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, just to name a few trends that have had us sweating in a good way. Now, with autumn upon us, 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 the perfect-for-fall timing means this trend is peaking. And, we already took it upon ourselves to browse the top online shops for the very best sweater vests worthy of a very cool dad.
The classic standards like argyle and cable-knit are well-represented, but what’s more noteworthy are the fashion-forward silhouettes. There are the massively oversized sweater vests that could be worn as tunics, the itty-bitty cropped versions that fit like baby tees, and the chunky technicolor knits that incorporate Y2K-style crochet patterns. Ahead, shop the sweater vest styles that are bonafide chic but are also sure to get your pop’s stamp of approval.
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Cable Knit Sweater Vests
Perhaps the most classic sweater-vest iteration of all, the cable knit can often be found crafted from wool blends with high crew-neck collars and more streamlined silhouettes that are perfect for layering over top white button-downs — and, for pairing with your favorite pair of dad jeans.
Margaret O’Leary 100% Merino Wool Cable Vest, $, available at Margaret O’Leary
Abercrombie and Fitch Cable Knit V-Neck Sweater Vest, $, available at Abercrombie and Fitch
Pilcro Cable-Knit Tunic Vest, $, available at Anthropologie
Oversized Sweater Vests
Whether you wear them solo like a tank top or over a collared shirt, massive knit vests provide just the right amount of cozy professionalism.
Zara WHIP STITCH KNIT VEST, $, available at Zara
& Other Stories Oversized Knit Vest, $, available at & Other Stories
Hotapei Oversized V-Neck Sweater Vest, $, available at Amazon
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 like ribbed knit and lightweight merino, who wouldn’t want to wear what is essentially a sleeveless cardigan?
Everlane The Cotton–Merino Sweater Vest, $, available at Everlane
Pilcro Washed Sweater Vest, $, available at Anthropologie
BDG Rowen Button-Front 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 you can layer one atop an oversized button-up to create a cool silhouette straight out of Clueless.
Abound Plaid Sweater Vest, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Romwe Floral Crop Sweater Vest, $, available at Amazon
Madewell Cropped Sweater Vest, $, available at Madewell
Crochet & Knit Sweater Vests
Looser and airier — but also chunkier and likely warmer — than other sweater vests, these crocheted or knit sweater vests are the style to grab if you’re into a more vintage, bohemian look.
Farm Rio striped knit vest, $, available at Farm Rio
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
Turtleneck Sweater Vests
The most popular sweater vests are going to be V-neck, yes, but don’t overlook the turtleneck sweater vest. They tend to be the most versatile of the bunch, since they are more passable as a regular shirt (and complete look).
Theory Turtleneck Vest in Cashmere, $, available at Theory
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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