Fashion

Why the Humble Sweater Vest Is More Than a Novelty Gift

There’s more to the controversial sweater vest than you might think….

As the holiday season rolls around, it always feels like men are the hardest people to buy gifts for—whether it’s the dad who already has enough ties or cufflinks to sink a battleship, the brother who helpfully forgets to send you his wish list, or the boyfriend whose tastes seem to change with every passing day. And across the annual minefield of decisions while selecting the perfect gift, clothes can seem like one of the riskiest moves of all.

There’s something to be said, though, for the timeless, well-made garment as the perfect holiday gift: the item you might not buy for yourself, but that can be worn again and again and sits firmly outside of the trend cycle. It’s here that I propose the sweater vest as a great menswear gift. An unexpected choice? Possibly. The piece has been trending on the womenswear runways over the past few seasons, with brands from Prada to Ganni offering fresh updates on the typically grandad-core item. But it’s menswear return feels like more of a slow-burner.

Despite counting some of the most agenda-setting style icons as fans over the past few years—from Harry Styles in a Princess Di-inspired Lanvin number covered in sheep, to Tyler, the Creator’s typically flamboyant take on the piece for his label Golf Wang—its popularity across the broader spectrum of menswear has been slower to catch on. It’s possible the reason is the very different connotations sweater vests hold for men. Namely: the retired, golf-obsessed grandad in Florida, the middle-school geography teacher, and the weekend bird watcher. None of whom are exactly universally-acknowledged style icons. Worse, you could associate the sweater vest with its most recent revival in the form of the novelty Christmas sweater—in all of its gaudy, highly-flammable misery.

Image may contain Clothing Apparel Human Person Door Evening Dress Fashion Gown Robe Pants and Sleeve — Photo: Getty Images

Why the Humble Sweater Vest Is More Than a Novelty Gift — Photo: Getty Images

But it’s in these contradictory stereotypes that the beauty of the sweater vest lies. What unites all of the above is the versatility and unflashy practicality each figure listed requires of their clothes. The sweater vest ticks every box. It can be worn with almost anything: Slip a fair-isle knit over a gingham button-down for a riotous clashing print, or pair contrasting shades for a more quietly playful look. When spring rolls around, it’s an easy slip-on, slip-off garment that allows you to adjust to the fluctuating temperatures of these transition months. In the dead of winter, a thicker, sleeveless knit sits perfectly under a wool coat—while allowing the arm-swivel capacity to make snow angels, if you wish.

Admittedly, I may have a vested interest (if you’ll pardon the pun) in this divisive item, as a sweater vest obsessive. I’m not sure exactly when it was that the sleeveless knit became my daily uniform, but I can certainly remember the first one I ever bought: A vintage Missoni button-up I found in a store in Florence around ten years ago. I felt particularly extravagant dropping eighty euros or so on this glorious knit. As far as cost-per-wear goes, however, it’s more than lived up to its price tag.

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Business

Kanye West’s Yeezy Brand Boosts Net Worth to $1.2 Billion

Kanye West, who now goes by Ye, is a well-known artist and entrepreneur who has recently reclaimed his status as a billionaire, with a net worth estimated at $1.2 billion. Much of his wealth comes from his music, but the biggest boost has come from his brand, Yeezy, which has changed the sneaker and fashion landscape. His journey from a famous rapper to a major player in the fashion world showcases his business talent and unique ability to connect with culture, allowing him to create a brand that holds significant financial value.

1. The Rise of Yeezy

Kanye started the Yeezy brand in 2009 through a partnership with Adidas. Over the years, it has become one of the most desirable and trendy sneaker and streetwear brands globally. What sets Yeezy apart is Kanye’s choice to take full ownership of the brand, allowing him to direct its creative vision completely. Unlike many other celebrities who collaborate with existing brands, he aimed to build something new that challenges the fashion industry’s norms.

Yeezy’s designs are noted for their simple yet modern look, and items like the Yeezy Boost 350, Yeezy 700, and Yeezy Foam Runner are now considered iconic. The brand’s success can be attributed to its scarcity, limited releases, and Kanye’s powerful presence on social media. These elements have helped Yeezy reach mainstream popularity, turning it into a symbol of luxury and style.

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2. The Financial Growth of Yeezy

Kanye has achieved a net worth of $1.2 billion mainly because of Yeezy’s impressive profits. After teaming up with Adidas, Kanye struck a deal that allowed him to keep a large slice of the profits, a rare arrangement in celebrity collaborations. As Yeezy has thrived, so has Kanye’s wealth.

In recent years, Yeezy has been valued at around $3 billion, and Kanye is believed to own anywhere from 80% to 100% of the brand. His decision to end his partnership with Adidas solidified his control, ensuring that all profits from Yeezy’s sales go directly to him. The brand’s global popularity, high prices, and limited releases have helped Yeezy dominate the sneaker market and attract wealthy customers.

Artist Spotlight

How Rare Beauty Propelled Selena Gomez to Billionaire Status

Selena Gomez is a talented entertainer known for her work as a singer, actress, and producer, and she has recently reached an impressive milestone by becoming a billionaire. Much of her financial success comes from her cosmetics brand, Rare Beauty, which has quickly become popular since it launched in September 2020. The brand stands out for its dedication to inclusivity, mental health support, and clever marketing strategies.

1. The Idea Behind Rare Beauty

Rare Beauty was created to challenge traditional beauty standards and celebrate individuality. Selena wanted to build a brand that offered quality makeup while encouraging self-love and acceptance. The name “Rare” is inspired by her third studio album.

A key part of Rare Beauty’s mission is to be inclusive. When it launched, the brand offered an impressive variety of 48 shades of foundation and concealer, catering to many skin tones. The packaging also considers accessibility, making it easier for people with disabilities to use the products.

Check out this article: How Rich Is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in 2025?

2. Smart Marketing and Social Media Success

Selena took full advantage of her large social media presence to promote Rare Beauty. With over 400 million followers on Instagram, she shares her personal stories and shows how to use the products, which helps build a strong connection with her fans. This engagement has created a loyal customer base.

Rare Beauty also effectively utilizes social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, gaining significant attention and making it a popular choice among beauty lovers. One of their hit products, a liquid blush, sold over 3.1 million units in just a year, highlighting the success of their online marketing.

3. Strong Financial Growth

The brand’s financial success has been impressive, generating about $350 million in revenue in 2023, a 50% increase compared to the previous year. By May 2024, Rare Beauty’s value had grown to over $2 billion, showing its strong place in the market.

This financial success has also boosted Selena’s personal wealth. In September 2024, she became a billionaire with an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion, primarily thanks to her ownership of Rare Beauty. At 32 years old, she is one of the youngest self-made female billionaires in the U.S.

Check out this article: Diddy Salutes Kanye West for Unwavering Support in Emotional Phone Call

4. Media Attention and Public Interest

The rise of Rare Beauty and Selena’s billionaire status has been widely reported in the media. A notable article from Bloomberg discussed the brand’s strategies and how they’ve resonated with consumers. The piece received extensive coverage, reaching over 250 media outlets and generating more than 1.8 billion impressions, highlighting the significant impact of her success.

5. A Commitment to Mental Health

In addition to its commercial achievements, Rare Beauty focuses on mental health. The brand has created the Rare Impact Fund, promising to donate 1% of sales to mental health initiatives, aiming to raise $100 million over the next ten years. This effort aligns with Selena’s commitment to mental health awareness, which many consumers appreciate in a brand.

Selena Gomez’s journey from entertainer to entrepreneur illustrates how she combines her values and understanding of the market with a genuine connection to her audience. Rare Beauty’s rapid growth shows a strong demand for inclusive and socially responsible beauty products. Selena’s story highlights the new wave of celebrity entrepreneurs, where authenticity and advocacy are just as important as the products they sell.

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