Women’s waistcoats that’ll sway even the most hesitant Mumsnet user

If you’re a regular on our style and beauty board, you’ll know that our users don’t mince their words when it comes to fashion trends (looking at you, horseshoe jeans). And this season’s waistcoat resurgence hasn’t escaped scrutiny, causing quite the rift between users.

Now, we totally understand where some posters are coming from. This 2024 trend does appear to be better suited for more slender frames and is one you’d likely want to avoid if you don’t want your arms on show. But, much to TheExclusiveSandwich’s dismay, the waistcoats of the season appear to be winning over many Mumsnetters thanks to their versatility and surprising figure-flattering abilities. 

"I absolutely love mine, I have two waistcoat/trouser suits, with the black one I have a blazer too. I wear nothing underneath and I do work on my arms!" raves CarolynKnappShappeyShipwright. proving waistcoats can be incredibly chic for those confident enough to try the no-top look.

For the larger busted among us worried a waistcoat might be too revealing, poppym12 has some reassuring words: "I wear them sometimes. Usually over a vest top. Stops me feeling too booby in a vest as a waistcoat softens the shelf."

M&S COLLECTION Tailored Single Breasted Waistcoat, £35 | Buy now from M&S

Finding that Goldilocks fit can take some trial and error, as lindyloo57 admits: "I like the look, took a lot of try-ons to find a good fit, as I've a DD bust. I found one in M&S - a black short linen mix one, I love it. I don't like the more formal ones on me."

Sunshine237 is a fan of the M&S offerings too, saying, "I have an M&S one. Had one last summer too, I like them for a proper summer with casual trousers. Sleeveless but not too clingy."

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Even the trend-wary are being won over, with Moveoverdarlin admitting, "I actually think they look really good. Very much a current trend so I wouldn't buy an expensive one. But I have a brunch coming up and I thought I might get one for that."

At the end of the day, the beauty of a waistcoat is its versatility as a lightweight summer layer, summed up perfectly by BigBurrata:

So, whether you're pear-shaped, busty, toned or somewhere in between, it seems there could be a waistcoat out there for everyone this season. The key, as with any trend, is trying a variety of shapes and fits to find your most flattering option. Keep scrolling for the best waistcoats to wear this summer. 

M&S Collection Tailored Pinstripe Waistcoat, £35 | Buy now from M&S

Everbelle Ecru Denim Waistcoat, £28 | Buy now from Tu at Sainsbury's

M&S Collection Tailored Waistcoat, £25 | Buy now from M&S

Albaray Denim Waistcoat, £55 | Buy now from Albaray

Autograph Linen Blend Waistcoat, £75 | Buy now from M&S

Reiss Cassie Linen Belted Waistcoat, £198 | Buy now from Reiss

Hush Lana Relaxed Linen Blend Waistcoat, £129 | Buy now from Hush

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About the author

Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she commissions, writes, and edits to bring parents content designed to make life easier. After birthing and breastfeeding two babies in two years, Rebecca knows first-hand how hard it can be to prioritise yourself when you become a mother. So, she’s on a quest to find the best beauty and fashion products that are both practical and affordable, with the help of Mumsnet user recommendations. 

Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a local playgroup, in a nearby coffee shop, or walking the dog up and down country lanes.

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