Galaxy guide for young professionals: the waistcoat

In this column we have seen step by step how to approach a way of dressing in the name of good taste and elegance, for all those men who, having reached a certain point in their life, decide to put aside the suit to face the professional or private world with a different mood. After having seen the main garments of the tailor's shop, today I want to tell you about the waistcoat, a refined element that can give particularity to your look if worn with awareness.

The waistcoat, also called gilet, is a sleeveless garment made up of a lining which is then covered in the front that closes with buttons, while on the back it has a strap that allows it to be tightened. The buttons can be from three to six depending on the formality of the waistcoat, and the buttoning can be single-breasted or double-breasted. How to choose it? First you can decide whether to wear a three-piece suit and select a waistcoat of the same fabric as the suit; alternatively you can choose a contrasting waistcoat. Another fundamental precaution is that the waistcoat always has one more button than the jacket it is combined with. Finally, the waistcoat should be avoided with double-breasted jackets.

Now that we understand what a waistcoat is, let's see how to wear it. It is a fundamental element in the three-piece suit, which you can wear on various occasions creating a versatile look that adapts to formal and informal situations. For example, a simple and effective first approach could be with a blue pinstripe three-piece suit, to be combined with a dark blue tie and red suspenders. A perfect look for a working day but also for going out for a cocktail with friends at the end of the evening.

When you have become familiar with the waistcoat, you can also throw on a contrasting fabric. For a ceremony, for example, it will be very chic to wear a light waistcoat under a dark blue jacket. For an informal look you can also choose some patterns to avoid, however, with broken dresses so as not to create too much confusion.