Thanks to their sleeveless design and ability to be layered under coats or worn as your only piece of outerwear when temperatures allow, it’s no surprise that vests are among the most versatile of wardrobe staples. And although they’ve never really gone out of style, they’ve gained popularity in recent years—some may recognize these as the unofficial uniform of the “finance bro” (see: the viral @MidtownUniform Instagram page). However, fleece is far from the only option on the market; the best vests come in a wide array of colors, prices, sizes, materials, and silhouettes to suit every style and subsequently cater to a variety of wants, needs, and climates. Those facing especially cold weather may opt for an insulated puffer vest with an ultra-warm material like cashmere or down with a longer silhouette to protect the legs. For spring, fall, or milder winters, a thinner, less bulky option worn over a T-shirt or sweater might make more sense.
Since there is no one-size-fits-all option when it comes to selecting the best vest for your next adventure, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite options to suit every style, broken down by category. When culling down our list of the best winter vests for travelers, we looked for insulated styles to keep you extra-warm in colder weather, as well as water-repellent and wind-resistant options, which offer an added layer of protection against the elements. We’ve also included vests with practical bonus features like hand-warmer pockets, detachable hoods, and the ability to fold into themselves.
Our top picks:
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Vests for extra-cold weather
Bundle up and stay warm all season long in one of these cold-weather winter wardrobe staples. As you scroll through our top picks, you’ll notice most of them feature some sort of soft and fluffy insulation, be it goose down or polyester, the latter of which is known for its durability. Most are water-repellent and wind-resistant, too. Travelers headed to extra-cold climates may opt for a vest with a longer silhouette, such as the Andrew MarcKerr long quilted puffer vest or the Patagonia Nano-Air light vest, which offers not one but two hand-warmer pockets—an excellent bonus in our book.
Packable vests
Wherever your winter travels take you—be it sightseeing through snow-covered cities, hitting the slopes, or embarking on a romantic cold-weather getaway—you’ll likely be conscious of suitcase space. Enter the best packable vests, which will keep you warm and toasty sans any extra bulkiness. Similar to packable jackets, these versatile winter essentials won’t weigh you—or your suitcase—down thanks to their ultra-thin design and nearly weightless construction, yet still offer warmth. Those who are especially tight on storage space should consider vests that are cleverly designed to be folded and stowed inside their own pocket or included pouch. It’s worth mentioning that several of our top picks are water- and wind-resistant.
Fashion-forward vests
Style mavens need not sleep on these fashion-forward vests, which come in a wide variety of materials, colors, and silhouettes to suit every style. A few honorable mentions include the Naked Cashmere Ellie puffer vest, which features a timeless puffer design and a super-soft cashmere construction, a cute and cozy corduroy pick from Vineyard Vines that has a slightly oversized fit, and a ribbed velour option from cult-favorite athleisure brand Alo Yoga. For a slightly more elevated and edgy look, snag a sleek vest made with smooth and supple vegan suede or faux leather.
Athletic vests
Runners, hikers, skiers, snowboarders, and the like: Stay warm this winter in one of these athletic vests, which are specially designed for exercise. These vests offer warmth, breathability, and protection from the elements. Each pick is either water-resistant (meaning it can resist the penetration of water), water-repellent (repels some water but not all; offers slightly more protection than water-resistant products), or waterproof (completely impervious to water). They each have several pockets so that you can store your essentials—phone, wallet, keys, headphones—and remain hands-free on the go. For extra-blustery days, look to the Flygo pick, which has a windproof shell, or the Lululemon vest, which offers a detachable hood.
Transitional vests
While vests are undoubtedly great for winter, they’re also nice to pack in spring and fall thanks to their versatility and ability to be easily layered. The best transitional vests can be worn alone or under a light jacket thanks to their thin, not-at-all-bulky silhouettes and featherweight construction. These vests are often made of lightweight materials like nylon, polyester, and down, which offer exceptional breathability despite the fluffiness.
