Why Men Stopped Wearing Vests

About this video

Centeno traces the history of the waistcoat from its creation in 1666 under King Charles II through its decline in the 20th century. He explains how World War I fabric rationing, advances in heating technology, changing fashion preferences, and the rise of casual knitwear led to the vest’s disappearance from everyday menswear, though it persists in formal wear and niche applications today.

Key takeaways

• Centeno argues the waistcoat originated in 1666 as an English fashion statement inspired by Persian court styles, became ubiquitous by 1911, but declined due to fabric rationing during both World Wars and GIs returning home accustomed to more comfortable clothing
• Centeno contends that the rise of indoor heating in offices, transportation, and vehicles eliminated the practical need for an extra insulating layer that made vests functional in earlier centuries
• Centeno explains the waistcoat survives today primarily in formal black-tie wear to cover where the shirt meets trousers, and in niche applications like western wear, vintage fashion, and steampunk subcultures, as well as for professionals who want to maintain a dressed appearance when removing their jacket

Episode details: published December 3, 2024 · 296K views · 12:28 long. Summary written by Self Growth Videos from the episode itself. The style advice summarized here is Antonio Centeno’s own teaching and opinion, presented for education; product recommendations are his, not ours. Summaries are written by Self Growth Videos from each video itself.

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