A men’s waistcoat can also be called a vest, is a sleeveless garment worn over a dress shirt and tie. It is mostly worn as formal wear and often underneath a suit jacket. During the 17th and 18th century it was common to see men wearing brightly colored waistcoats; but in the 19th century it became more limited and were worn to match the colors of men’s suits. In the 19th century it went from being almost a second to an overcoat to more of a foundation to the clothing. It could also enhance men’s figures almost like a corset does for women. It created a cinche
d-in waist and because it was skin tight it emphasized broad shoulders and a pushed-out chest. This style became quite the popular fashion statement for men in the 19th century and waistcoats were largely used. But towards the middle and end of the century, around 1850 the look changed from being cinched-in to a more straight line. The waistcoat was then adapted to cause less waist restriction and the created a straight line up men’s torsos. Waistcoats were introduced by King Charles II from England, and they were also big in Scotland and Ireland at the same time. Waistcoats are still sometimes worn today by men for very formal events under their suits and are not very tight, they are more of the type that create a straight line up a man’s upper body."Waistcoat -." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Web. 01 Jan. 2010.
