse act as a nice substitution, as trousers and loafers fare better for more formal settings.
If you own a white button-up that extends past your waist, take it as an opportunity to wear it like a dress. Considered a go-to look for many Instagram influencers, this outfit comes with a collared shirt, a cream cable-knit sweater vest, and chunky platform boots.
We highly recommend wearing a pair of nude-colored biker shorts underneath to avoid accidental Marilyn Munroe-ing. Cute, simple, and practical for the warm autumn months, this is how to wear a sweater vest fashionably.
Sweater vests get a bad rep for looking too frumpy. If you want to stay clear of the ugly Christmas card aesthetic, we suggest taking fashion inspo from Kylie Jenner. Here, she’s sporting a sleeveless cable knit with a white turtleneck, beige trousers, and a pair of espresso-stained loafers.
It’s an elegant way of answering the ‘how to wear a sweater vest women’ question, as the ensemble does wonders in evening out your proportions. For accessories, we suggest a pair of dainty diamond studs and a matching handbag.
For those wondering how to wear a boxy sweater vest, we suggest juxtaposing its chunky silhouette with something ultra-feminine. The outfit pairs a sleeveless crochet-knit with a white Peter Pan blouse and a matching pencil skirt.
The cream tones help to embody that coffee-girl vibe, while the flower decals of the sweater vest keep things bright and playful. We suggest topping off the look with some closed-toe kitten heels and a headscarf.
The easiest way to tackle the ‘how to wear a sweater vest’ query is to go full monochrome. For example, this stylish outfit plays with different hues of cream.
Featuring a boxy sleeveless cable-knit, an oversized tee, pleated trousers, and a bucket hat, this down-toned ensemble is easy on the eyes and effortless to style. The chunky slippers and fanny pack help to imbue that cheesy yet chic vibe that this OOTD emanates. It’s touristy, yet trendy.
Who said you have to wear a white button-up shirt underneath a sweater vest? If you’re looking for a more breathable alternative, we suggest ditching the collared tee altogether. This outfit keeps things light and simple by pairing a boxy SV with a plaid tennis skirt.
It’s an excellent look to consider if you’re wondering how to wear a sweater vest during the summer. Paired with white sneakers and a cream-colored bag, it’s a look that screams, “I ordered a really expensive latte.”
Next on this ‘how to wear a sweater vest’ lineup is checkered designs over thinly striped plaid. Pattern on pattern requires a bit of styling know-how. But, if you’re a seasoned trendsetter, you’re probably familiar with what prints blend seamlessly together.
Cohesive, not complicated, this outfit marries two collegiate aesthetics into one. The white button-up keeps things calm, while the black wide-brimmed hat adds a touch of class. Of course, this look isn’t complete with a pair of leather oxfords.
To answer the ‘how to wear a sweater vest’ query, you’ll need to understand the vibe it exudes.
According to most trendsetters, the sleeveless cable-knit is intrinsic to retro academia, vintage bookstores, and local coffee shops. Naturally, you’ll want to create an outfit that embodies the same aesthetic.
In this example, a bishop sleeve blouse pairs well with the blue sweater vest. Paired with beige pants and chunky lace-up boots, it’s an OOTD that marries Emily Dickenson poetry with gothic romance.
What Type of Sweater Vests Can You get?
Long gone are the days of tacky Christmas card sweater vests. Of course, you’re free to rock the family photo aesthetic—but bear in mind that it requires some styling know-how in order to make it fashionable. Aside from ‘retro cheese,’ there are dozens of sweater vests designs out there.
To help our readers figure out how to wear a sweater vest, we thought it best to imbue you with a few popular styles:
- Boxy silhouettes: Oversized clothing is all the rage this season. If you want to look dainty and demure, we recommend opting for XL instead of your regular size.
- Slim-fit sweater vests: Not a fan of boxy cable-knits? Some trendsetters prefer body-con clothing instead.
- Monochrome colors: If you’re wondering how to wear a sweater vest, the safest bet is to opt for a singular hue. Popular choices include cream, pastel blue, beige, and black.
- Patterns and prints: Taking inspiration from Harry Styles, granny knits and tacky designs can definitely look fashionable if styled right.
- Necklines: In the world of sweater vests, you can choose a v-neckline, a crew neck cut, or a turtleneck if you’re feeling conservative.
How to Choose The Best Sweater Vest
Before you figure out how to style a sweater vest, it’s important to consider price, quality, and material to ensure a durable fit. There’s nothing more irritating than unraveled knitwear or an itchy cable knit. If you prefer slow fashion over disposable knock-offs, we’ll teach you how to choose the best sweater vest.
Sweater vests are usually made out of yarn. Compared to traditional granny knits, softer threads typically entail alpaca wool, merino wool, and cashmere.
Most designs come with a 50/50 blend, as you should never settle for 100% wool. They’re often itchy, bulky, and super stifling to wear. In addition, acrylic and cotton yarns are commonly stiff in feel. If you want your sweater vest to have more structure, we suggest opting for this blend.
In most cases, designers will often cut corners by using knit fabrics instead of yarn. Sewn garments will usually have serged edges, while hand-made clothing will offer no seams at all.
Some fast-fashion retailers will typically opt for the overlocked method to help save time, as it’s common to find loose threads in this type of construction technique.
In terms of price, sweater vests will vary depending on the brand. For instance, H&M sells them for $30 while Ganni charges a whopping total of $290. Before settling on a design, it’s important to assess quality and materials.
How to Style a Sweater Vest
By now, you’ve probably picked up on some common themes in our ‘how to wear a sweater vest’ lineup. If not, we’ll discuss some popular ways to style a sleeveless cable-knit:
- The white button-up shirt: Half of the results on Pinterest feature the sweater vest with a collared tee. Practical, traditional, and stylish to wear, it’s the easiest way to don a chunky cable-knit.
- Tennis skirts: Nothing screams prep school than a pleated tennis skirt and a sweater vest. Varieties include plaid, flannel, or classic off-white.
- Blazers: If you want to look like a well-dressed professor, it’s best to pair your sweater vest with a well-fitted blazer. We also suggest layering up with a white button-up shirt underneath.
- Jeans: Want to opt for a more casual ensemble? A pair of light wash denim can do just the trick. We recommend high-waisted cuts, wide-legged bottoms, or cigarette-style silhouettes.
- Pleated trousers: Considered a fancier alternative to a pair of jeans, a set of tailored pants can help you look like a distinguished gentleman.
Fashion Tips to Avoid With Sweater Vests
Sweater vest styling sins are up the wazoo. There’s a reason why sleeveless cable-knits were deemed ugly in the past—and we’re here to discuss why. From questionable ‘90s trends to gimmicky designs, we’ll share some fashion tips to avoid with sweater vests.
- Ravewear: Collegiate clothing and party garb pair as well as nails on a chalkboard. It’s a confusing mess of aesthetics that should never be worn together.
- Frilly blouses: Tops with an excessive amount of ruffles, sequins, and embellishments disguise the ‘intelligent’ attributes of the sweater vest. Remember, less is more.
- Capris: They were ugly in 2010, and they’re still ugly now. Sweater vests demand full-length pants or a mini skirt. There’s no in-between.
- Flip flops: Let’s be honest; you were probably dress-coded for wearing Nike slides to school. Not only is it a uniform violation, but it’s incredibly ugly when paired with sweater vests.
- An excessive amount of knitwear: We suggest keeping yarn work down to a minimum. Trust me, there’s nothing tackier than pairing your sweater vest with a crochet dress, a knitted cardigan, and a handmade bucket hat.
How To Take Care Of Sweater Vests
Like a shrunken pair of jeans, there’s nothing more disappointing than an unraveled sweater vest. Fortunately, most designs are machine-washable and dryer friendly.
But, if you want to err on the side of caution, here are some ways to safely take care of your sleeveless cable knits.
- Turn inside out: Before you toss your sweater vest in the laundry, we suggest turning it inside out. This helps to protect the color and any added embellishments sewn onto the design.
- Wash in cold water with mild detergent: If you own a bright sweater vest, it’s best to stay away from hot water. Doing so will often lead to color bleeding. We also recommend staying away from harsh cleaning solvents, such as bleach.
- Air dry: In most cases, machine dryers are the leading cause of shrunken clothing. Unless you intend on giving your sleeveless cable knit to your kid, you should let it air dry instead.
Best Places to Buy Sweater Vests
Thrift stores and consignment shops aren’t for everyone. For those who prefer new designs over second-hand boutiques, we’ll share some reputable places that offer the best sweater vests:
- Gentleherd
- Everlane
- Naked Cashmere
- Uniqlo
- Urban Outfitters
- Reformation
- Aritzia
Final Thoughts
Like the pop culture nerd, the sweater vest has finally received its glow-up moment. Of course, they’re still synonymous with book worms and the collegiate lifestyle—but I think it’s safe to say that sleeveless cable knits are intrinsic to folklore rather than The Big Bang Theory.
They’re refined, sophisticated, and elegant if styled correctly. Grandma knits are back in season, and it seems that they aren’t going away anytime soon. From plaid trousers to mini skirts, here’s to hoping that you now know how to wear a sweater vest!
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