The Best Sweater Vests of 2024
If you want to be prepared for the changing seasons, you might consider adding some layers to your closet. Sweater vests are the perfect stylish accessory to update your wardrobe with. Wearing one ensures you don’t risk getting too hot or too cold, no matter which way the weather bends. If you’re overwhelmed by the amount of styles, colors, and designs available, read through our guide reviewing the best sweater vests of 2024. With its chic cable-weave design and classic V-neck, the Evaless sweater vest is our favorite option, but we’ve included a range of trendy vests to suit every style.
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Best Overall
EVALESS Sweater Vest
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Most Versatile
Lailezou Sweater Vest
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For Boys and Toddlers
Amazon Essentials Sweater Vest
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For Kids and Adults
Betonsa Sweater Vest
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Best Oversized Style
Viottiset Sweater Vest
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Sweater Vests: A Buying Guide
Sweater vests are a great way to add an extra layer of warmth to your outfit without dealing with the bulk of a full sweater. They come in a variety of colors, patterns, and materials, so finding the one that fits your style can be tricky. Here is a guide to help you choose the perfect sweater vest for you.
Factors To Consider When Buying a Sweater Vest
Material
The first thing you should consider when purchasing a sweater vest is the material. If you get cold easily like me, the right material plays an important role. Sweater vests are made from a variety of materials, including natural fibers like wool, and synthetic materials like polyester.
Each material offers a different intensity of warmth and durability. Most natural fiber knits offer more warmth but are challenging to care for. On the other hand, cotton and synthetic blends are easier to maintain but don’t offer sufficient warmth.
Style
The next thing you need to consider is the style of the sweater vest. There are many different styles to choose from, such as V-neck, crew neck, button-down, zip-up, and turtleneck. V-neck sweater vests are the most popular style, as they flatter all body types.
Crew neck sweater vests, on the other hand, are also popular, but are not as flattering on people with larger busts. For everyday wear and casual looks, button-down and zip-up sweater vests are preferred. Typically, turtlenecks are the most formal style and are worn on special occasions.
Pattern
Sweater vests come in a variety of patterns, such as solid colors, stripes, and plaids. If you want a more formal look, you should stick with a solid color. But if you want a more casual look, you can choose a sweater vest with stripes or plaids.
Size
You can easily find sweater vests in sizes XS-XXL. However, some brands also offer plus-size and petite options. Make sure you have your correct measurements before purchasing to avoid getting the wrong size.
Color
Sweater vests come in a wide range of colors, so you can easily find one that matches your existing wardrobe. The most popular colors are black, white, gray, and navy. You can also find sweater vests in brighter colors, such as red, pink, and purple.
What Materials Are Sweater Vests Made From?
Wool
Wool sweater vests are the most expensive option, but they are also the warmest and most durable. Pure wool comes from sheep and provides a high insulation level to retain heat. There are different grades of wool, with merino wool being one of the top choices in terms of quality.
Cashmere
Cashmere sweater vests are made from the finest material, with hair extracted from various cashmere goats from different regions. Cashmere is the softest and most luxurious option available in sweaters. However, these sweaters are also the most expensive. Since cashmere is not as warm as pure wool, it is often blended with wool to produce warm and incredibly soft sweater vests.
Cotton Blend
Cotton blend sweater vests are a fine middle ground between wool and cotton. They are not as expensive as wool, but they are warmer than cotton. They're easy to wash and maintain and don’t get damaged quickly.
Alpaca Fiber
Alpaca fiber is largely produced in South America. It is similar to wool but softer and warmer. Alpaca sweater vests are more expensive than wool or cotton vests because they either originate in South America or are specially made. Due to their rarity, they are relatively costly.
Polyester
Polyester sweater vests are the cheapest option, but they are not as warm or durable as the other options. If you want warmth, you should get a heavy and bulky polyester sweater, but even then, it is no match to wool or cashmere.
How To Measure Size
Chest Size
The chest size is the most crucial measurement for sweater vests. To find your chest size, measure around the fullest part of your chest. You want to make sure the sweater hugs your physique but does not suffocate you.
Overall Sweater Length
The overall sweater length is the distance from the top of the shoulder to the bottom hem. You can measure an old sweater by placing it on a flat surface to get its length or get someone to measure it for you from the back of your collar to your waist.
Sleeve Length
The sleeve length is the distance from the top of the shoulder to your wrist bone. While you can measure it yourself, it is better to ask someone else to get an accurate measurement.
Why Buy a Sweater Vest?
No Sleeve Bulk
Fall fashion and layering go hand in hand. So, a full sweater isn’t a practical option because your arms look bulky when you wear a jacket over a full sweater. Besides looking unflattering, your arms also become difficult to move.
Sweater vests are the perfect clothing item to feel warm without lugging around the weight of a full sweater. These are the perfect garments to keep you cozy without being too tight or too snug.
Fashion With Professionalism
Sweater vests have a fashionable aesthetic while maintaining professional candor. They come in a variety of colors, styles, and materials, so you can easily find one that fits a particular style and occasion. You can turn a bland look into a chic office outfit with the help of a sweater vest.
Layer It Up
Sweater vests are great for layering. You can wear them over a shirt or under a jacket without feeling too hot or too cold — it's the perfect fall outfit! Although they serve as a layering accessory, that doesn’t mean they cannot stand on their own. You can wear a vest with a pair of jeans or a pencil skirt and rock a standalone look.
The Best Sweater Vests
EVALESS Sweater Vest
Pros
- Classic cable knit weave
- V-neck style and skin-friendly
- Perfect for indoor and outdoor activities
Cons
- Can be expensive
Our first selection on this list is the EVALESS sweater vest, a cozy chic essential for any occasion! This vest is made from skin-friendly, breathable fabric that wicks away moisture, keeping you cool in a warm garment, and the sleeveless V-neck design ensures all-day comfort. Its loose, casual style complements all body shapes, while the fashionable look adds charm to any ensemble.
Featuring a cable-knit texture and solid color, this sweater vest is a versatile piece for layering over shirts or long-sleeved blouses, making it perfect for daily wear, work, parties, or outdoor activities. Its loose fit provides ample coverage and is especially ideal for pear-shaped bodies. Our team favors the cable knit design and classic style this vest provides, earning it the top spot on our list.
Lailezou Sweater Vest
Pros
- Versatile and pairs nicely with other garments
- Made from soft and stretchy material
- Trendy V-neck design
Cons
- Cannot be machine washed
If you want to create a trendier look, the Lailezou sweater vest should be the ideal choice. Crafted from premium acrylic fabrics and featuring a cropped design, this vest offers a soft, stretchy feel perfect for casual days or workouts. Its lightweight material makes it easy to wear throughout the seasons, providing warmth and comfort in spring, fall, and winter weather.
Featuring a vintage argyle print, V-neck design, and sleeveless silhouette, this sweater vest is a versatile piece that can be worn alone or layered with long sleeves. I like this flexibility — it's like creating your own custom outfits on the fly! You can easily pair it with your favorite jeans, leggings, or skirts for a unique, chic look. Whether for yourself or as a thoughtful gift for a loved one, this vest is sure to be a wardrobe favorite!
Amazon Essentials Sweater Vest
Pros
- Designed for toddlers and young boys
- Perfect for school uniforms
- Easy to put on and clean
Cons
- May attract lint
Sweater vests are not just for adults—kids can wear them, too! That's why the Amazon Essentials sweater vest is so special. Designed specifically for boys and toddlers, this cozy vest will have your little ones stepping out in style, whether it's for school or special occasions. It is made from 100% cotton, the ultimate fiber for comfort and style.
I know how busy parents can be, and outfitting your child shouldn't be a chore. Thanks to this sweater vest, it's easy as pie! With a pull-on closure and easy-care machine washability, it provides hassle-free clothing that keeps your kids warm and out the door when it's time to head to their next activity. With consistent sizing and parent-approved standards in quality and comfort, you can trust Amazon Essentials to outfit your little ones for any occasion.
Betonsa Sweater Vest
Pros
- Designed for kids and adults
- Has breathable and comfortable cotton material
- Will not shrink or cause pilling
Cons
- Sizing can be tricky
The Betonsa sweater vest is a versatile garment that suits adults and children alike so our team had to add it to this list. We like that young boys and girls can wear it with their school uniforms, while adults can create a chic casual look with this vest. It has a relaxed fit and straightforward design, with stripes around the V-neck, sleeves, and hemline to accentuate the structure of the garment.
This sweater vest is the perfect choice for those looking for a vest that pairs nicely with other clothing pieces, such as jeans, skirts, shirts, and more. Since it's made with cotton fabric, it doesn’t get too stuffy. The material is breathable and comfy enough to wear throughout the day. Moreover, the fabric is high quality, so you don’t have to worry about it shrinking or pilling.
Viottiset Sweater Vest
Pros
- Oversized design
- Very soft and comfortable material
- Pullover style is easy to wear
Cons
- Cannot be machine washed
The Viottiset sweater vest is perfect for anyone who loves stylish and comfortable clothing. It's made of high-quality materials and comes in a variety of colors and patterns. This vest is ideal for layering over other clothing, creating a unique style all your own. Its oversized and cable knit tunic design stands out in a crowd, and you can easily slip it over your favorite shirt or crewneck tee.
The relaxed fit of this sweater vest along with its V-neckline, high-low hemline, side slits, and chic patterns make it the perfect compliment to your bottom wear. Effortlessly pair it with jeans, leggings, or a cute skirt for an all-around fashionable ensemble. Our team wanted to know what users think of this oversized gem, and many users love its appearance, versatility, and soft feel.
People Also Ask
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Q: Is there a difference between men’s and women’s sweater vests?
A:There isn't a huge difference between men’s and women’s sweater vests. However, women’s sweater vests tend to be more fitted and have shorter overall lengths. Men’s sweater vests are usually boxier and have longer overall lengths.
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Q: Can I shrink a sweater vest?
A:If you accidentally got a sweater vest bigger than your size, you can downsize it by washing it in hot water for about 10 minutes. However, not all materials can be shrunk. You can only alter natural fiber, wool, and cashmere sweaters.
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Q: How do I properly care for my sweater vest?
A:To properly care for your sweater vest, it's best to follow the care instructions provided on the garment's label. Typically, machine washing with cold water on a gentle cycle and using a mild detergent is suitable for most sweater vests. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric and instead gently reshape the vest and lay it flat to dry to maintain its shape and quality.
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