Product of the week: The cargo vest

What is it:

If there’s one piece of clothing that’s been hard to pass up over the last few months, it’s the cargo vest. The sleeveless look features a variety of pockets and fastenings – making it both stylish and practical. While the vest has historically been associated primarily with military and fishing clothing, it has recently become more relevant, particularly in streetwear. Streetwear brands have updated the vest and given it a sportier look. They are now available in countless materials and colors, which makes the style attractive to a wide range of customers.

Why you should order them:

Streetwear has now become an important part of the fashion industry and also influences other areas of the industry. It is precisely this effect that can be observed in the continued popularity of the cargo vest, which was initially adopted by leading brands in the streetwear scene and has now found its way into the collections of major luxury brands. While the style has already secured a permanent place in streetwear, the vest’s presence in the SS24 collections also ensures its status as a must-have for the coming season.

Where we saw them:

Many designers took up the cargo vest in its traditional form for their SS24 collections. Feng Chen Wang and White Mountaineering opted for camouflage prints that are reminiscent of the garment’s military past. Prada, on the other hand, combined the classic shape and details of the vest with bright colors that gave the look something modern. Some labels modernized the style even further and the vest often appeared in an oversized silhouette. Here, Études and Hed Mayner were pioneers and presented oversized shapes, while Odeeh and Officine Générale opted for longer hems.

How to style them:

To match the streetwear look, the vest can be combined with a loose-fitting printed T-shirt or a long-sleeved shirt. A pair of wide cargo pants or wide leg jeans along with a pair of sneakers complete the outfit. For a less casual look, the cargo vest can be worn with a turtleneck or shirt. Pair with a mini skater skirt and knee-high boots.

The cargo vest has left its military roots behind and secured a permanent place in the wardrobe of trendsetters. The vest’s presence on the runways has only reinforced its importance in the coming season. Striking prints, experimental details and a play with materials make this functional yet stylish piece of clothing particularly exciting.

This translated post previously appeared on FashionUnited.uk. Translation and editing: Pia Schulz