More than a century ago, there were strict dress codes for both men and women. Despite the dictates of fashion and clothing trends, the standard dress codes still bore much weight and preferred by most people. It was only in later times when designers veered away from the conventional and succeeded in influencing the current trends. The use of waistcoats during the early 18th and and 19th centuries was a part of the normal daily wear for men. It was functional as well as traditional because it was used to hide pocket watches before the invention of the wristwatch. Now they are referred to as vest, a more non-formal reference to the items. Today’s designs still bore resemblance to early versions of this item. They are sleeveless with buttons on the front. They are cut almost above the waist and the bottom button, although inserted, is most often left undone by the wearer. Perhaps this is more of a personal preference rather than adherence to fashion.