🧶 Why the Sweater Vest Is 2025’s Most Unexpected Style Hero
Not too long ago, the sweater vest was the uniform of professors and prep-school yearbook editors. But in 2025? It’s become one of fashion’s most versatile, viral, and gender-inclusive staples — worn by everyone from indie musicians to style influencers to, yes, actual tennis players.
Oversized and often varsity-inspired, the sweater vest has taken over TikTok, Pinterest, and street style — and it pairs perfectly with your favorite graphic tee. Whether your vibe is Tenniscore, indie sleaze, dark academia, or something in between, the sweater vest is officially back!
📈 The Sweater Vest Takeover
The hashtag #sweatervestoutfit has racked up more than 45 million views on TikTok, with creators styling them in unexpected, creative ways — from polished to chaotic to ultra-layered.
A few influencers leading the trend:
@jazzmynejay: Wore a thrifted varsity vest over cargos and a tee for an effortlessly fluid look.
@matildadjerf: Showed how to make oversized knits feel high-fashion with crisp tailoring and subtle accessories.
@wisdm8: Nailed the Tenniscore layering game with a pastel vest, court whites, and sneakers.
@brittanyxavier: Mixed edgy and preppy with a striped vest, band tee, and leather pants.
No matter how you identify or dress, the sweater vest works because it adds shape without structure — and it’s the ultimate layering piece over Cordsmiff’s bold graphic tees.
🧢 5 Ways to Style a Sweater Vest in 2025
The modern sweater vest is oversized, comfortable, and surprisingly adaptable — here’s how people of all styles and genders are rocking it this year:
🎾 1. Tenniscore Classic
Look: Pleated skirt or shorts + varsity vest + crew socks + sneakers
Layer with: A sporty graphic tee underneath — bonus if it has varsity lettering or a tennis pun
Style Tip: Add retro sunglasses or a visor for extra prep
Inspired by: @emmaleger
🎸 2. Indie Sleaze Revival
Look: Oversized sweater vest + distressed jeans + boots or beat-up sneakers
Layer with: A vintage-style band tee or ironic graphic
Style Tip: Keep the hair messy and the accessories loud
Inspired by: @noelledowning
📚 3. Dark Academia Energy
Look: Earth-tone vest + relaxed trousers or a midi skirt
Layer with: A minimalist serif tee or black-and-white print
Style Tip: Add loafers, layered necklaces, and a beat-up book for full effect
Inspired by: @thanyaw
💿 4. Y2K Throwback Fit
Look: Cropped vest + flared pants or micro skirt
Layer with: A pastel or neon Cordsmiff tee with bold type or pixel art
Style Tip: Jelly rings, big headphones, and lip gloss complete the look
Inspired by: @veneti.a
🖤 5. Model-Off-Duty Street Style
Look: Neutral sweater vest + joggers or tailored trousers
Layer with: A clean, oversized text tee or subtle graphic
Style Tip: Slick hair, tiny sunglasses, and minimalist sneakers
Inspired by: @anoukyve
🛍 Cordsmiff Picks: Tees & Vests Made for Layering
Explore styles at cordsmiff.com/gear that were made to mix and match with sweater vests:
✔️ Sporty Graphic Tees – Clean fonts, varsity-inspired slogans, and Tenniscore-ready graphics
✔️ Vintage-Inspired Band Tees – Perfect under preppy layers for contrast and attitude
✔️ Subtle Grunge Designs – Washed-out prints that blend well with oversized knits
✔️ Minimal Serif Text Tees – Great for dark academia and muted palettes
✔️ Varsity Sweater Vests (coming soon!) – Oversized fits in cream, navy, and forest green — designed for all genders and aesthetics
Whether you want to lean sporty, moody, or ironic, Cordsmiff has tees that let your vest do the talking — or the other way around.
🔁 Why It Works for Everyone
What makes the 2025 sweater vest so powerful? It’s fluid, easy, and endlessly remixable.
It looks great oversized on any body
It’s seasonless — layer it now, wear it solo later
It can be preppy, punk, grunge, or glam
It gives basic tees a styled, intentional upgrade
It’s not about fitting a specific gender or vibe — it’s about styling it your way.
📸 Final Thoughts: From Prep-School to Power Look
The oversized varsity sweater vest might be the fashion comeback no one expected — but now that it’s here, it’s proving to be one of the most universal pieces in your wardrobe.
Pair it with a bold Cordsmiff graphic tee, throw on your favorite bottoms, and head out. Whether you’re leaning into Tenniscore, channeling indie chaos, or building your own lookbook moment — the sweater vest is here to serve.
👉 Shop graphic tees and layering pieces now at cordsmiff.com/gear
