Waistcoat A waistcoat (UK and Commonwealth, /'wesk@t/or/'weIstkoUt/; colloquially called a weskit), or vest (US), is a sleeveless upper-body garment. It is usually worn over a dress shirt and necktie and below a coat as a part of most men's formal wear. The waistcoat was popularized by the English gentleman during the 18th century. Today it is commonly seen on men at weddings and other important occasions. In America, a veston is a loose fitting woolen waistcoat with leather buttons that often has slits in the front for ease of movement. It may be single or double-breasted and typically has a collar of some kind. Vests are very common in the American West for both men and women. They can also be found frequently among cowboy musicians. A blazer is a jacket with shoulder straps and a removable hood. It is usually made of cotton or wool cloth and often has brass buttons. In general use, the word "blazer" refers to the person who wears one. A sport coat is a type of jacket that is designed to be worn as an outer garment for sports or other activities. The term "sport coat" originally referred to a heavy, water-resistant garment that could be worn for outdoor activity such as hunting or fishing.