Best sweater vests to embrace 70s style in all its glory (2024)

The kind of thing your great-grandad might have worn with short-sleeved shirts and a knotted head hanky back in the day, sweater vests have, for as long as we can remember, been considered the torso-covering equivalent of white socks worn with leather sandals. Crunchy, clunky, and as awkward to wear as to look at.

That was until, however, when the mass of lockdowns over previous years made us all reconsider our wardrobe choices in a relatively seismic way. Where once razor-cut suits and chi-chi fur-lined shoes seemed totally acceptable for wear in the big wide world – at least on this desk – all of a sudden we were forced to stay home and seek comfort from our clothing choices, rather than fun.

The sweater vest is the fabric embodiment of that pursuit of cosiness – and now that we're in winter, entirely season-appropriate too. The best thing about a sweater vest is that you can just as easily wear one with tailoring, and, even better, they're perfect for layering.

So for the love of Wallace (and Gromit), stop hating on sweater vests. Here's our foolproof guide to where to buy and how to wear yours.

For more fashion, grooming, and technology releases delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our GQ Recommends newsletter.

Percival

A sartorial slice of Chandler Bing, could Percival's pinstriped vest be any more stylish? We're dubious. Crafted from pure cotton, this lightweight knit is an ideal pick for lightweight spring layering, at its best worn over a white T-shirt and emphasised with a subtle chain necklace. £119 £48. percivalclo.com

J.Lindeberg

Championing craftsmanship at every turn, J.Lindeberg dresses the kind of guys who value quality. Case in point for it in action? This timeless black sweater vest. Sitting in the Swedish brand’s range of sporting staples, it’s knitted from an excellent blend of merino wool and cashmere and is perfectly contrasted with white striped borders around the neckline, sleeves and hem. Be sure to keep your surrounding layers black for a strong monotone move. £158. At matchesfashion.com

Reiss

The preppy face of ‘cool-guy’ style, Reiss' ‘Fiji’ vest is a supple expression of dusky forest green wool, cut with taut, straight lines. Sealing its sartorial appeal with ribbed trims, we suggest you pair this pick with a bright white tee and a pair of indigo selvedge jeans. £98. reiss.com

Our Legacy

Crafted in Portugal from 100% wool, Our Legacy’s Rugrat Fair Isle sweater vest is the very definition of knitted elegance. Falling to a slightly cropped silhouette, it’s jacquard-woven with pastel geometric patterns across the lower half of its sleeveless shape – fastened with four tortoiseshell buttons in a high-cut finish. Stylish, cosy and promising to inject a subtle dose of pizazz into your knitwear game, it’s an easy win. £300. At matchesfashion.com

H&M

On the more affordable side of things, H&M’s rib knit sweater vest will see you through plenty of winter ‘fits without the expense. And since it’s crafted from 100 per cent wool, this is still a well-made piece that should last you through several more ‘70s-inspired season to come. Light wash denim jeans encouraged. £34.99. hm.com

Cos

A black woollen staple for anyone looking to make the sweater vest a core element of their wardrobe, Cos’ knit may first appear as something your old geography teacher may have worn, but trust us: this will soon become one of the chicest and most versatile pieces you own. £85. cos.com

Arch4

Lovers of a minimalist wardrobe, allow us to present Arch4’s latest sweater vest design. Crafted from a luxury cashmere material (verified by the Global Organic Textile Standard, FYI – extra ethical points), it’s shaped into a classic V-neck silhouette and features a subtle side-slit at the hem. Style it with your best white oxford shirt, relaxed black tailored trousers and a single-breasted car coat for enduring appeal. £420. At matchesfashion.com

Fred Perry

Few brand logos carry as much cultural weight as Fred Perry’s, so incorporating it into your silhouette guarantees a strong style score. Our suggested way of doing so for the current winter season is through this cotton and chenille-blended sweater vest, framed with striking black edges and featuring a shaded stone checkerboard motif across the centre of its body in reference to '90s soundwaves. £120. At fredperry.com

Drake's

British brand Drake’s is synonymous with collegiate-cued designs, so it’s no surprise that an excellent sweater vest can be sourced from its current collection. Going to town on colour, this latest Fair Isle design is emblazoned with a series of striking geometric patterns across its body. Knitted in Scotland from pure lambswool, it combines serious quality with serious style, making it a must in the winter section of your wardrobe. £275. At drakes.com

Asos

Hats off to Asos for offering an ultra-fashionable sweater vest for a price which doesn’t dent the bank. Shaped to a more oversized fit, this sleeveless grey design has been cued by cricket style: translating to an elegant cable knit across the frame and contrasting red stripes around the V-neck and hem. Detailed with distressed touches for a more nonchalant stance upon wear, we suggest basing it with wide blue jeans for an effective everyday look. £28. At asos.com

Gucci

Sweater vests are the modern day Gucci’s bread and butter: a kitsch item occupying the space between twee and cool. A latest take on the trend sees the Italian label sew its iconic monogram into the cotton jacquard of this red piece, which is begging to be worn with denim and white trainers. £900. gucci.com

Nanushka

A sweater vest of the cardigan hybrid variety, Nanushka uses crochet for its knitted “Andor”. Available in natural beige or (our favourite) pale lilac. The perfect addition to a white T-shirt, or worn alone as a contrast to dark or tanned skin. £495 £245. nanushka.com

Adidas Originals

Feeling the Adidas x Gucci aesthetic but definitely don’t have that Adidas x Gucci money? Then this piece by Adidas Originals should definitely fill the GG-shaped void. Featuring the same preppy look and feel, the colour-blocked design, V-neck, and ribbed trims offer some serious ‘70s vibes.£55 £25.asos.com

Prada

Bus seat chic: it’s a thing, and Prada’s wool sweater vest in grandad-inspired v-neck is teeming with the kitsch ugly of transport design. An investment piece for truly leaning into the world of undesirable-desirable dressing. £670. At matchesfashion.com