The String Vest is a hand-framed fully fashioned knit interpretation of vernacular men’s string underwear. Cotton string vests became popular in the late 19th Century as a warm weather alternative to wool underwear worn with formal clothing. In the 20th Century they became popular with athletes, and apparently were worn in World War 1 by tank crews, to regulate heat, hence the name tank top.

The String Vest is knit in an open twisted stitch with plain knit bands at the edges of the panels, forming an outline of the construction around the seams. The neck is bound and the hem is cast off and allowed to roll back gently. The vest is finished with a Made in UK red label.