A waistcoat is called a vest in many countries. It is a sleeveless attire traditionally worn over shirts and is front open with buttons to fasten it. Earlier a waistcoat was worn as a part of formal attire but now due to design evolution and changing trend; it has become a must have fashion apparel for men in his wardrobe. The design and the use of waistcoat differs depending on the occasion. Sharing some of the common waistcoat designs which are popular amongst the uptown men.
Single-Breasted - Such waistcoats are design with a row of minimum four to six buttons at the max. It may have a collared or simple V neck line with pockets or without. The modern waistcoats are mostly inspired from this design.
Double-Breasted - It provides a formal look with the right hand side of the waistcoat reaching farther over the left with two rows of four to six buttons. Again it can be collared or v shaped neck and anything from one to four pockets.
Elegant Design - It is a classy man's waistcoat which has five buttons in front and is single-breasted. Traditionally such designs are worn over a matching trouser or trousers made of same material. With the suit jacket it completes a formal look but without the jacket is also cool for summer.
Short Style - In very opposite to the traditional waistcoats; the short style gives a complete cool casual look. It is most single-breasted and falls above the trouser belt which reveals the belt and the shirt underneath. This design is ideal for youngsters for a fun, cool and casual dressing.
Athletic Cut Style - It has a raised armhole with an athletic cut showing the torso. It is again a single-breasted style with four or less button which ends just below the waist of trousers.
Backless Design - It is and old fashioned double-breasted waistcoat which is originated long time back in 1920s. It is a low front design which has adjustable attachments around the neck and waist incorporating. It generally has only three buttons at the bottom and two pockets on either side of the buttons.
Differing Style of Gorges - The conventional waistcoats are upside down v shape at the bottom when both sides are buttoned which is called as high gorge. The modern designers are displaying different designs playing with gorge. The v-shape shallow or a high gorge with deeper v shape necklines are designed with single-breasted.