Suit vs. Vest: Can You Tell the Difference?

1. What is a “Suit”?

A suit is a complete set of formal attire consisting of a suit jacket and dress trousers, crafted from the same fabric, material, color, and pattern.

In Vietnam, the word “suit” is not commonly used in daily conversation. Instead, many people refer to it as “bộ vest”. However, this usage is technically incorrect. The true equivalent of suit in Vietnamese is Com-lê (from the French Complet).

Three-Piece Suit

In tailoring, a suit jacket must always be worn with trousers made from the same fabric, color, and pattern. If, for example, a suit jacket is paired with jeans or mismatched trousers, it is no longer considered a true suit jacket.

2. What is a Vest?

A vest—also known as a waistcoat or ghile—is simply the sleeveless garment worn inside a three-piece suit. In other words, the vest is the third component of a complete three-piece suit, worn beneath the suit jacket.

3. The Different Types of Suit Tailoring

Today, there are three common approaches to suit tailoring:

• Ready-to-Wear (Suit):
  Off-the-rack suits that require no tailoring—you simply purchase and wear.

• Made-to-Measure (Suit):
  A tailored option where the tailor adjusts a pre-existing pattern based on your body measurements. This ensures a better fit than ready-to-wear, though still derived from a standard template.

• Bespoke (Suit):
  The pinnacle of tailoring. Every detail is measured with meticulous precision, and a unique pattern is created exclusively for you. This guarantees an exceptional fit and unparalleled personalization. Bespoke suits are considered the highest standard of craftsmanship.

A Complete Suit

Perhaps this is a good point to pause, as the world of fashion terminology can sometimes feel like a maze. In upcoming articles, I will share more insights about these garments.

Thank you for taking the time to read!