How to Sign "Vest"

To sign 'vest', use both hands in 'A' handshapes with your palms facing your body. Start with your hands near your upper chest, just below your shoulders. Slide both hands straight down your torso to your waist, as if you are tracing the lapels or front edges of a vest.

Examples Using "Vest" in a Sentence

1

I bought a new vest.

Sign 'I', 'buy', 'new', and then sign 'vest' by sliding your 'A' hands down your chest to outline the garment.

2

Do you have a life vest?

Sign 'you', 'have', 'life', and then sign 'vest', making sure to raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question.

3

He is wearing a black vest.

Point to the person to establish 'he', sign 'black', and then perform the 'vest' sign to describe his clothing.

How to Sign "Vest"
To sign 'vest', use both hands in 'A' handshapes with your palms facing your body. Start with your hands near your upper chest, just below your shoulders. Slide both hands straight down your torso to your waist, as if you are tracing the lapels or front edges of a vest.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visually logical. The movement of your hands directly traces the front edges or lapels of a vest as it hangs on a person's torso.
Signing Tips
Keep your hands close to your body, lightly brushing your shirt or hovering just above it. The movement should be a smooth, straight line down your torso to clearly outline the garment.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is making the downward movement too wide or curving it outward, which can look like you are describing a body shape rather than a piece of clothing. Keep the path straight down.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Vest" in a Sentence
1

I bought a new vest.

Sign 'I', 'buy', 'new', and then sign 'vest' by sliding your 'A' hands down your chest to outline the garment.

2

Do you have a life vest?

Sign 'you', 'have', 'life', and then sign 'vest', making sure to raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question.

3

He is wearing a black vest.

Point to the person to establish 'he', sign 'black', and then perform the 'vest' sign to describe his clothing.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'vest' the same as 'shirt'?

No, they are different. 'Shirt' is signed by tugging the fabric of your shirt near your upper chest with an 'F' handshape, while 'vest' traces the edges of the garment down your torso with 'A' handshapes.

Do my hands need to touch my body when signing 'vest'?

Your hands can lightly brush against your clothing or hover just slightly above it. The most important part is the downward path tracing the vest's shape, rather than applying pressure to your chest.

Can I use this sign for a life jacket?

Yes! You can use this exact same sign to represent a life jacket or life vest. It is often combined with the sign for 'life' or 'boat' depending on the context of your sentence.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!