Singlet vs. Vest: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 8, 2023
A singlet is a sleeveless athletic shirt, often tight-fitting, while a vest is a sleeveless garment worn over shirts for style or warmth.
Key Differences
The terms singlet and vest refer to different types of sleeveless upper garments, but they are used differently based on their design and purpose. A singlet is typically a form-fitting, sleeveless garment often worn by athletes, particularly wrestlers or runners. It is designed to be lightweight and comfortable, allowing for maximum movement and minimum restriction. A vest, in contrast, is a more versatile garment that can be worn for style or additional warmth, often over a shirt or blouse.
Singlets are predominantly associated with athletic wear. They are usually made from breathable, stretchable fabrics that wick away moisture, making them suitable for physical activities such as running or wrestling. Vests, however, are diverse in their construction and use, ranging from fashionable pieces made of luxurious fabrics to functional items designed for added insulation or carrying equipment, like a photographer's or fisherman's vest.
Despite the contrasting primary uses of singlets and vests, the terminology can vary regionally. In some places, a singlet may be referred to as a vest, particularly in British English, adding to potential confusion. For instance, a lightweight, sleeveless undershirt can be called a vest in the UK but might be called a singlet in other regions. The use of the term vest in American English typically refers to an outer garment worn over a shirt for style or additional warmth.
Singlets are distinct in their association with sport and athletic activities, emphasizing functionality and comfort for the wearer. The design of a singlet is focused on reducing restriction and maximizing flexibility during physical exertion. Vests, conversely, can serve various functions, from being a stylish accessory in an outfit to providing additional pockets or warmth, making them a multifunctional piece in a person's wardrobe.
Comparison Chart
Purpose
Athletic wear for minimum restriction
Worn for style, warmth, or additional carrying capacity
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Sleeve
Sleeveless and typically tight-fitting
Sleeveless, can be loose or fitted
Construction Material
Usually made from breathable, stretchable fabrics
Can be made from a variety of fabrics, including luxurious and insulating materials
Associated Use
Predominantly associated with sports and athletic activities
Diverse in use, ranging from fashion to functional purposes
Regional Variation
Referred to as a vest in some regions
Referred to as a waistcoat in some regions, adding a layer of potential regional variation
Singlet and Vest Definitions
Singlet
A one-piece garment used primarily in wrestling.
The wrestler’s singlet was adorned with his team’s colors.
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Vest
A fashionable item used as an accessory in an outfit.
She styled her outfit with a chic, lace vest.
Singlet
A sleeveless, tight-fitting athletic shirt.
The runner wore a breathable singlet for the marathon.
Vest
A sleeveless garment, often having buttons down the front, worn usually over a shirt or blouse and sometimes as part of a three-piece suit.
Singlet
An athletic garment designed for minimum restriction.
The singlet allowed the athlete to move freely during the competition.
Vest
A waist-length, sleeveless garment worn for protection
A warm down vest.
A bulletproof vest.
Singlet
A snug, sleeveless undershirt.
She wore a cotton singlet under her shirt.
Vest
A fabric trim worn to fill in the neckline of a woman's garment; a vestee.
Singlet
A sleeveless, tight-fitting undershirt or athletic shirt.
Vest
Chiefly British An undershirt.
Singlet
A tight-fitting, one-piece garment consisting of shorts and a sleeveless top with a collar that sometimes dips low on the chest, worn in wrestling.
Vest
(Obsolete) An ecclesiastical vestment.
Singlet
(Physics) A multiplet with a single member.
Vest
To place (authority, property, or rights, for example) in the control of a person or group, especially to give someone an immediate right to present or future possession or enjoyment of (an estate, for example). Used with in
Vested his estate in his daughter.
Singlet
A set of one, an item not part of a larger set, particularly
Vest
To invest or endow (a person or group) with something, such as power or rights. Used with with
Vested the council with broad powers.
Vests its employees with full pension rights after five years of service.
Singlet
(physics) A multiplet having a single member, especially a single spectroscopic peak.
Vest
To clothe or robe, as in ecclesiastical vestments.
Singlet
A quantum state having zero spin.
Vest
To become legally vested
Stock options that vest after the second year of employment.
Singlet
A person who does not have a form of multiplicity, i.e. a single persona occupying one human body.
Vest
To dress oneself, especially in ecclesiastical vestments.
Singlet
A single piece of clothing, particularly
Vest
(North America) A sleeveless garment that buttons down the front, worn over a shirt, and often as part of a suit; a waistcoat.
Singlet
A sleeveless buttonless shirt with a low-cut neck.
Vest
(British) A sleeveless garment, often with a low-cut neck, usually worn under a shirt or blouse.
Singlet
(sports) A one-piece, tight-fitting uniform, usually made of spandex or nylon, required in wrestling and powerlifting.
Vest
A sleeveless top, typically with identifying colours or logos, worn by an athlete or member of a sports team.
Singlet
An unlined or undyed waistcoat; a single garment; - opposed to doublet.
Vest
Any sleeveless outer garment, often for a purpose such as identification, safety, or storage.
Singlet
A collarless men's undergarment for the upper part of the body
Vest
A vestment.
Singlet
A lightweight, sleeveless top worn for sports.
He chose a moisture-wicking singlet for the gym session.
Vest
Clothing generally; array; garb.
Vest
A loose robe or outer garment worn historically by men in Arab or Middle Eastern countries.
Vest
(chiefly passive) To clothe with, or as with, a vestment, or garment; to dress; to robe; to cover, surround, or encompass closely.
Vest
To clothe with authority, power, etc.; to put in possession; to invest; to furnish; to endow; followed by with and the thing conferred.
To vest a court with power to try cases of life and death
Vest
To place or give into the possession or discretion of some person or authority; to commit to another; with in before the possessor.
The power of life and death is vested in the king, or in the courts.
Vest
(legal) To clothe with possession; also, to give a person an immediate fixed right of present or future enjoyment of.
To vest a person with an estate
An estate is vested in possession
Vest
(of an inheritance or a trust fund) To devolve upon the person currently entitled when a prior interest has ended.
Upon the death of the Sovereign the Crown automatically vests in the next heir without the need of coronation or other formality.
Vest
To become vested, to become permanent.
My pension vests at the end of the month and then I can take it with me when I quit.
Vest
(obsolete) To invest; to put.
To vest money in goods, land, or houses
Vest
An article of clothing covering the person; an outer garment; a vestment; a dress; a vesture; a robe.
In state attended by her maiden train,Who bore the vests that holy rites require.
Vest
Any outer covering; array; garb.
Not seldom clothed in radiant vestDeceitfully goes forth the morn.
Vest
Specifically, a waistcoat, or sleeveless body garment, for men, worn under the coat.
Vest
To clothe with, or as with, a vestment, or garment; to dress; to robe; to cover, surround, or encompass closely.
Came vested all in white, pure as her mind.
With ether vested, and a purple sky.
Vest
To clothe with authority, power, or the like; to put in possession; to invest; to furnish; to endow; - followed by with before the thing conferred; as, to vest a court with power to try cases of life and death.
Had I been vested with the monarch's power.
Vest
To place or give into the possession or discretion of some person or authority; to commit to another; - with in before the possessor; as, the power of life and death is vested in the king, or in the courts.
Empire and dominion was [were] vested in him.
Vest
To invest; to put; as, to vest money in goods, land, or houses.
Vest
To clothe with possession; as, to vest a person with an estate; also, to give a person an immediate fixed right of present or future enjoyment of; as, an estate is vested in possession.
Vest
To come or descend; to be fixed; to take effect, as a title or right; - followed by in; as, upon the death of the ancestor, the estate, or the right to the estate, vests in the heir at law.
Vest
A man's sleeveless garment worn underneath a coat
Vest
A collarless men's undergarment for the upper part of the body
Vest
Provide with power and authority;
They vested the council with special rights
Vest
Place (authority, property, or rights) in the control of a person or group of persons;
She vested her vast fortune in her two sons
Vest
Become legally vested;
The property vests in the trustees
Vest
Clothe oneself in ecclesiastical garments
Vest
Clothe formally; especially in ecclesiastical robes
Vest
A sleeveless garment worn over a shirt, often for style or warmth.
He wore a woolen vest to keep warm.
Vest
A protective garment worn to shield the torso.
The construction worker wore a reflective vest for visibility.
Vest
A functional garment with pockets for carrying items.
The photographer had a vest with multiple pockets for equipment.
Vest
A garment varying in design and material, worn over the upper body.
The fisherman wore a vest with numerous compartments for tackle.
FAQs
Can a vest be an inner garment?
Yes, vests can be worn as inner garments, especially in British English.
Can a vest be a fashion statement?
Definitely, vests are often used as stylish accessories in outfits.
Are all singlets sleeveless?
Yes, singlets are typically sleeveless, allowing for maximum movement.
Can a vest provide additional warmth?
Yes, many vests are designed to add a layer of warmth.
Is a singlet the same as a tank top?
They are similar but a singlet is more athletic and often tighter.
Can a singlet be worn as an undershirt?
Yes, lightweight singlets can function as undershirts.
Can vests have pockets?
Absolutely, many vests are equipped with pockets for functionality.
Is a singlet always tight-fitting?
Typically, yes, singlets are designed to be snug for athletic purposes.
Is a singlet suitable for athletic activities?
Absolutely, singlets are primarily designed for athletic wear.
Do singlets come in various materials?
Yes, singlets can be made from a variety of breathable, stretchable fabrics.
Can vests be made of bulletproof material?
Yes, there are bulletproof vests designed for protection.
Is a vest exclusively an outer garment?
Not always, vests can be outer or inner garments, depending on the style and use.
Can a vest be worn without a shirt underneath?
It can, depending on personal style and the specific design of the vest.
Are singlets only for athletes?
While designed for athletes, anyone can wear singlets for comfort and mobility.
Can singlets and vests refer to the same garment in some regions?
Yes, regional variations in language can lead to both terms referring to similar garments.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
