Men's Vests

Vests for Men

A good vest is the MVP of layering – it keeps your core warm without restricting your arms when you're working, chopping wood or just reaching for a beer. At Duluth Trading, our men's vests are built for function and engineered to be an essential piece of gear, not just an accessory. We craft them to be tough, warm and packed with pockets. Whether you need an extra layer over your men's flannels or specialized gear for the job site, our entire collection of men's vests is ready for anything.

We know that a vest needs to deliver serious warmth where it counts. Our men's insulated vests utilize tough, high-tech fill that locks in heat while keeping bulk to a minimum. When you're searching for men's work vests, look for durable canvas and reinforced stitching that can stand up to abrasion and heavy-duty use. Our selection of men's outdoor vests provides essential protection for hiking, fishing or any adventure that requires maximum mobility. For those brutal cold snaps, our heavy-duty men's winter vests offer concentrated, core warmth that a jacket can't always match. For ultimate warmth and comfort, you can layer a vest over a cozy fleece for men.

It's time to upgrade your layering game. Our men's insulated vests and cozy men's winter vests provide targeted warmth when a full jacket is just too much. Our rugged men's work vests and dependable men's outdoor vests pair perfectly with sturdy men's boots for the job, or they can be worn under our full line of men's outerwear for complete weather protection. For when the day is done, shed your layers, slip into some comfortable slippers for men and throw on one of our warm men's hats.

Men's Vests: Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I wear a vest instead of just putting on a jacket?

A vest is a vital piece of the layering system because it provides maximum warmth with maximum freedom of movement. It concentrates insulation where you need it most – around your core (chest and back) – which keeps your internal temperature regulated while leaving your arms completely unrestricted for tasks like chopping wood, handling tools or driving. For many jobs, a quality vest paired with a rugged flannel shirt offers better functional comfort than a bulky jacket.

How should a men's vest fit if I plan to wear it over a flannel or a sweatshirt?

The vest should be snug enough to trap heat against your body but roomy enough to fit comfortably over your thickest layer without compressing the insulation underneath, which is crucial because compressing the fill removes the air pockets that keep you warm. The hem of the vest should generally stop right at your belt line, and the armholes must be cut wide enough so they do not restrict your shoulder or bind around the armpit when you move.

What should I wear with a winter vest to get the most warmth in freezing temperatures?

To maximize warmth, you need a 3-part system, using the vest as your core insulator. For freezing temperatures, start with a moisture-wicking base layer (like long-sleeve thermal underwear) directly against your skin, then wear a thick, durable mid-layer (like a rugged flannel or a heavy sweatshirt) over that, and finally, put the vest on top to lock in the heat around your vital organs. This combination provides great warmth, but if wind or rain is a factor, throw a thin shell jacket over the entire system.

Is a vest meant to be worn inside, outside or both?

A functional vest is built to be a true 3-season workhorse that can be worn in any environment. Outdoors, it serves as a critical mid-layer under a shell jacket or as an effective outer layer on cool, dry days. Indoors, it can replace a bulky jacket, especially in a chilly workshop or garage, offering just the right amount of core warmth without causing you to overheat when you are actively moving around.