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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Artist Spotlight

Adin Ross Blindsided by Kanye West’s Controversial Gift, A Swastika Shirt With His Name

Adin Ross is a well known streamer in the hip-hop community, famous for showcasing some of the biggest artists in the genre. He has hosted viral interviews and has helped amplify the work of music giants like Drake, earning a reputation as a connector between artists and their fans. However, things took a shocking turn with Kanye West, and the relationship may be irreparable. In the past, Ross has expressed his admiration for West and even tried to collaborate with him on his stream. Recently, West made a bizarre attempt to reach out to Ross by gifting him a custom t-shirt with a Swastika and Ross’s name. This left Ross, who is Jewish, feeling horrified and betrayed.

The awkward moment unfolded during a FaceTime call that Ross recorded and shared with his followers. What started as a friendly chat quickly turned shocking when West unveiled the offensive t-shirt. Ross was visibly stunned, exclaiming, “What the f*ck?!” as he processed what he had just seen. He paused the video and turned to his audience to express his disbelief. “He has a shirt with a Swastika with my name on it,” he said, clearly disappointed and in shock. His viewers reacted with outrage and support for Ross, flooding the chat with their messages.

Throughout the call, Ross tried to keep his cool and handled the situation carefully. He later explained that some fans might have expected him to confront West more aggressively, but he felt the entire situation was just too absurd. “I know y’all are gonna say I didn’t stand up to him,” he noted, emphasizing that his calm reaction didn’t mean he supported West’s actions. This incident is just another episode in Kanye West’s ongoing controversies, but for Adin Ross, it feels like a personal betrayal.

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Artist Spotlight

Jim Jones Goes Savage On Ma$e’s Weight By Saying “He Looks Really Rough”

Jim Jones, the Harlem rapper known for speaking his mind, has recently taken shots at fellow rapper Ma$e in an interview with XXL magazine. Jones didn’t hold back when discussing Ma$e’s appearance, specifically targeting his weight. “Ma$e needs to go on a diet,” Jones said straightforwardly. “He needs to get his life together. He should see a doctor for a check up because he looks really rough.”

Jones was just getting started and didn’t shy away from making more harsh comments. “His body looks out of shape,” he added. “He looks big around the neck and his waist is a mess. I’m body shaming him because he needs to get it together and hit the treadmill, do some push ups, do something! Especially if he’s going to mess with me.” The two rappers have a complicated history with some past disagreements in the Harlem music scene. While Ma$e has mostly been quiet about the recent drama, Jones seems unbothered and is willing to take things personal. As of now, Ma$e has not responded to Jones’ strong remarks.

It’s uncertain if he will ignore the comments or fire back, but Ma$e is known for not staying silent for long. Given the current tensions in the New York hip-hop scene, this exchange could stir up old rivalries. Jim Jones is recognized for his bold personality and straightforward opinions, and his recent remarks show he’s not concerned about hurting anyone’s feelings, especially those of Ma$e. Fans are eagerly awaiting Ma$e’s reaction. Will he respond, or will he choose to take the high road? Either way, this rivalry between these two Harlem rappers is heating up.

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