I Can See Right Through You

Well, at least almost.

I've been thinking about how men's fashion doesn't evolve as quickly compared to the other sex. If it wasn't for the popularity of horse riding, we'd all still be wearing togas for sure. Or worse, we'd all still wearing shearling rugs, with spear holsters and cavemen Birkenstocks which are probably look the same as they look now.

So the slightest evolutions in men's design are the most interesting. Some critics say that despite the fact that men only wear a handful of garments, menswear is the most difficult segment to design for and be successful. And I have to give it to the Yelp critics of fashion. They're right.

The waistcoat may owe its history to the Persians who inspired the British, who made it their own, but it certainly has staying power. It began as a long and acceptable girdle for men and transitioned into a functional piece of clothing that stored a man's pocket watch but slowly disappeared from every day wear as men became more and more casual in dress. I blame global warming and the ability of polyblends to trap heat even in its lightest of weaves. So what has design done for the waistcoat (also known as a vest in America)? Designers have decided to cute out the back to give it a fresh new look.

As a sucker for design, I love this new take on the vest. The Italian brand Gazzarrini sells a few on Yoox.com along with a Neil Barrett version I bought for myself.

YES
You can see right through the minimal evolution of the waistcoat and it's fabulous.

NO
Don't wear this without a shirt underneath. It's not a tank top. No one needs to see your bacne (aka back acne).  

MAYBE
You're over the waistcoat and you're going to try and bring the toga back. I can't wait for it. Let me know. Hail Caesar.