How to Wear a Leather Vest

How to Wear a Leather Vest

ll things leather, we usually end up focusing on leather jackets. If you have been to our blog before, you have seen the articles about every facet of leather jackets: from style to history to company reviews. The leather world, however, is massive and expands so many other products, even within outerwear.

A leather vest is a versatile choice that can elevate your wardrobe and make a bold statement in any setting. Whether you're looking to add a touch of rebellious charm to your everyday wear or want to create a stylish look for a formal occasion, knowing how to wear a leather vest can open up a world of fashion possibilities. This classic garment effortlessly blends with various styles, allowing you to express your personal style while embracing a modern twist.

One of the most appealing aspects of a leather vest outfit is its ability to transition from casual chic to a striking style statement. A black leather vest, for example, can serve as a focal point in your ensemble, drawing attention and adding an edgy flair. For those who appreciate versatility, leather vests offer endless ideas for both laid-back and polished looks. You can layer a tailored fit vest over a crisp button-down shirt for a refined aesthetic, or pair it with a graphic tee and jeans to channel a more relaxed, rebellious vibe.

Mastering layering techniques is key to maximizing the potential of your leather vest. It can act as a statement piece when worn over a sleek turtleneck during colder months or as a lightweight layer over a plain tee in warmer weather. Whether you're dressing up for a formal occasion or simply experimenting with new ways to showcase your personal style, the leather vest remains a timeless and stylish wardrobe essential. With the right combinations and a touch of creativity, you can turn this iconic garment into the ultimate fashion focal point.

Leather Vests: A Brief History

Leather vests came about in a similar fashion and for similar reasons to leather jackets. Meant for protection, leather vests were birthed as a lighter alternative to leather jackets. We know that leather jackets can be heavy! Enter the vest. Wearing a vest instead allows for a lighter protection alternative. The vests provide the heavy protection that leather affords around the middle, but leaves your arms open for something lighter to wear, such as a long sleeve shirt.

In the same way that leather jackets evolved from practical wear to fashion wear, leather vests did the same thing. They became a fashion piece and a statement. They are attractive and versatile. Leather vests, as does all fashion outerwear, tells the world a little bit of something about you before you do yourself.

A leather vest

How to Style your Leather Vest

After searching and comparing, possibly designing and ordering, you have found a leather vest that fits your style and personality. Now, how to style it with your everyday wear? There are various ways you can style a leather vest. Similar to other types of vests as well as other leather outerwear, it is a versatile piece that can be worn in a myriad of ways. Here are a few:

 

Formal - For men, a good leather vest is the perfect add on for formal wear. While we probably wouldn’t recommend that you wear it to your wedding (although, who are we to stop you?), it can definitely be worn to someone else’s when you are a guest. And if you really want to wear it to your wedding, go for it - just make sure that it is a dark leather for a clean, sheik look.

A more common formal scenario for a leather vest would probably be an office setting or meetings. Wear it as you would a 3-piece suit, and follow the same rules. Your vest has to be slightly lighter while the shirt should be white. Then decide the tie on the basis of the color you have chosen.

For ladies, fashion is a little bit different. A leather vest wouldn’t really go with a gown or cocktail attire, but you could throw it over a more casual dress or a skirt and top.

 

Casual - Leather vests shine in casual wear. For men, you can wear them easily with jeans. The color of denim dictates the casualness of your outfit, as does the shirt underneath the vest. You can have a more relaxed T-shirt or a plaid button-down. On your feet, you can wear sneakers, cowboy boots, or shoes. As long as you make sure to match your leather appropriately, the options are endless for leather vest casual wear.

Ladies are in a similar boat, especially because fashion is so versatile for them. For females, you can easily wear a leather vest with jeans and can go laid-back or a bit more dressed up for the top. The shoes you wear change the outfit - you can rock a pair of heels, wear sneakers, or don sandals. As it gets cooler, you can wear boots, completing your perfect fall look.

PHYSICAL - The Admiral Moto

PHYSICAL - The Suede Double Rider

PHYSICAL - The Technical Bomber


Should You Go Custom?

If you’re new to Independence Brothers, you may not have heard about how much we love custom. If you have been here before, you probably get just as excited about custom as we do. There are many, many reasons that we think custom is the way to go. Here are a few:

  1. Custom is uniquely, truly, unabashedly you. When you wear something custom, you have designed its creation. You create this piece to fit you, your personality, and your style. This is a huge draw for people to express themselves. It ensures that their vest encompasses everything they want it to. No one else out there is going to have your exact vest. It is something that you created and it is unique to you.
  2. Custom fits like a glove. We have all heard the saying when something “fits like a glove.” What does that mean? Gloves are supposed to be snug against your hands to protect you from the elements. Nothing is wrong with having standard sizes. But, as we know, people are not standard. So, while standard sizes do work, having something custom fit makes it that much better. It was meant for your body.

While we love custom and always recommend it, there are some things you should consider before committing to a bespoke product. The two main downsides to custom pieces are the price point and the return if anything goes awry. The main con that goes along with having this kind of a vest is the price tag. While there are affordable leather companies out there, bespoke leather products are still more expensive than ready-to-order ones. This is because of the time, energy, and effort that goes into making it, as well as because it is custom and unique. If you decide to go custom, you can research affordable custom leather companies. Some companies, such as Independence Brothers, build the organization on the mission of affordable custom options. This is something to consider if you are on a tighter budget or want to save dollars.

The other con that goes with having a bespoke leather product is the return and exchange policy on them. Because it is custom made, these are usually purchases that cannot be returned or exchanged. Many retailers have policies to help the consumer if there was an error on the company’s end. However, in general, custom can’t be returned or exchanged so once you decide to purchase it, you are committing to it.

We have spoken about custom jackets before, but we feel the same about vests. Having a bespoke leather vest adds an entirely new level to that feeling about what they can do for you. A custom product can be even more special to the person wearing it. You were involved in its creation and design and you chose everything by hand. Then, a company created this just for you. The added level of personalization can bring you a closer level of connection to your clothes.

How to style a leather vest

Leather Vests: Final Thoughts

We love everything leather, and leather vests are no exception. We hope this article has been informative and helpful for anyone who is considering purchasing a leather vest. Remember that those of us at Independence Brothers are glad to help with any leather questions or purchasing inquiries you might have. We hope you are able to find a leather vest that you love as much as we love leather vests themselves. Feel free to click around our site to see the custom full grain options that are out there at affordable prices for you. Read our blog for more information about leather jackets, leather jacket companies, and the wide world of leather itself. Comment below if you have purchased any leather vests that have really WOWed you and you want to share. Most importantly, happy shopping!

by Joanna Smykowski

Joanna does quite a few things in life, but writing has been her favorite by far. She is a city girl who has moved to a beach town, and second to writing, will never tire of music, travel, and the friendships she makes as a result of both.

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