A waistcoat (also known as a vest) was originally a man's sleeveless, button-up garment reaching to the knees or hips and worn beneath a coat. In 18th century etiquette, the waistcoat was worn unbuttoned, allowing the right hand to be inserted while standing - rather than allowing the arms to dangle at the sides like a servant or the hands pushed into trouser pockets. Today the waistcoat is a close fitting, sleeveless, collarless, usually button-up garment worn by men over a shirt, but under a jacket. Research Waistcoat
Abbreviations
Costume
Research Waistcoat