Athletic Fit Vests?

[Vfit]

Couldn’t find any previous discussion on this pertaining specifically to vests.

I’m looking for a cold weather vest, preferably with a collar and warm lining (would prefer alpaca or shearling but would settle for Sherpa or synthetic filling if it’s warm).

I’ve tried a couple iron heart vests and appreciate the warmth, but the fit is just off. It’s getting expensive to keep trying and coming up short. Seems like most online measurements for vests show they are pretty square with very little drop from chest to waist. Honestly, I don’t think I’m that unusual or extreme in body type, but it seems really challenging to find something that fits good. FYI I’m a 42” chest and a 31” waist, 6’1”.

I want it to fit right because - 1. It looks better, but 2. It functions better for warmth. Super loose and it loses it’s heat retaining ability.

So I’m wondering if anyone here knows of particular brands or models that tend toward a more athletic fit? Thanks for any help or suggestions!

 

[jchance]

It’s pretty hard to nail down a vest that looks good when wearing it. I personally like Nigel Cabourn’s Harris Tweed wool vest and own Ovadia & Sons wool+down vest.

If I were in a market for vests, I’d get a Golden Bear wool vest.

 

[Vfit]

I’ve never heard of that, and I like the look. I will look into it now. Thanks!

 

[MrProper]

I only ever got fitted vests when I had them made to measure or had them taken in by my tailor.

 

[Vfit]

That makes sense. What is the second vest? I’d love to have something like that.

 

[Vfit]

I only ever got fitted vests when I had them made to measure or had them taken in by my tailor.
View attachment 754638 View attachment 754639 View attachment 754640

Thank you. What is the vest in the last pic? That’s the kind of thing I’m searching for.

 

[MrProper]

That makes sense. What is the second vest? I’d love to have something like that.

This is a Frankenstein vest that I had fivestar make for me. It's a mix of D-1 and B-3 as a vest. 5* subsequently added it to their catalog, and several others ordered it as well.

https://www.fivestarleather.us/coll...s/sports-vintage-b3-vest-seal-brown-sheepskin

 

[El Marro]

Honestly, I don’t think I’m that unusual or extreme in body type, but it seems really challenging to find something that fits good. FYI I’m a 42” chest and a 31” waist, 6’1”.

I wouldn’t say those measurements are extreme, but an 11” drop from chest to waist is by no means a common physique. Even less so as the general population just keeps getting fatter year after year.

 

[Vfit]

I wouldn’t say those measurements are extreme, but an 11” drop from chest to waist is by no means a common physique. Even less so as the general population just keeps getting fatter year after year.

Gotcha and that’s fair, but man most stuff I see off the rack is close to square or maybe a 2” drop. Yikes.

Tailoring is likely the way to go, but feels a little risky on an expensive piece. (Considering resale is probably shot at that point). I also live in a small town, so I’ll likely have to travel an hour or two to find a great tailor that can handle leather or linings like shearling. But I’m thinking that once all the trial and error was done, and a trusted tailor was discovered, I’d feel more confident purchasing off the rack pieces and fitting them to my “figure”.