In-VEST in Fall’s Most Versatile Layer

How to layer up in style with our favorite vests for the season

Vests can be a year-round staple in some climates, but the fall season is when they make the biggest case for being a wardrobe must-wear.

You’ve seen the guy shopping at Trader Joe’s wearing a down vest paired with a long sleeve t-shirt and faded jeans and thought, “That’s such a cool look.” Or a gal at her kid’s soccer game on a cool autumn day with leggings, a quarter-zip with a puffer vest – so cute.

Then there’s the practical warmth factor of a vest, and for golf, many offer additional necessary features such as waterproofing, stretch panels, higher collars, zipper flaps, etc., that make this outerwear piece fall’s most versatile layer.

If your vest collection needs a fresher upper, here’s a not-so-short list of options.

G/FORE Sweater Lined Quilted & Life Vests

G/FORE has several great choices for women, but we honed in on the sweater lined quilted vest ($275) in pine green that has a cozy merino wool lining, 2-way zipper, and a cinched waist. Think of all the colors you can pair this with – navy, black, white, tan, pink, maroon – it can go lots of ways.

There is also a men’s version ($295) with a lower cut collar and two additional colorways – onyx and twilight.

Galvin Green Louis Vest

Galvin Green’s Louis vest for men ($300) is made from its proprietary Interface fabric giving it an athletic fit for comfort, and the windproof/water repellent features offer all the performance factors needed for fall golf. We especially like the subtle color blocking that lends itself to a little ‘different’ looking vest than all the rest.

Daily Sports Zerena Vest

Daily Sports probably has the most fashion/performance mixed selection of women’s vests, and we have eyes on the Zerena black padded one ($159.99) with an asymmetrical two-way zip, stretch side panels, faux suede on the shoulders, fleece lining on the collar and two zip pockets. The printed mini micro fabric has an edgy look while still providing warmth in a quick-drying, windproof and water-repellent package.

Kjus Retention & Freelite Darleen Vests

Kjus men’s Retention vest ($249) comes in seven color choices and is made from mechanical stretch polyamide that is windproof, stretchy and very lightweight. The light insulation front of the vest is paired with four-way stretch fabric on the back for unrestricted swing movement. Thin but still very warm, you can easily throw a jacket over the Retention vest.

For women, we’re going with the Freelite Darleen insulation vest ($279) with its fully-knitted, body-zoned technical yarns that regulate body temperature and provide full freedom of movement. Quilted front and back panels add an element of style and feminine silhouette to this very performance-driven vest.

RLX Ralph Lauren Paneled Interlock Vest

RLX Golf paneled interlock vest for men ($138) in navy blue with a bright green front panel will give you a standout look on the course. It also has elasticized armholes for the ultimate swing movement and is very lightweight with water-repellent and wind-blocking properties. The full-zip front has a flap at the top to prevent annoying rubbing.

GGblue Venus Vest

GGblue’s Venus medium weight, quilted vest for women ($116) comes in orange, navy, white, plum, butter, black, scarlet and magenta. The diagonal quilt pattern on the front is figure flattering as well as super stylish, while the insulation and water-resistant qualities offer the necessary technical aspects. This is easily one of the most wearable pieces for on/off the course.

Greyson Comanche & Sioux Vests

Greyson Clothiers made it very difficult to chose one favorite vest for men so we’re featuring two – the Comanche hybrid ($185) in grey or black has a brushed back fleece body that makes it warm and wind-resistant. There are two zip side pockets plus a contrast material chest pocket for added storage and style detail.

The printed Sioux puffer vest ($210) is lightweight and windproof with Primaloft construction for cooler day protection. There is contrast quilting on the right chest and a brushed back fleece lining and reflective Greyson wolf logo on the center back neck. This is a definite links-to-life, forever in style layering piece.

Abacus Sportswear Arden Vests

Abacus Sportswear hails from chilly winters in Sweden so it knows a thing or two about layering to keep warm. The men’s Arden softshell vest is breathable, stretchable, windproof, water-repellent and keeps you warm where you need it most. It comes in navy, copper, and black.

The women’s Arden vest comes in sand shell beige and rhubarb pink colors, and offers all the same technical bells and whistles but with more fashion-forward silver zippers.

FootJoy Lightweight Soft-Shell Vest

Footjoy’s lightweight soft-shell vest for men ($145) comes in four colorways and we really like the contrast zipper outline for a sportier look. The 3-layer knit waterproof laminated fabric keeps you dry, and the protected chest pocket keeps a scorecard, phone or wallet easily accessible.

Puma PwrWarm & Full-Zip Knit Vests

Puma gives us a PwrWarm men’s golf vest ($75) in four color choices and is designed for those days you need a little extra warmth by retaining heat for optimum body temperature with its warmCELL technology. This vest is also easily packable in your golf bag.

For women, the full-zip knit vest ($65) in three colors is very sporty looking, also made with PwrWarm for heat retention, 4-way stretch, a terry-brushed back, a bomber collar and a nice array of size options from XS – XXL.

J.Lindeberg Luke & Noa Vests

J.Lindeberg’s Luke piped wind pro vest for men ($145) has an elasticized hem, contrast piping, zip side pockets and offers lightweight protection on windy days. It comes in grey, black and navy – this style looks better than most worn over a short sleeve polo for just a tad extra weather shield.

The Noa lux softshell vest for women ($225) has quilting on the back and front upper section made with Primaloft insulation. The pink color called hubba bubba is very fun, and it also comes in navy. Four-way stretch, concealed zip pockets, and water repellency round out the features of this modern vest.