What is a spencer?
A spencer is a sweater without sleeves. The word comes from English and it also referred to as slipover. A spencer has many similarities to a vest, but these garments are quite different. You can think of a spencer as a sweater without sleeves and a gilet as a vest without sleeves.
The origin of the spencer or slipover
It is not clear where the name spencer comes from, probably from an important person named Spencer. This garment was also often worn by dock workers because this garment kept the undergarments from getting dirty. After Prince Edward of Wales wore the spencer in 1921, it became a fashion trend. A spencer or debardeur in French is a knitted sweater without sleeves. A spencer is usually paired with a shirt. Because most spencers feature a V-neck, the collar of the shirt comes out nicely above it.
The difference with a vest
A vest is part of a three-piece suit and is neater than a spencer. A vest always has a button closure and is made of woven materials such as wool or linen. The hem of a vest is longer in the front and it ends in two points. Spencers are usually made of wool. The wool keeps you nice and warm when it's cold and breathable when it's warm. As with wool sweaters, it is best not to wash these, rather hang the spencer outside overnight to air. Then it will be fresh the next day.