Best Athletic Vests for Men of 2026

William Weston Avatar
William Weston
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2026

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Athletic vests are a must-have for men who lead an active lifestyle. Designed with functionality and style in mind, these vests provide the perfect combination of comfort and performance. Made from high-quality materials, they are lightweight and breathable, allowing for maximum movement and flexibility during workouts or sports activities. Whether you're hitting the gym, going for a run, or playing a game of basketball, these athletic vests are the ideal choice to keep you cool and comfortable while looking sleek and sporty. With various designs and colors available, there's a perfect athletic vest to suit every man's style and preference.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Salomon Advance Skin 12 Hydration Vest Cover #TOP 1
Salomon Advance Skin 12 Hydration Vest
ftb score rating icon 9.8
BASSDASH Adjustable Fishing Vest Cover #TOP 2
BASSDASH Adjustable Fishing Vest
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Columbia Ascender II Softshell Vest Cover #TOP 3
Columbia Ascender II Softshell Vest
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Athletic Vests for Men

#TOP 1

Salomon Advance Skin 12 Hydration Vest

LC2464300_M
Black
Medium
Salomon Advance Skin 12 Hydration Vest Cover
Salomon Unisex Advance Skin 12 | 12 Liter Hydration Trail Running Vest, Black, Medium

The Salomon Advance Skin Vest is designed for trail runners who need a reliable and comfortable hydration pack. Its fit is enhanced by the Sensifit design, which wraps your torso with stretchy, breathable fabric to keep you comfortable and stable during your run. The vest’s Y-shaped construction helps distribute weight evenly across your back and shoulders, reducing strain. You’ll appreciate the ample storage with over 10 pockets, letting you carry all your essentials in an organized way. Plus, the vest makes hydration easy with included soft flasks and a compartment that fits a larger reservoir, so you can stay refreshed on the trail without hassle.

What We Like
Comfortable, breathable fit
Even weight distribution
Multiple storage pockets
Hydration system compatible
Lightweight design
#TOP 2

BASSDASH Adjustable Fishing Vest

Army Green
One Size
BASSDASH Adjustable Fishing Vest Cover
BASSDASH Strap Fishing Vest Adjustable for Men and Women, for Fly Bass Fishing and Outdoor Activities

The BASSDASH Fishing Vest offers a customizable fit with its adjustable shoulder and waist straps, ensuring you stay comfortable during long fishing trips. Made from lightweight, quick-drying materials, it helps you stay dry and cool by allowing better airflow. The padded air mesh on the shoulder straps adds extra comfort and breathability, so carrying your gear feels easier. With 18 pockets, including 14 zippered ones designed for specific fishing tools like fly boxes and thermometers, you can keep all your equipment organized and within easy reach. This vest is designed to make your fishing or outdoor experience more convenient and enjoyable.

What We Like
Adjustable fit system
Lightweight, quick-drying fabric
Padded breathable straps
Multiple specialized pockets
#TOP 3

Columbia Ascender II Softshell Vest

209047
Black
Large
Columbia Ascender II Softshell Vest Cover
Columbia Men's Ascender II Softshell Vest, Black, Large

The Columbia Ascender Vest is designed to keep you comfortable and protected during your outdoor activities. Its water-repellent OMNI-SHIELD finish helps you stay dry in light rain and keeps stains off, making it easy to maintain. The vest’s wind- and water-resistant shell shields you from chilly breezes and damp conditions, whether you’re hiking or running errands. You’ll also appreciate the thoughtful details like zippered chest and hand pockets for secure storage, a soft chin guard for added comfort, and an adjustable hem that helps seal in warmth. With a classic fit, this vest is a reliable choice for everyday wear.

What We Like
Water and stain repellent
Wind and water resistant shell
Secure zippered pockets
Adjustable hem for warmth
Comfortable classic fit
#TOP 4

33,000ft Men's Windproof Lightweight Golf Vest with Pockets

3JL059A
Black
Large
33,000ft Men's Windproof Lightweight Golf Vest with Pockets Cover
33,000ft Men's Windproof Lightweight Golf Vest Outerwear with Pockets, Softshell Sleeveless Jacket for Running Hiking Sports

The 33,000ft Men's Windproof Lightweight Golf Vest is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, running, golfing, and more. Made with windproof and lightweight fabric, it keeps you warm and dry. The water-resistant and breathable feature keeps your core comfortable and dry in light rain. It has 4-way stretchy fabric that allows a wide range of motion and a reflective design for high visibility when running at night. It comes with six functional pockets that are perfect for carrying essentials such as a cellphone, wallet, and keys.

What We Like
Windproof and lightweight fabric keeps you warm and dry.
Water-resistant and breathable feature keeps your core comfortable and dry in light rain.
Reflective design for high visibility when running at night.
4-way stretchy fabric allows a wide range of motion.
Six functional pockets for carrying essentials such as a cellphone, wallet, and keys.
#TOP 5

Helly-Hansen Men's Crew Vest 2.0

34446
597 Navy
X-Large
Helly-Hansen Men's Crew Vest 2.0 Cover
Helly-Hansen Men's Crew Vest 2.0, 597 Navy, X-Large

The Helly-Hansen Crew Vest is designed to keep you warm and dry during your sailing adventures. Its HELLY TECH PROTECTION ensures the vest is waterproof, windproof, and breathable, so you stay comfortable no matter the weather. The fully sealed seams and water-repellent finish provide extra protection against rain and wind, making it reliable in rough conditions. The vest’s two-layer construction adds durability and warmth, while the soft polyester lining around the collar and pockets offers added comfort. Whether you’re sailing inshore or enjoying a casual marine lifestyle, this vest is a practical choice to keep you protected and comfortable on the water.

What We Like
Waterproof and windproof fabric
Breathable and comfortable lining
Durable two-layer construction
Water-repellent finish
Adjustable fit features
#TOP 6

ARIAT Flame Resistant Sage Digi Camo Vest

10027911
Sage Digi Camo
Small
ARIAT Flame Resistant Sage Digi Camo Vest Cover
ARIAT mens Mns Fr Drastrch Patrt Hd Sage Digi Cmo Vest, Sage Digi Camo, Small US

The ARIAT Flame Resistant Vest gives you comfort and protection all day long. Its flame-resistant fabric keeps you safe in risky environments, so you can focus on your work without worry. The vest is designed with special seams that let your arms move freely, making it easier to perform tasks that require a wide range of motion. It also offers just the right amount of stretch, giving you flexibility and comfort whether you’re active or on the go. Plus, the soft 11 oz fleece material feels great against your skin, keeping you cozy without restricting your movement.

What We Like
Flame resistant fabric
Enhanced arm mobility seams
Flexible stretch material
Soft fleece comfort
#TOP 7

SITKA Gear Ballistic Vest

SITKA
50093-BL-XL
Blaze Orange
X-Large
SITKA Gear Ballistic Vest Cover
SITKA Gear Ballistic Vest Blaze Orange X Large

The SITKA Gear Ballistic Vest is a durable and versatile vest available in six different sizes and blaze orange color. The vest features a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish to resist light precipitation, zippered hand pockets for storing necessities, and adjustable waistbands for a comfortable and snug fit. The magnetic quick connect buckle allows for easy layering changes in the field. This ballistic vest is perfect for any obstacle, element, or condition.

What We Like
Durable and water-resistant
Adjustable waistbands for a comfortable fit
Magnetic quick connect buckle for easy layering changes
#TOP 8

Eleady Men's Compression Shirt

ELUS-AD602598100L-B91-FX01
Black
Large
Eleady Men's Compression Shirt Cover
Mens Compression Shirt Slimming Body Shaper Vest Workout Tank Tops Abs Abdomen Undershirts(Black, L)

Eleady Compression Shirt is a high-quality nylon and spandex undershirt designed to slim and shape your chest, waist, and stomach. It is specially designed to reduce the appearance of Gynecomastia and hide "man boobs" and "beer belly". The shirt is breathable, improving blood circulation and aiding in fat burning. It provides a slimming effect when worn underneath all types of clothing, offering immediate results. The lightweight undershirt is comfortable, highly elastic, and doesn't roll up, ensuring you can maintain a slim posture. It also provides back support and helps improve overall posture. Suitable for various activities like zumba, yoga, gym, and running, this compression shirt will help you achieve a nice body shape while boosting your self-confidence.

What We Like
Immediate slimming effect
Breathable and comfortable
Provides back support and improves posture
#TOP 9

Gobi Heat Dune Men’s Heated Vest

RB-6500-7.4LIPOL
Onyx
Large
Gobi Heat Dune Men’s Heated Vest Cover
Dune Men’s Heated Vest - 10 hrs of Heat | 3 Heat Zones | With Battery & Charger | Machine Washable | All Day Warmth

Gobi Heat Heated Vest is a durable vest that allows you to control your own comfort with its built-in LED controller. With its conductive thread heating technology and slim 6500 mAh/7.4 volt battery, you can enjoy all-day warmth and control during longer day trips. The vest has powerful 3-zone heating with two in the chest and a large zone in the back that helps you feel the heat in under 30 seconds. The vest is machine washable and has two outer zip pockets plus a large inner pocket, cinch bungees, and multiple color options. With its peace of mind warranty and support, buying authentic Gobi Heat products means you can contact their US-based customer-service team for product support. The vest is slim fit and makes it a fitted style.

What We Like
3 heating zones
All-day warmth
Easy-to-use LED controller
#TOP 10

Minus33 Expedition 100% Merino Wool Vest

7033L
Black
Large
Minus33 Expedition 100% Merino Wool Vest Cover
100% Merino Wool Mens Vest - Expedition Heavyweight Vest - Moisture Wicking Black Large

The Minus33 Merino Wool Vest is made from 100% Merino wool, offering you exceptional warmth and durability for outdoor adventures. Its natural moisture-wicking ability helps keep you dry and fresh, reducing the need for frequent washes and saving water. Designed to fit comfortably from small to XXL, this vest includes multiple pockets for convenience, whether you’re working hard or enjoying outdoor play. Backed by Minus33’s trusted experience since 2004 and crafted with quality materials, this vest combines comfort and performance at a fair price, making it a reliable choice for your active lifestyle.

What We Like
100% Merino wool warmth
Moisture-wicking fabric
Multiple functional pockets
Trusted brand since 2004
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are mens vests for?

Men's vests, also known as waistcoats, are sleeveless upper-body garments typically worn over a dress shirt and necktie and below a coat. They are a part of formal wear and add a stylish touch to a man's outfit.

2. How do you make a vest look good for men?

To make a vest look good, you can layer it with different types of shirts and pants. For a professional yet comfortable office outfit, layer a vest over a warm knit and pair it with jeans. This adds versatility and enhances your overall style.

3. What shirts to wear with vest men?

The classic choice for wearing a vest is to pair it with a button-up dress shirt. For a traditional and refined look, wear a neutral-hued vest with a white dress shirt and dark jeans. You can also add a touch of fun by pairing a patterned shirt with a bright vest.

4. Why men stopped wearing vests?

Vests became optional when two-piece suits gained popularity. By the late 1950s, as double-breasted suits fell out of fashion, vests became optional for most men. Additionally, the shift towards more casual everyday fashion also contributed to the decline in vest-wearing.

5. When should a man wear a vest?

A man can wear a vest during outdoor activities such as hiking, bicycling, running, setting up camp, or fly fishing. Vests are suitable for these activities as they provide freedom of movement for the arms and keep the core warm while allowing the body temperature to stay regulated.

6. Should vest be lighter or darker than suit?

The vest can be a different shade from the suit. For example, you can pair a brown suit with a lighter shade like beige or a navy suit with a gray vest. Mixing patterns is also an option, such as pairing a solid suit with a vest featuring patterns like plaid or pinstripes.

7. What jeans to wear with a vest?

When wearing a casual vest with jeans, opt for a dark wash without fancy fades, whiskering, holes, or bagginess. Choose slim-fit jeans to maintain consistency with the vest's style and create a well-put-together look.

Editor's Notes

During our athletic vest for men research, we found 48 athletic vest for men products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 129,164 customer reviews through our big data system to write the athletic vests for men list. We found that most customers choose athletic vests for men with an average price of $87.11.

The athletic vests for men are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of athletic vests for men, including Salomon, BASSDASH, Columbia, 33,000ft, Helly-Hansen. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 111 consumers with an average rating of 4.4.

Written by
William Weston Avatar

William Weston was born in America and is currently a fashion industry designer. He's always been fascinated with the idea of taking something old and making it new again, so he decided to go into fashion design. William loves working on his designs and creating clothing that will make people look good while feeling comfortable at the same time.