Once again, dads and nerds are absolutely winning the fashion game. We’ve already seen the rise of “ugly” sneakers, dad hats, Bermuda shorts, and ’70s-style glasses. Now, with cozy season in full swing, we’re officially in the era of the sweater vest. These sleeveless wonders didn’t just appear out of the ether — luxury designers have been surfacing various styles throughout recent seasons — but fall means this trend is peaking. And, we already took it upon ourselves to browse the top online shops for the best sweater vests inspired by dad.
The classic standards like argyle and cable-knit are well-represented, but what’s more noteworthy are the fashion-forward silhouettes. There are massively oversize sweater vests that could be worn as tunics, itty-bitty cropped versions that fit like baby tees, and chunky technicolor knits that incorporate Y2K-style crochet patterns. Ahead, shop 25 sweater vest styles that are bonafide chic but also sure to get your pop’s stamp of approval.
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Cable-Knit Sweater Vests
Perhaps the most classic sweater vest of all, the cable-knit can be found crafted from wool blends with high crew-neck collars and more streamlined silhouettes that are perfect for layering over white button-downs. Wear one with your favorite pair of dad jeans.
Aritzia Winston Sweater Vest, $, available at Aritzia
Boden Relaxed Cable Sweater Vest, $, available at Boden
Veronica Beard Pinkett Cable-Knit Wool-Blend Vest, $, available at mytheresa
Polo Ralph Lauren Aran Cabled Sweater Vest, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Oversize Sweater Vests
Whether you wear one solo like a tank top or over a collared shirt, massive knit vests provide just the right amount of cozy professionalism.
By Anthropologie Oversized Cable-Knit Sweater Vest, $, available at Anthropologie
Wild Fable Oversized Sweater Vest, $, available at Target
J.ING Essential Khaki Knit Vest, $, available at J.ING
Envii Oversized Sweater Vest In Green Grid Check, $, available at ASOS
Buttoned Sweater Vests
Sweater vests with buttons down the front might surpass dad style and go straight into grandpa territory. But with such sleek fabrics, such as ribbed knit and lightweight merino, who wouldn’t want to wear what is essentially a sleeveless cardigan?
Alex Mill Francis Cardigan Vest in Donegal, $, available at Alex Mill
Comme des Garçons Black & Red Contrast Vest Cardigan, $, available at SSENSE
Madewell Ribbed Button-Up Sweater Vest, $, available at Madewell
Urban Outfitters Paige Textured Sweater Vest, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Cropped Sweater Vests
These midriff-happy sweater vests are by far the most fashion-y style you could wear. The cropped length makes for an ideal combo with high-waisted jeans. Or, layer one atop an oversize button-up to create a cool silhouette straight out of Clueless.
Maeve Vera Jacquard Sweater Vest, $, available at Anthropologie
Abercrombie & Fitch Slim Cropped V-Neck Sweater Vest, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch
Free People Quinn Sweater Vest, $, available at Free People
H&M Jacquard-Knit Sweater Vest, $, available at H&M
Crochet & Knit Sweater Vests
Looser and airier — but also chunkier and likely warmer — than other sweater vests, crocheted and knit vests are the style to grab if you’re into a more vintage look.
Farm Rio Crochet Square Vest, $, available at ban.do
Magali Pascal Fonda Vest, $, available at Revolve
Ganni Graphic-Knit Vest Top, $, available at Farfetch
FRNCH Crochet Knit Vest, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
English Factory Checker Knit Vest, $, available at Shopbop
Turtleneck Sweater Vest
The most popular sweater vests are going to be V-necks, yes, but don’t overlook the turtleneck sweater vest. It tends to be the most versatile of the bunch since it passes as a regular shirt (and complete look).
A New Day Mock Turtleneck Ribbed Sweater Vest, $, available at Target
Free People Wilder Turtleneck Sweater Vest, $, available at Nordstrom
Gentle Herd High Neck Knitted Pure Merino Wool Vest, $, available at Gentle Herd
Naadam Cashmere Sleeveless Turtleneck, $, available at Naadam
Abercrombie and Fitch Cable Knit V-Neck Sweater Vest, $, available at Abercrombie and Fitch
Pilcro Cable-Knit Tunic Vest, $, available at Anthropologie
& Other Stories Oversized Knit Vest, $, available at & Other Stories
Hotapei Oversized V-Neck Sweater Vest, $, available at Amazon
Pilcro Washed Sweater Vest, $, available at Anthropologie
BDG Rowen Button-Front Sweater Vest, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Romwe Floral Crop Sweater Vest, $, available at Amazon
Madewell Cropped Sweater Vest, $, available at Madewell
Baum Und Pferdgarten Coastal Communities Coletta Wool-Blend Sweater Vest, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
NC Women’s Knit Crochet Squares Sweater Vest, $, available at Amazon
LOULOU STUDIO Mélange wool and cashmere-blend turtleneck tank, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Mango cable knit roll neck sleeveless vest, $, available at ASOS
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