Ditch The Patagonia Vest, It's Time for Investment Bankers to Rethink the Uniform

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Boring Uniformity

Walk into the average office of a major investment bank and you’re likely to see a familiar scene: navy or grey trousers, a pale blue or starched white dress shirt, and the ever-present Patagonia vest. If American Psycho was released today, that current description would describe Patrick Bateman’s entire wardrobe.Once seen as a smart, functional staple, this uniform has become so standardized that it now verges on cliché.

While there’s nothing inherently wrong with playing it safe, the repetition has stripped the look of its impact. What once may have signaled prestige and reliability now risks feeling uninspired—more like a default setting than a deliberate expression of professionalism.

Of course, the current dress code serves a purpose. It’s designed to convey seriousness, trustworthiness, and a kind of understated success. But in a world that’s evolving fast—where client relationships are global, technology is reshaping workflows, and culture moves at the speed of social media—the uniform could evolve too. Style doesn’t need to be flashy to be forward-thinking. It can be subtle, refined, and personal while still adhering to a professional standard.

Today’s investment bankers wear many hats: strategist, relationship builder, market interpreter. The job is more dynamic than ever, and there’s room for that energy to show up in the way bankers dress. A more contemporary wardrobe—still sharp and tailored, but with character—can reflect the sophistication and agility the role now demands.

Photo by The Empire City Wire

Alternative Options

Here’s the alternative: swap the suit pants for tailored grey or beige khakis—structured but soft. Ditch the corporate-logo vest in favor of a double-breasted casual blazer in textured navy or charcoal. Keep the button-down, but opt for one with personality—an Oxford cloth with a subtle pattern, or a washed chambray that reads effortless, not engineered.

This isn’t about “fashion” in the runway sense—it’s about presence. The shift is from performative uniformity to intentional dressing. The modern banker should look like someone who could command a boardroom but also hold court at a dinner party. A person who still closes, but doesn’t look like they were styled by compliance.

Another nice thing about blazers is that they’re inherently more relaxed than full suits, making them a versatile option for a wider range of occasions. While suits tend to signal formality and structure, a blazer gives you the freedom to mix and match without looking too dressed up. You can still pair one with a classic button-down shirt for a polished look, but you can just as easily dress it down with a well-fitted t-shirt or a turtleneck for a smart, casual vibe. This flexibility is part of what makes blazers a modern wardrobe essential.

Promoting Individuality

The shift also signals internal change. A firm where individuality is welcomed is more likely to attract diverse talent. A wardrobe that breaks free from the vest signals a culture willing to evolve. Dressing better is not just about optics—it’s an invitation for better thinking, looser creativity, sharper instincts.

Style is story. Right now, the story investment banking is telling through its uniform is outdated. It’s a tale of legacy, hierarchy, and repetition. But the best bankers know when it’s time to pivot.

This is that time. Are you ready to ditch the vest?