Undershirt vs. Vest — What's the Difference?

Usually lightweight and form-fitting.

Can be part of formal or casual attire.

A garment worn under one's shirt to absorb sweat.

Often used for style or additional warmth.

Made primarily from cotton or synthetic materials.

May feature functional elements like pockets.

Often comes in neutral colors to remain inconspicuous.

Comes in various materials, including luxury fabrics.

Acts as a barrier between skin and outer garments.

A sleeveless garment worn over a shirt.

An undershirt in American English (vest in British and Indian English, or singlet in Australia and New Zealand), is an article of underwear worn underneath a dress shirt (or sometimes T-shirt) intended to protect it from body sweat and odors. It can have short sleeves (T-shirt) or be sleeveless (A-shirt).

A sleeveless garment, often having buttons down the front, worn usually over a shirt or blouse and sometimes as part of a three-piece suit.

An upper undergarment, typically having short or no sleeves, worn next to the skin under a shirt.

A waist-length, sleeveless garment worn for protection

An undergarment worn beneath a shirt, often collarless and sleeveless.

A fabric trim worn to fill in the neckline of a woman's garment; a vestee.

A shirt worn next the skin, under another shirt; - called also undervest.

Chiefly British An undershirt.

A collarless men's undergarment for the upper part of the body

(Obsolete) An ecclesiastical vestment.

To place (authority, property, or rights, for example) in the control of a person or group, especially to give someone an immediate right to present or future possession or enjoyment of (an estate, for example). Used with in

To invest or endow (a person or group) with something, such as power or rights. Used with with

To clothe or robe, as in ecclesiastical vestments.

To become legally vested

To dress oneself, especially in ecclesiastical vestments.

(North America) A sleeveless garment that buttons down the front, worn over a shirt, and often as part of a suit; a waistcoat.

(British) A sleeveless garment, often with a low-cut neck, usually worn under a shirt or blouse.

A sleeveless top, typically with identifying colours or logos, worn by an athlete or member of a sports team.

Any sleeveless outer garment, often for a purpose such as identification, safety, or storage.

A vestment.

Clothing generally; array; garb.

A loose robe or outer garment worn historically by men in Arab or Middle Eastern countries.

(chiefly passive) To clothe with, or as with, a vestment, or garment; to dress; to robe; to cover, surround, or encompass closely.

To clothe with authority, power, etc.; to put in possession; to invest; to furnish; to endow; followed by with and the thing conferred.

To place or give into the possession or discretion of some person or authority; to commit to another; with in before the possessor.

(legal) To clothe with possession; also, to give a person an immediate fixed right of present or future enjoyment of.

(of an inheritance or a trust fund) To devolve upon the person currently entitled when a prior interest has ended.

To become vested, to become permanent.

(obsolete) To invest; to put.

An article of clothing covering the person; an outer garment; a vestment; a dress; a vesture; a robe.

Any outer covering; array; garb.

Specifically, a waistcoat, or sleeveless body garment, for men, worn under the coat.

To clothe with, or as with, a vestment, or garment; to dress; to robe; to cover, surround, or encompass closely.

To clothe with authority, power, or the like; to put in possession; to invest; to furnish; to endow; - followed by with before the thing conferred; as, to vest a court with power to try cases of life and death.

To place or give into the possession or discretion of some person or authority; to commit to another; - with in before the possessor; as, the power of life and death is vested in the king, or in the courts.

To invest; to put; as, to vest money in goods, land, or houses.

To clothe with possession; as, to vest a person with an estate; also, to give a person an immediate fixed right of present or future enjoyment of; as, an estate is vested in possession.

To come or descend; to be fixed; to take effect, as a title or right; - followed by in; as, upon the death of the ancestor, the estate, or the right to the estate, vests in the heir at law.

A man's sleeveless garment worn underneath a coat

A collarless men's undergarment for the upper part of the body

Provide with power and authority;

Place (authority, property, or rights) in the control of a person or group of persons;

Become legally vested;

Clothe oneself in ecclesiastical garments

Clothe formally; especially in ecclesiastical robes

Yes, vests can be worn for formal occasions, often as part of a three-piece suit.

Undershirts are designed to be invisible under other garments.

Vests can be made from a variety of materials including wool, cotton, down, and synthetic fibers.

While not necessary, an undershirt is recommended under dress shirts for hygiene and comfort.

The main function of an undershirt is to absorb sweat and protect outer garments.

No, undershirts are worn by both men and women for added comfort and protection.

An undershirt should fit snugly to the body to effectively absorb sweat and remain unseen.

Yes, undershirts can vary slightly in style, mainly around the neck with crew and V-neck options.

In milder climates or during transitional weather, a vest can replace a jacket for warmth.

A vest can add layers, texture, and color to enhance the visual appeal of an outfit.

Vests are versatile and can be worn for both casual outings and more formal events.

Yes, vests can be custom-made, especially for formal or tailored looks.

Yes, vests can be worn without a jacket for a stylish, layered look.

The lifespan of an undershirt depends on its material and how often it is worn and washed.

Yes, there are various types of vests, including quilted, fleece, formal, and tactical.