Green is doing a lot of work in menswear right now and the vest is quietly one of the best ways to wear it. It adds a layer without the bulk of a jacket, it works over a simple crewneck or a flannel shirt, and it gives an otherwise flat outfit something to look at. The problem is that most men either skip it entirely or overspend on a version that doesn’t actually fit better than the affordable option sitting right next to it. We’ve been paying close attention to what separates the good from the forgettable at this price point. Lining quality, fill weight, how the collar sits when zipped up. These are the details that decide whether a vest looks considered or just thrown on. Every piece in here earns its place because it looks like it costs more than it does. That is exactly the point.