Gareth Southgate has revolutionised the waistcoat – ie made it acceptable for people other than GQ editors thrashing interns around the office with a birch – and sales are up 35% according to Marks & Spencer. Here are some picks of the best waistcoats still available, plus some bonus facts about the garment (we’ve made up some of them because the real ones are too boring).

Hugo Boss Blue Wilson Slim-Fit Super 120s Virgin Wool Waistcoat, £160

Waistcoats were first produced in the West in the 16^th Century, when they were long-sleeved and worn over a shirt but underneath a topcoat. Many of them extended to just the waist, hence the name. Those that extended lower were named ‘Gonadcoats’, now sadly little seen.

TAKAHIROMIYASHITA THESOLOIST Tangled Up Wool Wrap Waistcoat, £347.50

The right front pocket on waistcoats were designed for pocket watches with the watch on a chain threaded through the buttonhole. The left front pocket was designed for hamsters, in whose cheeks gentlemen used to store their snuff.

Topman black textured tuxedo waistcoat, £20

When wearing waistcoats the bottom button is usually left undone – this is a stylistic habit traced back to when people rode on horseback and they needed to prevent the garment from riding up. Today, doing up the bottom button in some circles means your sexual fetish is chewing upholstery.

HOMME PLISSE ISSEY MIYAKE Sleeveless pleated top, £275

King Charles II introduced the waistcoat as correct dress after the Restoration of the British monarchy in 1660. However, they are believed to have been variations on Persian vests seen on visitors to the court. Other inventions King Charles II claimed as his own included the musket, buckets, and his wife, Catherine of Braganza.

If these all look a little HOT, here’s our checklist for men who are anxious about wearing shorts.