Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Get In-Vested this Season: Our Favorite Men’s Vests for Functional Fashion

best mens vests for the season
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Fall provides the perfect opportunity for us to transition into the impending colder weather ahead. As the days get shorter and the temperature begins to drop, we have to begin thinking once again about layering. And what better way to accomplish this seasonal task than to ease into cooler weather with the king of layering – the vest.

Here are 13 of our favorite men’s vests for town, trail, and travel, separated by material.

Recommended Videos

Synthetic

The North Face ThermoBall Active Vest – $130

The North Face ThermoBall Active Vest
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This slim fitting active vest utilizes the revolutionary ThermoBall insulation which offers the warmth and compressibility of down with the protection of a synthetic product (even when wet).

Salomon Drifter Mid Vest – $130

Salomon Drifter Mid Vest
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This active fit, reversible PrimaLoft vest paired with a soft Pertex shell is the perfect compliment for trail and travel.

Filson Quilted Polson Vest – $195

Filson Quilted Polson Vest
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The dry wax treated shell provides a water repellent field vest that is insulated with PrimaLoft and highlighted with an antique brass zipper with snap storm flap.

Down

Mammut Trovat IN Vest – $150

Mammut Trovat IN Vest
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This regular fit 650-fill-power down vest contains 80% white goose down (20% white goose feather). The Pertex Microlight shell makes this an ideal vest for active pursuits.

Patagonia Ultralight Down Vest – $124-$249

Patagonia Ultralight Down Vest
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This super lightweight vest contains 800-fill-power Traceable Down (goose down that is traced from parent farm to apparel factory to ensure that the birds that supply it are not force fed or live-plucked).

Outdoor Research Transcendent Down Vest – $149

Outdoor Research Transcendent Down Vest
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This 650-fill-power goose down vest in protected by a wind and water resistant shell to provide a lightweight solution for early morning treks or nights around the campfire.

Stio Woodson Down Vest – $189

Stio Woodson Down Vest
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Overstuffed with 650-fill Allied Feather HyperDry water-repellent down, this classic, work inspired down vest will be at home on the job site, in the mountains or around town.

Fjällräven Ovik Lite Down Vest – $265

Fjällräven Ovik Lite Down Vest
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This classic looking vest looks great for a night out on the town and is functional off grid. The recycled polyester and organic shell is water resistant and is paired with soft Pertex Quantum lining that is insulated with 80/20 down.

Wool

Duckworth Snowcrest Vest – $295

Duckworth Snowcrest Vest
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This casual and stylish woven wool vest is made in the U.S.A. The super soft exterior shell is 100% Helle Rambouillet Merino wool while the vest is insulated with WoolCloud fill (a wool alternative to feathers).

Aztech Cathedral Vest – $585

Aztech Cathedral Vest
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This vest is the perfect mix of performance and style. The PrimaLoft Gold insulation is paired with water-repellent fabrics along with the brands signature triangle quilting.

Smartwool Double Propulsion 20 Hoody Vest – $200

Smartwool Double Propulsion 20 Hoody Vest
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The DWR treated polyester shell will provide protection from the wind and moisture while the SmartLoft wool insulation and merino wool/polyester lining will keep you toasty for wherever the trail takes you.

Ortovox Swisswool Piz Cartas Vest – $180

Ortovox Swisswool Piz Cartas Vest
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Pertex Microlight shell is breathable, water and wind resistant. This reversible vest is insulated with Swisswool which is a more coarse and durable grade of wool. The company states that it’s ‘from the mountains, for the mountains’.

Hybrid

Ibex Mixed Route Vest – $200

Ibex Mixed Route Vest
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The blending of two great natural fibers make this vest an anomaly in the roundup. Down and wool pair together to provide the insulation in this 100% recycled nylon shell.

Clay Abney
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Clay Abney is a PR guru and freelance writer living in the wild and wonderful state of West Virginia, where he spends his…
Taylor Stitch proves that Made in America is still popular
International production may be popular but Made in America is selling out
Taylor Stitch Made in USA jacket

Many clothing brands make a decision at some point during the scale-up phase to ship manufacturing jobs overseas in an effort to increase their profits. That, in turn, increases the value of their stocks, and the growth just skyrockets from there. However, that means jobs go away and, in a lot of ways, means the quality suffers a little. That is why garments that are made in America just feel different. They feel stronger and more durable and let you take a feeling of pride in what you wear. That is why Taylor Stitch put together a collection of items Made in America that embody the spirit of home while making you look and feel great. But before you run over to the site and grab up all you can, you need to know one thing about the Taylor Stitch Made in America collection.
Items are flying off the shelves

The three most significant and most popular items in the collection are a collaboration with San Francisco legend Golden Bear Sportswear, the Golden Bear Snap Bomber, which balances vintage curb appeal with heirloom quality construction to earn its place as the go-to statement piece in your wardrobe. While it still has limited sizes available, the the Camp Pant in Rigid Indigo Sashiko and Mill Shirt Jacket in Rigid Indigo Sashiko are completely sold out. What does that tell us? Other than Taylor Stitch makes excellent quality homemade products, the people love them. We will keep our eye on those in hopes that they come back. Partly for you and partly because we want to get our hands on them as well.
Taylor Stitch

Read more
thisisneverthat, Dr. Martens drop two workwear boots you absolutely need
Dr. Martens releases new collaboration
models starting at dr martens in midair

Although Dr. Martens has built its legacy as a go-to for boots, it’s hardly been considered rugged material- until now. With their latest collaboration with thisisneverthat, Dr. Martens is taking its classic styles and giving it a tough upgrade. Donning a new look each, these are far from the fresh and sleek new boots you’ve grown accustomed to. These new workwear boots are made to be worn out, give your footwear a unique story, and maximize use. Using iconic details from both brands, the latest workwear boots will add style to your everyday looks. 

 
thisisneverthat x Dr. Martens 1460 and 1461

Read more
Banana Republic taps The White Lotus star for SS25 campaign
Nicholas Duvernay is a model for the first time
Banana Republic

Banana Republic is a staple in accessible fashion. It isn't a brand that lives only on the runways where everyday people feel disconnected, and it is more elevated than the run-of-the-mill selections those men who care little for style and standards prefer. It carved a place for itself in the middle, accessible for all and loved by most. With their launch of the spring and summer line, they tapped the star of The White Lotus, Nicholas Duvernay, to model the new pieces, and even though he had never done it before, he looked like a natural.

"Banana Republic’s pieces are timeless, blending the brand’s heritage with modern styles," says Nicholas Duvernay. "The craftsmanship and quality fabrics make them as comfortable as they are elevated—perfect for a night in the city or a weekend getaway. Shooting this campaign was an incredible experience, celebrating style, quality, and the spirit of exploration that defines Banana Republic."
Timeless classics making a comeback

Read more