ComScore
style

The 25 Best Vests for Men to Sport This Autumn and Winter

The best sweater vests, insulated vests, fleece vests and more.

ONE37pm editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. You can learn more about that process here.
best vests mobile
Eddie Bauer / REI / The North Face

If it seems like it was only just a couple of months ago that we were talking about what to wear for the spring and summer....it kind of was. Time has flown by as usual, and now it's time to start talking fall and winter clothes. A vest should be an essential addition to your capsule wardrobe, as it's a versatile statement piece that can be worn with your winter boots, sweaters, and even over top of your hoodies if you need some extra bundling. Not all vests are created equal, and today we'll be taking a look at the best vests for men to sport in the cooler seasons ahead. From the Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Vest ($124.93) to The North Face Men’s Aconcagua 3 Vest ($160), we rounded up the best of the best available to cop right now.

Scroll down to check out our selections.

RELATED: The 21 Best Winter Fragrances for Men to Smell Fresh This Winter

The Best Vests for Men, at a Glance:

1. Nautica Navtech Sweater Vest

0731516000023 SR3500 213 B
Nautica

The Best Sweater Vest

  • Vest type: Sweater vest
  • Colors: True black, Navy, Camel Heather, Charcoal Heather
  • Sizes: XS - 3XL
  • Specs: 60% Cotton, 40% polyester, temperature-controlled

Nautica's Navtech Sweater Vest is a pretty darn good vest for a pretty darn good price. Made with 60% cotton and 40% polyester, the vest is made from a temperature-controlled active-stretch fabric that helps to control your body heat throughout the day, has a v-neck ribbed collar, and four different colors at your disposal. For under $30, there's no going wrong with this one.

SHOP NOW AT NAUTICA, $29.75

2. Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Vest

Screen Shot 2023 08 24 at 8.48.23 PM
REI

The Best Insulated Vest

  • Vest type: Insulated vest
  • Colors: Classic Navy, Black, Burl Red, Forge Grey, Lagom Blue, and 3 others
  • Sizes: XS - 3XL
  • Specs: 60g insulation, postconsumer recycled polyester

A popular choice from Patagonia vest-wise is their Nano Puff Insulated Vest which is made with postconsumer recycled polyester and 60g PrimaLoft Gold Eco insulation. Made to be windproof and water-repellent, the vest has the ability to retain 98% of its insulating ability even when wet (major bonus points in our book), and since Patagonia is one of the renowned outdoor brands, this vest can be worn in a variety of settings and a variety of weather. Don't sleep on the two zippered handwarmer pockets, either—those come in handy on those super cold days.

SHOP NOW AT REI, $124.93

3. Port Authority Fleece Vest

Screen Shot 2023 08 25 at 10.20.32 AM
Merchology

The Best Fleece Vest

  • Vest type: Fleece vest
  • Colors: Black, Royal, Forest Green, Iron Grey, True Navy, True Red
  • Sizes: XS - 5XL
  • Specs: 100% polyester fabric

This vest from Port Authority is another mover and shaker for the wintertime as it's made with polyester fabric and lined with interior pockets that you can place your hands in if you forget your gloves. The vest is also lightweight enough for layering, which is something to keep in mind if you want to throw it over your turtlenecks and long sleeve shirts. With six different colors to select from and an affordable $27 asking price, you can snag all six of these bad boys for just little over $100. Not bad. Not bad at all.

SHOP NOW AT PORT AUTHORITY, $27.99

4. The North Face Men’s Aconcagua 3 Vest

Screen Shot 2023 08 25 at 10.34.50 AM
The North Face

The Best Golf/Athletic Vest

  • Vest type: Athletic vest
  • Colors: TNF Black, Asphalt Grey, Fiery Red, Summit Navy, Falcon Brown
  • Sizes: XS - 3XL
  • Specs: 100% recycled body fabric, 600 fill down, synthetic insulation

This new iteration of the Aconcagua 3 Vest from The North Face has been updated to include 100% recycled body fabric on the outside, and a combination of fully recycled 600-fill down and synthetic insulation on the inside. There's also a heat transfer logo on the left chest and back right shoulder, and a Non-PFC DWR finish to make the vest water-repellent. Sounds like a vest that will get the job done if you ask us.

SHOP NOW AT THE NORTH FACE, $160

5. Eddie Bauer Men's Cirruslite Down Vest

Screen Shot 2023 08 25 at 10.42.33 AM
Eddie Bauer

The Best Quilted Vest

  • Vest type: Quilted vest
  • Colors: Atlantic, Black, Dark Olive, Dark Smoke
  • Sizes: S - 2XL
  • Specs: StormRepel® DWR treatment, 650-fill down

Eddie Bauer's Men's Cirruslite Down Vest has a lot of cool features including the StormRepel® DWR treatment the vest is built with which in turn helps to provide a moisture-shedding finish, a 650-fill down to add to the vest's insulation, and a Responsible Down Standard that's certified by the Control Union. Add in the comfortable fit and affordability, and we're sold!

SHOP NOW AT EDDIE BAUER, $42.50

6. Peter Millar Essex Quilted Travel Vest

Screen Shot 2023 08 25 at 10.53.45 AM
Peter Millar
  • Vest type: Quilted vest
  • Colors: Black, Navy, Khaki, Olive, Burnt Orange
  • Sizes: S - 2XL
  • Specs: 100% Polyester, six interior pockets

Weather-resistant and windproof, the Essex Quilted Travel Vest from Peter Millar is a 100% polyester made to give you extra warmth, and has additional helpful features such as six interior pockets a stand up collar, hidden zip-front, snap-button placket and exterior side pockets. Warmth and functionality is important, and the Essex Quilted Travel Vest has both.

SHOP NOW AT PETER MILLAR, $230

7. Mack Weldon Warmknit 2-Way Puffer Vest

Screen Shot 2023 08 25 at 12.23.59 PM
Mack Weldon
  • Vest type: Insulated vest
  • Colors: Charcoal Heather, Total Eclipse Blue
  • Sizes: S - 2XL
  • Specs: WARMKNIT technology, reversible, hypoallergenic fiber

The Mack Weldon Warmknit 2-Way Puffer Vest is especially handy because it's fully reversible meaning that you can get two different looks out of it, and features WARMKNIT technology that insulates the vest very well and has hypoallergenic fiber if you have skin that's sensitive to certain fabrics. The reviews all say that this vest is a solid investment that's durable in the sense that it can last you for years, so you certainly won't be disappointed with a purchase.

SHOP NOW AT MACK WELDON, $168

8. REI Co-op 650 Down Vest 2.0

Screen Shot 2023 08 25 at 12.35.46 PM
REI
  • Vest type: Quilted vest
  • Colors: Black, Copper Spice, Desert Sun
  • Sizes: S - 3XL
  • Specs: Recycled nylon taffeta, 650-fill-power down

REI's Co-op 650 Down Vest is an extra warm vest made with recycled nylon taffeta and filled with 650-fill-power down insulation. While not the most technical vest you'll find, the 650 still takes care of a lot with its recycled nylon shell fabric that's water-repellent, has multiple pockets, a stretch hem that holds in warmth, and is sustainable. All of this for under $40 is not a bad buy at all, and it will be hard to find a vest with all of these technical features for the same price.

SHOP NOW AT REI, $39.83

9. Fjallraven Greenland Down Liner Vest

Screen Shot 2023 08 25 at 12.51.56 PM
Fjallraven
  • Vest type: Insulated vest
  • Colors: Autumn Leaf, Black, Night Sky
  • Sizes: S - 2XL
  • Specs: : 65% Polyester (recycled), 35% cotton (organic)100% polyester, 80% goose down, 20% feather, 600 CUIN, 110g fill weight

Now on the flip side if you are looking for vest that is highly technical, we preseent Fjallraven's Greenland Down Liner Jacket, which is sustainably made with recycled polyester and organic cotton, has a 80% goose down, 20% feather filling, a fill power of 600 CUIN, and a fill weight of 110g. What does this mean? Plenty of insulation, plenty of layering, plenty of cushioning, and lots of durability.

SHOP NOW AT FJALLRAVEN, $210

10. Cotopaxi Fuego Down Vest

Screen Shot 2023 08 25 at 1.00.32 PM
REI
  • Vest type: Insulated vest
  • Colors: Black/Pacific Stripes, Burgundy Stripes, Ink Stripes, Wood Stripes, and 3 others
  • Sizes: XS - 3XL
  • Specs: 800-fill-power goose down, 20-denier ripstop nylon shell 

If heat is what you're looking for in a winter vest, heat is exactly what you are going to get with Cotopaxi's Fuego Down Vest as it has 800-fill-power down insulation that's is naturally-resistant along with a layer-friendly design that is considerate with its drawcord hem designed to create a tighter seal around the waist that block cool drafts of air, and updated fit to give extra room in the hips, chest and waist and a better range of motion. You get a lot for a price that's on the lesser expensive side, and that's about all you can ask for.

SHOP NOW AT REI, $98.93

11. L.L.Bean Upcountry Waxed Cotton Down Vest

Screen Shot 2023 08 25 at 1.15.56 PM
L.L. Bean
  • Vest type: Athletic vest
  • Colors: Coffee Bean, Loden
  • Sizes: S - 2XL
  • Specs: DownTek 650-fill, brass hardware

The DownTek 650-fill built into L.L. Bean's Upcountry Waxed Vest repels 33% more moisture and dries 66% faster than some of their other vests. Additionally, the brass hardware featured on the vest is built sturdy and rust-resistant but at the same time, this particular vest is designed to be 20% lighter than other versions. That means despite the added features, the vest is still very much lightweight, which is something to be appreciated.

SHOP NOW AT L.L. BEAN, $179

12. Taylor Stitch Workhorse Vest

Screen Shot 2023 08 25 at 2.07.33 PM
Taylor Stitch
  • Vest type: Athletic vest
  • Colors: Camo Boss Duck, Coal Boss Duck
  • Sizes: 36 - 46
  • Specs: 12-oz. 54% Hemp, 30% recycled polyester, 14% organic cotton, 2% spandex

Taylor Stitch recently decided to bring back their Workhorse Vest, but this time around they're bringing it back better with a cozy quilted liner made from recycled materials such as recycled polyester and nylon, and we really like the hemp material featured in the vest as well. There's also recycled polyester fill for the insulation component, and two patch pockets to put your hands in when the weather is super cold.

SHOP NOW AT TAYLOR STITCH, $198

13. Arc'teryx Atom SL Vest

Screen Shot 2023 08 25 at 2.19.29 PM
Arc'teryx
  • Vest type: Insulated vest
  • Colors: Serene, Solitude, Black
  • Sizes: S - 2xL
  • Specs: Tyono™ 20 shell, Weight: 179g / 6.3 oz

The Atom SL Vest from Arc'teryx is the perfect mixture of breathability and wind-resistance with its Tyono™ 20 shell, and insulates well with Coreloft™, which the brand describes as light, compressible, and efficient. There's also lightweight stretch fleece panels built into the vest that allow for more flexibility and ventilation, and the vest itself has the ability to be worn alone, or layered to your liking.  

SHOP NOW AT ARC'TERYX, $150

14. Orvis RT7 Quilted Vest

Screen Shot 2023 08 25 at 2.27.33 PM
Orvis
  • Vest type: Quilted vest
  • Colors: Black, Dark Pine, Navy, Paprika, Safari Green
  • Sizes: S - 2xL
  • Specs: Thermoregulating MarinoWul+, 100% recycled polyester vest

Orvis is another brand that's has reintroduced a popular vest to be bigger and better, and the RT7 is definitely bigger and better if you ask us. The sustainable element is already there as the vest is crafted with 100% recycled polyester, then there's the Thermoregulating MarinoWul+ which is also sustainable as it's made with recycled plastic bottles and crushed oyster shells, and the vest balances your body temperature as it's made to be moisture-wicking and breathable.

SHOP NOW AT ORVIS, $169

15. Wool & Prince Ponte Vest

Screen Shot 2023 08 25 at 2.33.29 PM
Wool & Prince
  • Vest type: Golf/athletic
  • Colors: Washed Navy
  • Sizes: S - 2xL
  • Specs: 75% Merino Wool, 22% nylon, 3% spandex, 17.5 micron

The Merino Wool Full-Zip Ponte Vest from Wool & Prince has been a heavy hitter for the brand as it has previously sold out in other colors. It's not hard to see why this vest has been super popular as it's sophisticated, comfortable and warm with its merino wool and nylon mixture, the small amount of spandex makes the vest slightly flexible, and there's pockets that are pretty spacious. The Full-Zip Ponte Vest comes with a five-star rating as expected.

SHOP WOOL and PRINCE, $158

16. Truewerk S4 Haun Vest

Screen Shot 2023 08 25 at 2.42.47 PM
TrueWerk
  • Vest type: Insulated vest
  • Colors: Sand, Deep Grey
  • Sizes: S - 3XL
  • Specs: Insulation: 180gsm, 50% nylon, 40% poly, 10% spandex

The S4 Haun Vest from Truewerk is thermoregulating clocking in at 180gsm, sweat-wicking, abrasion and tear-resistant, and has DWR treatment. As if that isn't enough, the vest is also accompanied by three sets of reflective eye sights, two patch-on hand pockets, and an interior pocket for your cell phone. With two colors available and the affordable price, this should be a no-brainer.

SHOP NOW AT TRUEWERK, $109

17. J. Crew Cashmere Sweater Vest

Screen Shot 2023 08 25 at 2.52.52 PM
J. Crew
  • Vest type: Sweater vest
  • Colors: Navy
  • Sizes: S - 2XL
  • Specs: 100% Cashmere

This cashmere sweater from J. Crew gives you all the comfort needed as it's made with 100% cashmere material to make it soft, warm, and lightweight, and is one of those transitional pieces that can be worn in the fall, spring, and summer, but layered over the winter to accompany the cold weather. The vest is cut in a standard v-neck, and contains at least 30% of a Re-imagined fabric to help with J. Crew's sustainable efforts.

SHOP NOW AT J. CREW, $138

18. Lands' End Men's Gauge Supima Cotton Sweater Vest

Screen Shot 2023 08 25 at 2.59.19 PM
Lands' End
  • Vest type: Sweater vest
  • Colors: Allspice, Radiant Navy, Charcoal Heather
  • Sizes: S - 2XL
  • Specs: 100% Supmia Cotton

This is another opportunity for us to rave about just how much we love supima cotton material. It's some of the comfiest fabric out there, and instantly elevates what you are wearing. This Supima Fine Gauge Vest from Lands' End is an example of that prime comfort, and boast a sleek dressy look that can be dressed up if you want a fancy look, or down if you want something more casual.

SHOP NOW AT LANDS' END, $59.95

19. adidas Padded Stand-Up Collar Puffer Vest

Screen Shot 2023 08 25 at 3.13.35 PM
adidas
  • Vest type: Athletic vest
  • Colors: Black/White
  • Sizes: XS - 2XL
  • Specs: 100% Recycled nylon ripstop

The Puffer Vest from adidas is sure to come in handy this fall/winter as it has lots of storage space for you phone, keys, wallet, and other essential items, and is waterproof. The fit is a regular one, and the vest is complemented with a stand-up collar to finish off the look. There's only one color available with this particular model, but it's a versatile color that's pairable with a lot. That means it should work with quite a bit in your wardrobe.

SHOP NOW AT ADIDAS, $100

20. Perry Ellis Lightweight Puffer Vest

Screen Shot 2023 08 25 at 3.22.01 PM
Perry Ellis
  • Vest type: Quilted vest
  • Colors: Elmwood, Fired Brick, Ink, Black, Port
  • Sizes: S - 2XL
  • Specs: 100% Nylon

Speaking of puffer vests, there's lots to write home about with this Lightweight Puffer Vest from Perry Ellis. Made with 100% nylon and a water-resistant fabric that creates a barrier between elements to keep you dry, the vest is also boosted by a high mock neck for protection against cold weather, a concealed inner device pocket for smaller belongings, and stretch fabric that allows it to be packable.

SHOP NOW AT PERRY ELLIS, $29.98 - $98

21. Dunning Jersey Performance Vest

Screen Shot 2023 08 25 at 3.29.00 PM
Dunning
  • Vest type: Golf vest
  • Colors: Riviera, Fragment, Pink Salt, White, Seaport, and 6 more
  • Sizes: S - 2XL
  • Specs: 91% Polyester, 9% spandex

The Player Performance Jersey from Dunning accomplishes multiple missions at one time with it's polyester/spandex blend for comfort and stretch, it's insulate and moisture-wicking properties, and UPF50+ protection. The vest is also layerable and versatile, and offers classy and sporty aesthetic that will serve you especially well in the fall, spring, and summer.

SHOP NOW AT DUNNING, $88

22. Under Armour Storm Daytona Vest

Screen Shot 2023 08 25 at 3.35.42 PM
Amazon
  • Vest type: Golf vest
  • Colors: Black, Black/White, Black/Static Blue, Castlerock, Academy
  • Sizes: S - 3XL
  • Specs: 91% Polyester, 9% elastane

The UA Storm technology and breathable insulation is what really takes the Men's Storm Daytona Vest to another level as it has the ability to repel water without breathability being affected, is lightweight while calculating your body temperature to give you just the right amount of insulation, and has woven overlays for added protection that are durable. A golf vest to the fullest.

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON, $55.05 - $69.97

23. Everlane ReNew Liner Vest

Screen Shot 2023 08 25 at 3.44.07 PM
Everlane
  • Vest type: Quilted vest
  • Colors: Safety Orange, Fennel Seed Camo
  • Sizes: XS - 2XL
  • Specs: 100% GRS and bluesign certified recycled polyester

The opportunity to grab an Everlane vest for just $35 should have you jumping for joy. The ReNew Liner Vest, which revamps the brand's standard military vest, uses 100% GRS and bluesign certified recycled polyester that stays true to the brand's commitment to sustainability, and hones in on a utilitarian look that works with a lot in your closet. Very comfortable as well with it's recycled polyester makeup.

SHOP NOW AT EVERLANE, $35

24. Filson Mackinaw Wool Vest

Screen Shot 2023 08 25 at 3.53.16 PM
Backcountry
  • Vest type: Golf vest
  • Colors: Forest Green, Red/Black, Navy
  • Sizes: S - 2XL
  • Specs: 100% Virgin Mackinaw wool

Made with 100% Virgin Mackinaw wool, this vest from Filson is a timeless elegant one bound to last you for a while if taken care of properly. Aside from its warmth and comfort, the vest features a five-button closure giving you some variation from the traditional zip vest, and has two hand-warmer pockets along with two upper open pockets, and a slotted left chest pocket.

SHOP NOW AT BACKCOUNTRY, $225

25. Lululemon Wunder Puff Vest

Screen Shot 2023 08 25 at 4.00.29 PM
Lululemon
  • Vest type: Insulated vest
  • Colors: Black, Nomad
  • Sizes: XS - 2XL
  • Specs: 600-fill-power down, 100% polyester

Lululemon's Wunder Puff Vest is designed to get you through the coldest of the cold as it contains 600-fill-power down to help keep you warm no matter what the temperature is outside. That 600-fill-power goose down we just mentioned insulates through the extra loft built into the vest, and is also water-repellent and windproof. Like we said, it will get you through any temperature and weather condition.

SHOP NOW AT LULULEMON, $248

When to wear a vest:

The most popular time to wear a vest is in the winter and autumn seasons as many vests are made with insulating material and fabric to help keep you warm. That said, there are some vests material-wise that can work for warmer seasons like fall and spring due to their moisture-wicking and breathable properties. We made sure to include a couple of those on this list.

Sweater vests are traditionally worn for more formal affairs, while a lot of the insulated and fleece options on this list are purely utilitarian. That said, the evolution of streetwear in recent years has opened up opportunities to wear sweater vests and cardigans for almost any occasion.

How to style a vest:

Vests can be worn with a variety of jeans, chinos, trousers, and even joggers depending on how the vest is designed. Some vests can be worn by itself depending on how warm the weather is, and almost all vests having layering ability, meaning you can wear them overtop of a long sleeve, turtleneck, and more.

How to style a sweater vest:

For a colorful sweater vest, we recommend pairing it with a white or light blue button down shirt, a pair of straight leg chinos, and a nice pair of loafers. If you're wearing a more plain vest, consider a patterned shirt underneath to make a more interesting visual look.

Do vests keep you warm?

Most vests are indeed to design to keep you warm as some are made with warm materials such as wool and polyester, while others have insulating properties built in that help with warmth and body temperature regulation. A good percentage of the vests we included in this list are insulated with the very technical ones (Lululemon and Patagonia for example) literally being built for the cold.

RELATED: The 16 Best Men's Dress Shirts for Looking Dapper This Season

Did you like this article?
Thumbs Up
Liked
Thumbs Down
Disliked