What is a waistcoat?
Q: What is a waistcoat?
A: A waistcoat is a sleeveless upper-body garment worn over a dress shirt and necktie, and below a coat as a part of most men's formal wear.
Q: What is a waistcoat known as in the United States?
A: A waistcoat is known as a vest in the United States.
Q: What is the waistcoat's place in most men's formal wear?
A: The waistcoat is the third piece of the three-piece male suit.
Q: What is the history of the waistcoat?
A: The waistcoat has quite a long history, going back to King Charles II. It was derived from the Persian vests seen by English visitors to the court of Shah Abbas.
Q: What advantage does the waistcoat have as an item of clothing?
A: The waistcoat has the advantage that if the jacket is taken off indoors, the outfit still keeps a degree of formality.
Q: What is the waistcoat worn over and below?
A: The waistcoat is worn over a dress shirt and necktie, and below a coat.
Q: What outfit does the waistcoat complete in most men's formal wear?
A: The waistcoat completes the three-piece male suit in most men's formal wear.
