Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.
Lightweight vests are not only the perfect way to add a bit of warmth or wind resistance to an outfit without having to worry about overheating, they’re a way you can work an extra color, texture, or silhouette into your fit. That’s why we’ve put together our list of some of the best lightweight vests on the market. Whether you’re layering or just need some extra pockets for your everyday carry items, we have you covered.
1) Mountain Hardware: Mtn. Tech/2 Vest
We don’t feature Mountain Hardware as much as we should, but they make some great products like their Mtn. Tehc/2 Vest. It’s constructed from three layers of Gortex’s Windstopper polyester fabric, and features elasticated arm openings, zippered hand pockets, and a single zippered chest pocket. While definitely a bit more outdoors-focused than many of the other vests on this list, it’s a great option if that fulfills your needs.
Available for $110 from REI.
2) Represent: 247 Tech Gilet
Represent’s 247 Tech Gilet vest is a great option if you’re looking for a minimalist vest. Made from an 87%/13% nylon/spandex blend fabric, this vest features a two-way zipper so it can be worn open, closed, or at any point in-between. This collarless vest is finished with two front hand pockets that blend seamlessly (no pun intended).
Available for $135 from End.
3) Canali: Reversible Slim-Fit Shell Gilet
If you want a lightweight vest that is more on the preppy side then you should look no further than Canali’s Reversible Slim-Fit Shell Gilet. Made in Italy from 100% polyester fabric, this vest features a navy finish on one side a beige finish on the other, allowing it to be reversed and worn with a wider variety of outfits. This vest comes with two welted pockets on the navy side and zippered mesh pockets on the beige side, giving you two further differentiable looks.
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Available for $915 from Mr. Porter.
4) Poutnik: Blade Vest
If your idea of an attractive lightweight vest is more on the utilitarian side, then Poutnik‘s Blade Vest should definitely be on your own, personal shortlist. It’s made in the Czech Republic and has two large pouch pockets as well as two hand pockets. Featuring no lining and constructed from a poly/cotton blend, this is a lightweight vest overall although the fabric itself is more on the midweight side of things.
Available for ~$215 from Wallace Mercantile & Shop.
5) Klattermusen: Nal Vest
While most of the vests on this list are more on the understated side, Klattermusen’s Nal Vest is definitely anything but. This water-repellent vest features reflective patches, a two-way asymmetric zipper, and a drawstring hem, making it a great option for those nighttime strolls.
Available for $170 from End.
Plus One – Engineered Garments: Long Fowl Vest ‘Black Flight Satin Nylon’
Engineered Garments never ceases to create unique pieces, so it should come as no surprise that they offer a vest unlike anything else on the market. Their Long Fowl Vest is made of a lightweight nylon fabric that flows down well past your waist. With its two flapped front pockets and long silhouette, this isn’t the kind of vest I’d find myself reaching for on a regular basis, but it’s certainly a very cool piece.
Available for $183 from Hatchet Supply Co.
