The Velvet Vest: The Easiest Way to Dress Up for the Holidays

Holiday dressing puts most men in an awkward spot. A suit feels too formal for a dinner with friends. A sweater feels too casual for the office party. The velvet vest sits right between them: it adds richness and occasion to whatever you're already wearing, without the commitment of a full suit.

Here's how to wear one, and how to choose the right one.

Why a velvet vest works

Velvet catches the light in a way wool and cotton don't, so it reads as "dressed for the occasion" immediately. A vest keeps that richness close to the body and leaves your arms free, which makes it easier to wear than a velvet jacket. It's also the most versatile layer you can own in December: over a knit, under a jacket, or on its own over a shirt.

5 ways to wear a velvet vest

1. Over a fine knit. The simplest and most modern option. A black or navy velvet vest over a thin merino crewneck or turtleneck, with tailored trousers. Ideal for dinners and evenings out.
2. Over a crisp white shirt. Open collar, no tie, dark trousers. Polished enough for the office party, relaxed enough for after it.
3. Under a jacket. For colder nights, wear it beneath a bomber or tailored jacket. A velvet vest under a wool jacket adds texture and warmth without bulk. It's designed to layer under NEAPOLIS, VOLO and CORSA.
4. With denim. Dark jeans, a white T-shirt or knit, and a velvet vest. It turns a casual outfit into something deliberate. Keep the shoes refined: loafers or clean leather sneakers.
5. Tonal, head to toe. Navy vest, navy knit, grey trousers. Or black on black. Tonal dressing lets the velvet texture do the work.

One rule: if you wear velvet on top, keep everything else matte. Velvet with velvet is hard to get right.

Which color to choose

• Black: the most versatile. Works with everything, from a white shirt to a black turtleneck. See the VESTO V001 black luxury velvet vest ($443).
• Navy: softer than black and flattering in candlelight. See the VESTO V002 navy luxury velvet vest ($443).
• Burgundy: the most festive choice. Pair it with grey, navy or black. See the VESTO V016 burgundy luxury velvet vest ($443).
• Champagne: for New Year's Eve and the man who wants to stand out. Wear it with black. See the VESTO V070 champagne luxury velvet vest ($443).

If you want more ease of movement, the VESTO V001S black velvet stretch vest ($323) adds stretch to the velvet.

What makes a good velvet vest

• A close, clean fit. A vest should follow your body without pulling. If it gapes or wrinkles at the closure, it's the wrong size.
• The right length. It should cover your waistband, so no shirt shows between vest and trousers.
• Refined details. A stand collar and a zip front feel more modern than a traditional five-button waistcoat, and they're easier to wear without a tie.

Every VESTO vest is cut on the NEDOIR athletic silhouette with a stand collar, a two-way zip and zip welt pockets, and made to order in 29 sizes.

How to care for velvet

Spot clean with a soft, damp cloth. Dry clean only when necessary. Never iron velvet directly: steam it from a distance, or hang it in a steamy bathroom to release creases. Store it on a hanger, not folded, so the pile isn't crushed.

Giving it as a gift

A tailored gift usually fails on size. Our 2-minute fit guide solves that: he answers 12 simple questions, with no tape measure needed, and his size is saved for every future piece. His first piece in each collection is covered by our fit guarantee. Holiday delivery dates are shown at checkout.