Items of clothing that have stuck with me throughout a journey of finding my
own style; the black rollneck, blue straight jeans, a leather jacket, a basket bag,
a white t-shirt and a thermal vest. A thermal vest, yes, you did just read that.
But not only does the thermal vest keep you warm, it has every element that
any other classic piece has. Its shape and texture is somewhat timeless and
the vest is always comfortable.
It is an overlooked stylish item, the vest traditionally associated with being
‘dowdy’ or granny like. But as a person that gets cold often, it ensures that the
comfort element of my style is seen to.
Of course many a people would not wear it is as a single piece of clothing,
but when photographed it looks as simple and as plainly stylish as the white
t-shirt that everybody owns and loves. It has every element of a classic item,
whether it’s a vest thermal, t-shirt style thermal or a long sleeved thermal, it
always cuts nicely on the shoulder, has a great neckline and sits perfectly at
the bottom of the navel.
An element of the vest I admire is its functionality, its warmth is sometimes
overwhelmingly insular but that’s the comfort of such a practical item. If grey
or white, if short or long, the vest can prove that when styled it is much more
than dowdy, but a classic piece like other granny style things we wear (what
other granny things? ribbed socks, long skirts, cardigans...) It is part structural,
curving around the body in the right places, as well as being cosy and cool - not
literally cool of course, but cool in the sense that wearing said dowdy items
also makes you the observer of an underestimated item. Being able to detect
a stylish item that the world tells you is ugly or unwearable on its own makes
you an appreciator of unseen beauty.
Originality comes in all forms and can be found anywhere. The beauty of the
thermal vest lies in its originality and simpleness. May it exist forevermore.
Thermal vest
Model & Concept Sophie Willison
Lighting Luke Creasey
Text Laurie Trueman