Once seen as uncool and associated with stuffy professors or “90s TV characters” (like Chandler from Friends), the sweater vest made a major comeback in 2021 and has remained an eye-catching seasonal trend to this day. Fashion editors and influencers have embraced this once-frumpy piece, making it a must-have for 2025.
Ready to prepare your fashion inventory for the chilly season? Here are six incredible knitted vest styles that look terrific without sacrificing practicality. But first, here’s a look at the global knitwear market.
Table of Contents
A quick look at the global knitwear market
Knitted vest: 6 styles to stock in 2024/2025
Bottom line
A quick look at the global knitwear market
Knitwear is very popular because vests and T-shirts are widely available. According to Google data, the global knitwear market’s value in 2024 is US$721.81 billion. However, experts predict it will grow to US$1.6 trillion by 2030 at a 12.10% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).
Here are other key stats worth noting:
- Natural knitwear contributed the most revenue in 2021, accounting for 50 to 60% of the global market.
- Asia-Pacific is also the most profitable region for the knitwear market. It reached US$278.16 billion in 2021, with experts predicting it will register a 43.20% CAGR over the forecast period.
- North America is the second-largest regional knitwear market, with the US holding the largest revenue share.
Knitted vest: 6 styles to stock in 2024/2025
1. Elegant simplicity peplum vest
Despite the peplum’s fall from popularity after the early 2010s, it still attracted some attention among simple-style lovers. However, it is back again with a fresh take on the classic vest silhouette. Peplums usually flare or gather at the waist, which, when added to vests, makes them feel more feminine without removing their structured look.
Another reason peplum is gaining momentum again is versatility. Peplum vests work well for all kinds of formal or casual events, allowing women to express their style in a unique and chic way. For example, women can wear this fantastic vest with a tailored pantsuit, especially if they want something more sophisticated. Or, they can go casual with a pair of high-waisted jeans and a fitted blouse.
2. New prep boxy argyle vest
Picture a classic argyle pattern but with a modern twist. The result is a bold, boxy vest that feels familiar and fresh. These vests often have oversized fits that give a relaxed vibe, while the detailed argyle design makes them feel more sophisticated. The boxy argyle vest is a simple standout piece, effortlessly mixing old-school charm with a contemporary edge.
This vest lets consumers experiment with different styles, from a preppy vibe to something more daring and edgy. For example, women can match a boxy argyle vest with chinos and a button-down shirt. They can team the vest with leather pants and a streetwear-inspired tee if they want something more modern and edgy.
3. Pretty feminine ruffled vest
What if women want something more chic that oozes a little bit of delicate femininity? Fashion brands can offer them the ruffled vest. It comes with eye-catching details that give any outfit an instant romantic vibe.
Best of all? Ruffled vests are incredibly stylish pieces. Women can effortlessly pull off a blanched and graceful silhouette by pairing these vests with flowy maxi skirts or wide-leg pants. This combo works wonderfully, as the bottoms help boost the ruffled vest’s softness without sacrificing striking movement.
But that’s not all. Depending on how women style these vests, they can rock them for casual and more formal settings. For this reason, the pretty feminine ruffled vest is the perfect day-to-night style for transitioning from the office to a casual dinner with friends.
4. Button-front tank vest
The button-front tank vest is one of those pieces that just works with everything. It’s simple, comfortable, and stylish—a true wardrobe staple that women can dress up or down, depending on their mood or occasion. Their styling versatility makes it easy to create comfortable and put-together outfits.
Consider this easygoing, stylish vibe that women can rock with a button-front tank vest. The piece looks incredible with a high-waisted jeans and graphic tee combo, blending a relaxed style with some structure.
But if women are in the mood for something more modern and minimalist, they can rock the button-front tank vest with a neutral blouse and tailored checkered trousers. The vest adds just the right amount of texture and interest without overpowering the clean, simple look.
5. Bohemian fringe vest
Women can also capture the free-spirited vibe of the boho style with the bohemian fringe vest. It’s a standout piece because of the flowing fringe and a relaxed fit that adds movement and texture to any outfit. In addition to being effortlessly chic, the bohemian fringe vest is a great way to introduce the boho flair into any wardrobe.
One style that particularly stands out for this vest is the full boho. They can pair the fringe vest with a flowy maxi dress or wide-leg pants, creating a balanced yet visually appealing look. However, full boho is only one of many ways women can rock this vest. They can also go for something more edgy, like pairing it with leather pants and oversized ruffle blouses.
6. Oversized knit vest
The oversized knit vest is the perfect cozy, stylish piece for chilly days. Its chunky knit texture keeps consumers warm, while the relaxed, large size offers something more trendy. This garment is a must-have for women who want to stay comfortable and fashionable during the colder months.
One way women can pull off a cozy and put-together outfit with the oversized knit vest is with skinny jeans and a turtleneck sweater. The outfit’s sleek silhouette and warm vibes scream “effortless beauty.” Women may also use ripped jeans and dark-colored tees for a more streetwear-inspired vibe. And if the weather is only slightly chilly, women can wear the oversized vest without anything underneath and baggy pants for an irresistibly chic look.
Bottom line
Knitted vests are like superheroes in the fashion world. Women can wear them in any season, and they are the perfect layering item for button-down shirts and casual t-shirts. In addition, knitted vests are a fantastic way for consumers to add extra style to their streetwear outfits—and fashion brands can offer them in various colors.
These vests are still an undefeated fashion item, with the runways showcasing many styles and outfit combinations. This article explores six options fashion brands can add to their inventories to attract more orders and sales in 2025.
