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One essential wardrobe piece to have on hand at all times is a utility jacket vest. These are basically lightweight versions of your favorite military-style jacket that come with numerous pockets and a figure-flattering drawstring optional waist that is perfect as a lightweight layering piece for year-round wear.
Below are some of our favorite women’s utility jacket vests that will be one of your go-to layering pieces for the cooler transitional months.
These vests come in a ton of stylish color and pattern options including the stylish camouflage and army green options. There are also a ton of rich colors that will make you happy to welcome in a new season while changing up some of your lived-in basics.
Top Utility Vest Reviewed
MixMatchy Vest — Best Overall
This utility-style vest is another versatile piece that will get you through many types of weather, stylishly. This cotton vest features a drawstring waist that can be pulled tight or kept loose and has a stylish attached hood. This jacket has a more streamlined feel and will look great for almost any indoor or outdoor activity to give you some warmth without overheating.
Pros
- This vest is available in a wide size range
Cons
- The hood is not removable
SENSERISE Vest — Runner Up
This utility-style vest has similar features to our other options including a full zip front with optional snap buttons and an adjustable flattering waist. This is the perfect casual layer when you need something to cut the chill yet not as warm as a full sleeve jacket. Pair this vest with any long or short sleeve tee, some jeans, and boots for a comfy casual vibe.
Pros
- The pockets are roomy enough to hold a phone and/or keys
Cons
- There is no hood
Beyove Anorak Vest — Best Color Options
Made from durable and waterproof fabric, this travel utility vest is a great everyday option. This vest is slightly longer than our other versions for a comfortable feel and has both a zipper and button-down front for extra protection. When fully zipped, this vest is very flattering with its stand-up collar and a drawstring waist that will only bring attention to the areas you prefer.
Pros
- This vest comes in 10+ color options
Cons
- The heavier cotton material may be too warm for summer
Tutorutor Vest — Most Comfortable
This is another great hooded utility vest that is slightly shorter than our other options and is made from cotton and spandex for superior comfort and stretch. This vest comes with both a zipper and button front closure and a drawstring waist that you can wear as loose or as fitted as you like. This vest will look great paired with a top and pants of the same color where the vest will give you that stylish pop of color.
Pros
- The vest is fully lined
Cons
- Not all colors come with hoods
Afkoxki Vest — Contender
This lightweight utility-style vest is a great year-round layering piece. Made from a ripstop type material, this vest is sturdy with a loose, casual fit and several convenient pockets placed all around. The vest also features a flattering adjustable drawstring waist and can be worn open or closed depending on the look you are going for.
Pros
- This vest comes in five easy-to-wear color options
Cons
- The vest may be slightly bulky to layer over
Qearal Vest — Most Versatile
This vest will easily turn a simple tee and jeans into a casually cool look. This vest can be worn year-round depending on the climate and is great for those cooler nights where a full jacket is not necessary. This vest is also light-in-weight and can be worn in numerous ways – size up for a looser fit or size down for a slimmer, fitted look. Either way, this vest is made from high-quality material and will keep you comfy and warm.
Pros
- There are nine bold color options
Cons
- It is advised to hand wash only
Jenkoon Vest — Also Consider
Another sleeveless vest is this option which is made from a heavyweight, canvas-like material with an attached, windproof hood. This vest also features a full snap button front closure and four deep pockets that can easily be used for storage. Use this vest to keep you warm during many outdoor activities, makes an appropriate outerwear piece for any casual workdays, and can be layered warmer or cooler depending on your location.
Pros
- There are three neutral color options
Cons
- This jacket does not have a zipper closure
Buying Guide: Utility Vests
Utility vests are a popular clothing choice among fashion enthusiasts. You can choose from a variety including military vests, fisherman vests, and even reference utility vests. Here's a buying guide to help you find the right one for yourself:
Some Ideas for Styling a Utility Vest
As discussed earlier, utility vests are highly versatile when it comes to styling. You can completely change an outfit by simply layering a utility vest over it. Here are some popular outfit ideas that have been around for a while:
Solid outfit and utility vest
A head-to-toe monochrome outfit is not only a classic choice but also a fashion statement. But you can further improve this simple outfit by donning a utility vest over it. For instance, a sleeveless vest paired with a full-sleeved solid inner layer looks very appealing.
This is just one example but you can even change the look from casual to formal by playing around with the colors and style of your vest.
Vest with dress
This is one of the casual yet eye-catching looks you can create with a utility vest. A simple dress, be it a knee-length one or a floor-touching skirt, works quite well with vests. You can add a lightweight military-style jacket to add a sense of informal vibe to your dress. Other than that you can pair the outfit with some chic jewelry or heightened boots to really amp up the look.
Colorful utility vests
Like any other piece of clothing, utility vests also come in different colors and prints. Although people usually prefer the traditional khaki army-style vests, you can uplift your wardrobe by adding some colorful options too. For example, mustard and reds are quite famous choices to layer upon a simple tee and jeans look. You can even add a raincoat or winter jacket over the vest to add some contrast to your outfit.
How to Choose a Utility Vest
Here are a few things to consider when you are looking for a utility vest:
Material
Just like any other fashion item, the quality of the material is a deal-breaker for utility vests as well. If you are out in the market looking for a good quality vest, you should invest in something that will last you a long time.
Utility vests are produced with different materials, cotton being one of the most preferred options. But other than that, some fashion enthusiasts also prefer fleece as their material choice. You can also amplify your options by exploring some unconventional materials like leather, puffer jackets, and even wool vests.
Lining and layers
The lining is another significant element when it comes to the quality of your utility vest. Additionally, multiple layers are also important if you want to use it in the winter too. Hence, when out shopping for one, make sure to check whether the product is lined or not.
Pockets
Pockets are the core element of any utility vest. Pockets not only give you the liberty to leave your bag behind, but this jacket is also incomplete without the signature pockets that give it a classic yet casual aesthetic. So make sure you get the most of this feature by choosing a vest that gives you your desired number of pockets.
Benefits of Adding Utility Vests to Your Wardrobe
Here are a few advantages utility vests bring to your wardrobe:
- This extra layer of clothing gives a composed look to your entire attire.
- You can wear one on a variety of outfit styles. Whether it's a skirt or sweats, these jackets work with all.
- They have pockets and lots of them.
- They are a light yet warm addition to your outfits on cooler days.
- They are always in style.
Clothing Articles Utility Vests Look Great on
Although there is no shortage of ideas when it comes to styling with utility vests, they do look fabulous when worn over certain clothing articles. Have a look at:
With stripes
Utility vests make a great statement when paired with stripes. You can wear them with a striped shirt and matching pants. It gives you a chic-inspired look without overdoing it. You can further add some chunky bracelets and hoops to make your outfit appear more put together.
With jeans
A simple tee and jeans outfit when paired with a utility vest creates a perfect example of classy yet edgy style. Usually, people prefer wearing military vests on such outfits to enhance the style, but you can be as creative as you want. Just add some jewelry and high boots to complete your look, and you will be ready to slay for the day.
With cargos
Utility vests paired with cargo pants is the popular take on today's utilitarian trend. People sporting this functional jacket over a pair of cargos is a fairly common sight these days.
Conclusion
Utility vests have been around for a long time. Their chic look with a casual touch makes them quite popular among fashion-forward individuals. Because these fashion pieces are always in trend, we made a list of some of the top utility vests in 2022 so that you can easily choose the one for you.
