DORNSCHILD – the history of the men’s vest and how it all began.

Over the past centuries, the vest as we know it today has experienced quite a few metamorphoses, yet it has always remained a statement piece and status symbol. DORNSCHILD has reinterpreted the men’s vest and elevated it as an independent and versatile garment that is entirely detached from the suit. The vest is an attractive beacon of fashion for the contemporary and quality-conscious. Before we were able to achieve this status, the vest experienced a journey through time that began in the Middle Ages.

The predecessor and origin of the vest was the doublet and protected under the heavy armor worn on the upper part of a knight’s body. However, only noblemen were only able to afford a doublet, thus signaling their status. With the elimination of armor, the real history of the gentleman’s vest began in the 17th century among the aristocratic elite of Europe. Rather, it was commissioned by King Charles II of England, who wanted to clearly distinguish himself and English court fashion from French and Spanish fashion. The result was the classic three-piece, consisting of trousers, jacket, and vest. The men’s vest, in particular, quickly advanced to become an extravagant and hip statement piece because it seemed more contemporary and fashionable than the over-decorated fashion of the French aristocracy.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the success of the men’s vest was unstoppable and spread rapidly. People also appreciated the style and versatility of the vest also because it was flattering to the male stature. Outside of England, and especially in France, Italy and Austria, the term vest came to mean gilet, as it is still called there and in some other countries. The gilet or vest moved through the upper echelons in different variants from English reduced to exquisite embroidering.

The replacement of the tailcoat, which became the frock coat, to the jacket, as it is still known today, also changed the men’s vest. Men appreciated its peculiarity, extravagance, and effect to express their personality. It was mainly worn with a suit or jacket in the 20th century, whether privately or for work, moreover it was made up of the same outer fabric as the jacket and had a back lining. This and much more was to change with the founding in 2013 of DORNSCHILD, the world’s first vest brand. A wide variety of cuts and designs, such as a jacket without sleeves was thus meticulously developed. The vest has no back lining. Instead, the back is in the same material as the rest of the vest, made up of high quality Italian luxury fabrics, genuine stone walnut and horn buttons, and clasps applied on the side. So unique, authentic and versatile, as befits the vest with an indescribable history!

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