Vests

I don't really understand the vest.

I know that there is some functional reason that people wear them to hike or do other outdoorsy things. I know this because they sell them at R.E.I. and I don't think R.E.I. would ever be guilty of selling an item purely for fashion.

People get a pass with the orange safety vest, because I'm sure they don't want to get run over or shot, but at the same time don't want to wear an entire outfit in that henious color.

And I'm sure there is a reason men wear them under tuxes that although now forgotten, was known and understood back in 1775. I'm all for tradition.

But assuming someone's not hiking, helping school children cross the street, a groomsman, a cowboy, or the vest is NOT made of kevlar...why do people wear them? It just looks a little funny to me over a perfectly good shirt that was fine on its own...or heaven forbid, we're not wearing vests as SHIRTS on their own are we? Oh dear...