How to Wear a Knitted Vest: 5 Ways for Winter

A knitted vest, the sweater vest in the US, is a sleeveless jumper, and it is the most flexible layer in a winter wardrobe because it adds warmth to the body without bulk at the arms. The ME+EM Boyfriend Knit Vest in Navy ($430), in 100% cashmere, is a good place to start, and you will find the full range on our ME+EM page and in the wider knitwear edit at Coveti.

Below: the main kinds of knitted vest, five ways to wear one, what to wear underneath, how it should fit, and the ME+EM vests in stock now.

Kinds of knitted vest

Five ways to wear a knitted vest

1. Over a crisp shirt. The classic. Choose a V-neck vest and a poplin shirt, and let the collar sit on top of the knit. Roll the shirt cuffs once. Our guide to layering a shirt under a jumper applies to vests too.

2. Over a fine long-sleeve knit. A slim crew in a matching colour under a vest creates a tonal look that reads as one piece. ME+EM designs the Barely There Top in Navy ($280) to sit under its vests.

3. Alone, with tailoring. A high-neck vest worn on its own with a wide trouser and bare arms is a sharp evening look. Add a long coat over the shoulders.

4. Under a blazer. A slim vest under a jacket adds warmth without the bulk a jumper brings to the sleeves. See what to wear under a blazer for more combinations.

5. Over a dress. A cropped vest over a slip dress, a shirt dress and a long-sleeve midi brings a day dress into winter.

The ME+EM knitted vests

Relaxed cashmere. The Boyfriend Knit Vest in Navy ($430) has a high V-neck, ribbed trims and a rolled-edge hem in a relaxed boyfriend fit. The High Neck Vest in Jewel Blue ($470) is also 100% cashmere, relaxed, with a high rolled neckline; ME+EM pairs it with the matching Barely There crew.

Slim and brushed. The High Neck Knit Vest in Black ($470) is brushed cashmere in a slim, high-neck shape built for layering. The Lace Trim Slim Knit Vest in Black ($390) adds lace along a V-neck, with a cropped body; it is designed to sit with the brushed cashmere Straight Cardigan.

Felted merino. The Straight Knit Vest in Bronzed Brown ($340) is superfine merino with a felted surface and exaggerated ribbing at the high neck and hem. The High Neck Knit Vest in Rich Olive Green ($320) is a stretch merino blend with a structured high neckline.

Print and pattern. The Straight Knit Vest in Chocolate Multi ($470) is a darker leopard print in merino and cashmere (70/30), a slim crew neck that works as a neutral. The Fair Isle Vest + Snood in Neutral Multi ($470) comes with a detachable snood, so you get two looks from one piece.

Henley. The Henley Knit Vest in Oatmeal Melange ($280) is an alpaca blend with a half-button placket, also in Navy ($280) and Mid Grey Melange ($280).

What to wear under a knitted vest

The layer underneath decides the mood. A white poplin shirt is office-smart. A striped shirt is relaxed. A fine black long-sleeve knit is sleek and minimal. A lace cami under a V-neck vest is soft and works for dinner; see our guide to lace cami tops. Avoid bulky sleeves: the arm of the base layer should be slim enough to sit flat.

How a knitted vest should fit

A relaxed vest should skim the body and finish at the hip. A slim vest should sit close without pulling across the bust, and the armhole should be high enough that the base layer does not show at the side. If you want to tuck a vest in, choose a standard body length; a cropped vest is designed to sit at the waistband of a high-rise trouser. ME+EM vests generally fit true to size; our ME+EM size guide has the measurements.

Outfits to copy

• Navy boyfriend vest, white poplin shirt, dark wash jeans, loafers.
• Black high-neck vest, black wide trousers, a camel wool coat.
• Leopard knit vest, cream shirt, barrel-leg trousers in brown cord.
• Jewel blue vest over a matching crew, grey pleated maxi skirt, knee boots.

For more on the sleeveless knit itself, read our guide to sleeveless sweaters.

Frequently asked questions

Are knitted vests still in style in 2026?

Yes. For Autumn Winter 2026, labels including ME+EM show vests as a core layering piece, in cashmere, felted merino and pattern knits, worn over shirts and long-sleeve tops.

What is the difference between a knitted vest and a sweater vest?

None. Knitted vest is the British term and sweater vest is the American one. A tank top is an older British name for the same sleeveless knit.

What do you wear under a knitted vest?

A collared shirt is the classic choice. A fine long-sleeve knit, a white tee and a lace cami also work. Keep the sleeves slim so they sit flat under the armhole.

Should a knitted vest be tight?

It depends on the shape. A slim vest should sit close without pulling. A relaxed vest should skim the body. Neither should gape at the armhole.

Can you wear a knitted vest on its own?

Yes, especially a high-neck vest in a fine knit. Wear it with tailoring and a long coat in winter, and with bare arms in a warm room.

How do I wash a cashmere vest?

Hand-wash in cool water with a wool detergent, press out the water in a towel and dry flat. Fold it to store.