In Ireland, where the weather shifts from drizzle to gale-force wind in under ten minutes, layering isn’t just a fashion choice-it’s survival. You’ve probably seen someone on the Galway promenade, the Cliffs of Moher, or even outside a Dublin pub wearing a jacket… with no sleeves. It’s not a mistake. It’s a vest jacket. And if you live here, you already know why it’s one of the most practical pieces of outerwear you can own.
What’s a Sleeveless Jacket Called?
A jacket with no sleeves is most commonly called a vest in Ireland, though you might also hear it referred to as a vest jacket or a shacket vest if it’s made from denim or heavy cotton. In tailoring circles, especially around Cork or Limerick, you’ll hear older generations call it a waistcoat-a term borrowed from British military and formal wear, but now mostly used for wool or tweed versions worn over shirts in chilly pubs or during early morning fishing trips on Lough Neagh.
Technically, a vest is a sleeveless garment worn over a shirt, while a jacket implies outerwear. But in Ireland, where practicality trumps terminology, the line is blurred. If it keeps the wind off your core and fits under a raincoat, it’s a vest jacket-and you’ll find one in almost every wardrobe.
Why Do Irish People Wear Sleeveless Jackets?
Think about it: Ireland’s average temperature hovers between 4°C and 12°C year-round. Rain falls more than 200 days a year. A full jacket traps heat but gets soaked in seconds. A T-shirt alone? You’ll shiver through your commute from Ballina to Ballyshannon. The solution? A vest jacket.
It’s all about core warmth without overheating. When you’re walking the Wicklow Way, cycling through County Clare, or waiting for a bus in Derry, your arms don’t need insulation-but your chest and back do. A well-fitted wool or fleece vest traps body heat right where you need it: over your heart and lungs. It lets your arms move freely for carrying groceries, holding a dog leash, or lifting a pint of Guinness.
Even the Irish military and coastguard use sleeveless thermal layers under their waterproofs. You’ll find them in the kit of National Parks rangers, lifeguards at Portrush, and even the staff at the Galway Film Fleadh who work outdoor screenings in November.
The Irish Vest Jacket: Materials That Actually Work
Not all vests are created equal. In Ireland, you don’t buy one based on style-you buy it based on how it holds up in a storm.
- Wool - The gold standard. Brands like Clare Valley Wool and Donegal Tweed make heavyweight, naturally water-repellent vests that last decades. A Donegal wool vest, handwoven in County Donegal, can cost €180 but outlasts three synthetic versions.
- Fleece - Affordable and quick-drying. Patagonia and Decathlon sell fleece vests in Irish supermarkets, but locals swear by Irish-made options like Ballymena Fleece Co. from Northern Ireland, which uses recycled polyester from old fishing nets.
- Tweed - For formal layering. A tweed vest from Claddagh Tailors in Galway or Johnstons of Elgin (yes, they supply Irish boutiques too) is a winter staple for farmers, poets, and pensioners alike. It breathes better than a coat and looks sharp under a rainproof duster.
- Denim - Popular in urban areas like Limerick and Cork. A denim vest with a quilted lining is perfect for mild days when you’re not ready to commit to a full jacket.
Pro tip: Avoid cheap polyester vests. They trap sweat, don’t breathe, and look cheap in the rain. In Ireland, if your outerwear looks like it came from a Dublin airport gift shop, you’ll be the one shivering while everyone else sips tea in the warmth of their wool.
Where to Buy a Vest Jacket in Ireland
You don’t need to order online. Ireland’s local markets and independent shops have the best options.
- Galway Market (Galway City) - Every Saturday, vendors sell hand-knitted wool vests from Connemara weavers. Look for the ones with the blue and green thread-those are from the Claddagh area.
- Donegal Tweed Centre (Donegal Town) - The original source. You can watch artisans weave the fabric and choose your own pattern. A custom vest takes two weeks but comes with a lifetime repair guarantee.
- Clare Valley Wool Store (Ennis) - Offers repair services. If your vest rips, they’ll fix it with matching yarn. No one here throws out a good wool vest.
- Decathlon (Ireland-wide) - For budget buyers. Their Quechua fleece vest costs €35 and handles rain better than most branded options.
- Charity Shops (Nationwide) - Don’t sleep on these. You’ll find vintage tweed vests from the 1980s, often in perfect condition. A £5 find from a Dublin charity shop can be a wardrobe hero.
How to Style a Vest Jacket in Ireland
There’s no fashion rulebook here. But there are unwritten rules.
- Wear it over a long-sleeve thermal shirt or a thick cotton button-down. No T-shirts unless it’s July.
- Layer it under a waterproof shell. The vest keeps you warm; the shell keeps you dry. Simple as that.
- Pair it with sturdy boots. No one in Ireland wears sneakers with a vest unless they’re hiking the Beara Way.
- For men: button it over a wool sweater. For women: wear it over a turtleneck. Both look sharp and keep the wind out.
- Never wear a vest alone in the rain. It’s not a coat. It’s a layer.
On a rainy Tuesday in Sligo, you’ll see a man in a grey Donegal vest, a flannel shirt, and wellies walking his dog past the Sligo Abbey ruins. He’s not trying to look cool. He’s just warm. And that’s the Irish way.
What to Avoid
There are a few mistakes even long-time residents make.
- Buying a vest that’s too tight. You need room for layers underneath. If you can’t zip your raincoat over it, it’s too snug.
- Choosing a vest with a synthetic lining. They crack in cold weather. Wool and fleece don’t.
- Wearing a vest with a hoodie underneath. It’s bulky, sweaty, and looks messy. Stick to a single thermal layer.
- Thinking it’s only for winter. Many Irish people wear a light fleece vest in spring and autumn when the wind picks up.
Final Thought: It’s Not a Trend. It’s Tradition.
A sleeveless jacket in Ireland isn’t a fashion statement. It’s part of a long history of adapting to the land and the weather. From the fishermen of Howth to the farmers of County Tipperary, people have worn sleeveless layers for warmth without restriction. It’s practical. It’s durable. And it’s deeply Irish.
If you’re new to Ireland and wondering what to wear in the damp, don’t reach for the full coat right away. Grab a wool vest. Layer smart. Stay warm. And when someone asks you what you’re wearing, you can say: It’s a vest. You’ll understand when you’ve lived here a year.
Is a vest the same as a waistcoat in Ireland?
In Ireland, the terms are often used interchangeably, but there’s a subtle difference. A waistcoat is typically made of wool or tweed and worn as part of a formal outfit-think suits at funerals or weddings. A vest is more casual: fleece, denim, or cotton, worn for warmth under a raincoat. Most people just call it a vest unless they’re in a tailor’s shop in Kilkenny.
Can I wear a vest jacket in summer?
Yes, but only on cool, windy days. Ireland’s summers rarely get above 20°C, and coastal breezes can feel icy. A lightweight cotton or thin fleece vest is perfect for evenings in Doolin or during early morning walks on the Causeway Coast. Just avoid thick wool-it’ll be too warm.
Do Irish people wear vests indoors?
Absolutely. Many Irish homes, especially older ones in Galway or Limerick, are poorly insulated. A vest is the go-to layer for sitting by the fire, watching TV, or working from home. You’ll often see people in vests with slippers and tea mugs-no one judges.
Are there Irish brands that make the best vest jackets?
Yes. Donegal Tweed, Clare Valley Wool, Ballymena Fleece Co., and Claddagh Tailors all make high-quality, locally sourced vests. These brands use Irish wool, support local artisans, and repair garments for free. Buying local means your vest will last longer and help keep traditional crafts alive.
Why not just wear a hoodie instead?
A hoodie traps heat on your head and arms, which can make you sweat. In Ireland’s damp climate, sweat + wind = chill. A vest keeps your core warm without overheating your limbs, making it far more effective for layering under a waterproof shell. Plus, you can still wear a hat with a vest.