Key Difference – Waistcoat vs Nehru Jacket
The main difference between waistcoat and Nehru jacket is their collar style. Nehru jackets always have Mandarin collars, while waistcoats don’t have collars.
What is a Waistcoat?
A waistcoat is a tight-fitting sleeveless coat that is part of men’s formal attire. It is typically worn over a dress and under a coat, and is often part of a three-piece suit. Waistcoats can be single or double-breasted, although single-breasted waistcoats are more popular. They have an opening at the front which can be fastened with buttons and may have revers or lapels depending on the style. Traditional waistcoats are formal wear, but modern waistcoats are also worn as casual wear by both men and women in a variety of colors and patterns.
What is a Nehru Jacket?
A Nehru Jacket is a tailored coat with a Mandarin collar (a type of standup collar). It is named after Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India, and fashioned after the Indian Sherwani he often wore. Nehru jackets are typically shorter than traditional Sherwanis and have an opening at the front which can be fastened by buttons. The collar of this jacket is always a stand-up collar, and the garment is typically worn with matching trousers. The shirt worn beneath the jacket is not visible, except at the cuff links or collar. The Nehru jacket is not very different from a suit jacket and is especially popular in the Indian subcontinent.
Key Takeaways
- Waistcoats are part of men’s formal attire and are typically sleeveless and collarless, while Nehru jackets have Mandarin collars and are based on Indian Sherwanis.
- Waistcoats are often worn as part of a three-piece suit, while Nehru jackets are typically worn with matching trousers and no coat.
- Both waistcoats and Nehru jackets are popular formal wear, but waistcoats are more widespread globally, while Nehru jackets are primarily popular in the Indian subcontinent.
