Waistcoat vs. Vest
For the sleeveless buttoned garment worn over a shirt, British English normally says “waistcoat” and American English says “vest.” The word “vest” also has other clothing senses, so the match is context-specific.
In the formal-clothing sense, UK “waistcoat” corresponds to US “vest.”
Key details
Further guidance
Core difference
A British “waistcoat” is the sleeveless buttoned garment called a “vest” in US English. “Vest” can mean other sleeveless or undergarment items depending on region.
Fast Test
For the formal sleeveless garment worn over a shirt, use “waistcoat” for UK readers and “vest” for US readers.
Usage Boundary
Because “vest” is polysemous, context matters more than simple one-for-one substitution outside the formal-clothing sense.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Waistcoat — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Direct UK-marked clothing entry identifying US “vest” for the same garment.
- Vest — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Direct evidence for the US waistcoat sense and additional regional senses of “vest.”