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Sweater vests have always existed, but when the preppy look started gaining popularity once more a few years ago, you'd be forgiven for thinking it was just another passing fad. However, it appears that the sweater vest will remain in style.
The eccentric knitwear was displayed on some of the most well-known runways in recent seasons, including Kenzo, Jil Sander, and JW Anderson. While A$AP Rocky, Tyler, The Creator, and Jaden Smith are famous people who frequently wear sweater vests.
The commando-style sweater vest became a warm-weather essential during the summer. Nobody seems to be concerned about scratchy cotton on their exposed skin, whether it be a thick-knitted collegiate style, like the Kenzo sweater vest shown above, or a more slim-fitting graphic design, like those exhibited by Dior for SS23.
And it's no accident that the emergence of sweater vests resulted from an emphasis on utility. They are one of the earliest examples of athleisure, an early-20th century example of a focus on functionality. The style became quite popular outside of sports in the 1970s before being set aside to become a preppy item of golf apparel. However, the sleeveless sweater is now receiving the recognition it deserves thanks to the current 70s revival.
