Singlet vs. Vest
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 28, 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
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.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Comparison Chart
Purpose
Athletic wear for minimum restriction
Worn for style, warmth, or additional carrying capacity
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Sleeve
Sleeveless and typically tight-fitting
Sleeveless, can be loose or fitted
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
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Construction Material
Usually made from breathable, stretchable fabrics
Can be made from a variety of fabrics, including luxurious and insulating materials
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Associated Use
Predominantly associated with sports and athletic activities
Diverse in use, ranging from fashion to functional purposes
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Singlet and Vest Definitions
Singlet
A one-piece garment used primarily in wrestling.
The wrestler’s singlet was adorned with his team’s colors.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Vest
A fashionable item used as an accessory in an outfit.
She styled her outfit with a chic, lace vest.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Singlet
A sleeveless, tight-fitting athletic shirt.
The runner wore a breathable singlet for the marathon.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
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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.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
Singlet
An athletic garment designed for minimum restriction.
The singlet allowed the athlete to move freely during the competition.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Vest
A waist-length, sleeveless garment worn for protection
A warm down vest.
A bulletproof vest.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
Singlet
A snug, sleeveless undershirt.
She wore a cotton singlet under her shirt.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Vest
A fabric trim worn to fill in the neckline of a woman's garment; a vestee.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
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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.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
Singlet
(physics) A multiplet having a single member, especially a single spectroscopic peak.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
Vest
To become legally vested
Stock options that vest after the second year of employment.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
Singlet
A person who does not have a form of multiplicity, i.e. a single persona occupying one human body.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
Vest
(North America) A sleeveless garment that buttons down the front, worn over a shirt, and often as part of a suit; a waistcoat.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
Vest
(British) A sleeveless garment, often with a low-cut neck, usually worn under a shirt or blouse.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
Singlet
(sports) A one-piece, tight-fitting uniform, usually made of spandex or nylon, required in wrestling and powerlifting.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
Vest
A sleeveless top, typically with identifying colours or logos, worn by an athlete or member of a sports team.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
Singlet
An unlined or undyed waistcoat; a single garment; - opposed to doublet.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
Vest
Any sleeveless outer garment, often for a purpose such as identification, safety, or storage.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
Singlet
A lightweight, sleeveless top worn for sports.
He chose a moisture-wicking singlet for the gym session.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
Vest
A loose robe or outer garment worn historically by men in Arab or Middle Eastern countries.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
Vest
(chiefly passive) To clothe with, or as with, a vestment, or garment; to dress; to robe; to cover, surround, or encompass closely.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
Vest
Any outer covering; array; garb.
Not seldom clothed in radiant vestDeceitfully goes forth the morn.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
Vest
Specifically, a waistcoat, or sleeveless body garment, for men, worn under the coat.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
Vest
Provide with power and authority;
They vested the council with special rights
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 22, 2023
Vest
A sleeveless garment worn over a shirt, often for style or warmth.
He wore a woolen vest to keep warm.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
Vest
A protective garment worn to shield the torso.
The construction worker wore a reflective vest for visibility.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Vest
A functional garment with pockets for carrying items.
The photographer had a vest with multiple pockets for equipment.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Vest
A garment varying in design and material, worn over the upper body.
The fisherman wore a vest with numerous compartments for tackle.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
FAQs
Can a vest be an inner garment?
Yes, vests can be worn as inner garments, especially in British English.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Can a vest be a fashion statement?
Definitely, vests are often used as stylish accessories in outfits.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
Are all singlets sleeveless?
Yes, singlets are typically sleeveless, allowing for maximum movement.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
Can a vest provide additional warmth?
Yes, many vests are designed to add a layer of warmth.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
Is a singlet the same as a tank top?
They are similar but a singlet is more athletic and often tighter.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Can a singlet be worn as an undershirt?
Yes, lightweight singlets can function as undershirts.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
Can vests have pockets?
Absolutely, many vests are equipped with pockets for functionality.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Is a singlet always tight-fitting?
Typically, yes, singlets are designed to be snug for athletic purposes.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Is a singlet suitable for athletic activities?
Absolutely, singlets are primarily designed for athletic wear.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Do singlets come in various materials?
Yes, singlets can be made from a variety of breathable, stretchable fabrics.
Samantha Walker
Sep 28, 2023
Can vests be made of bulletproof material?
Yes, there are bulletproof vests designed for protection.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Is a vest exclusively an outer garment?
Not always, vests can be outer or inner garments, depending on the style and use.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Can a vest be worn without a shirt underneath?
It can, depending on personal style and the specific design of the vest.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Are singlets only for athletes?
While designed for athletes, anyone can wear singlets for comfort and mobility.
Samantha Walker
Sep 28, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
