St Johns Bay Vest

Your Vest Buying Questions Answered

What do you reach for when you need a light extra layer for an in-between kind of weather day? For me, it’s always a vest. I find vests to be so versatile – they add warmth without bulk and can transition a summer top into cooler fall temperatures seamlessly.

One of my favorite brands for quality vests is St. John’s Bay. I own quite a few of their vests in different styles and I reach for them constantly in my wardrobe. If you’re looking into buying some St. John’s Bay vests for yourself, I wanted to answer some of the key questions I had when I first started buying them. Consider this your complete buying guide for everything St. John’s Bay vests!

What materials are St. John’s Bay vests made of?

The great thing about St. John’s Bay is that they offer vests in a wide variety of materials, so you can really find the perfect one for your needs. Many of their most popular vests are made from cotton, polyester or fleece fabrics. Some of the most common ones you’ll see are:

• Cotton vests – These have a soft natural cotton feel and are lightweight. Great for layering in warmer weather.
• Polyester vests – Offer moisture-wicking performance and durability. Popular for outdoor activities.
• Fleece vests – Made from soft fleece to keep you cozy. Perfect for cold days and winter weather.
• Puffer vests – Filled with down or polyfill insulation to provide serious warmth without weight.

No matter what type of vest you’re looking for, St. John’s Bay has lots of options to choose from. The materials are always high quality too!

Where can I buy St. John’s Bay vests?

The great thing about St. John’s Bay is that their products are carried by major national retailers, so the vests are easy to find. The top places to buy St. John’s Bay vests are:

• JCPenney – As St. John’s Bay is JCPenney’s exclusive in-house brand, they have the largest selection of the vests both in-store and online.
• Amazon – A wide range of St. John’s Bay vests are available on Amazon with free shipping for Prime members. Great for convenience.
• eBay – You can find new and used St. John’s Bay vests for sale here, sometimes at discounted prices.
• JCPenney Outlets – Check the outlets or clearance stores for deals on vests discounted due to being last season’s colors/prints.

The major retailers like JCPenney will have the newest arrivals and complete size ranges. But you can definitely save money by checking the other sites too.

Are St. John’s Bay vests good quality?

Yes, I find St. John’s Bay vests to be very good quality, especially considering the reasonable prices. The materials used are substantial and durable. For example, I have fleece vests from them that have kept their shape perfectly even after years of wear.

St. John’s Bay vests also have well-finished seam construction and reinforced details at stress points like pocket openings. The zippers, buttons, and toggles are sturdy too.

Finally, the vests wash and wear well. I’ve machine washed them countless times and they come out looking like new. Overall, the quality rivals vests double the prices from other brands.

How do St. John’s Bay vests fit?

The fit of St. John’s Bay vests is on the roomier side. They are made to accommodate layering under them, so I’d describe the silhouette as classic straight rather than form-fitting.

The sleeveless armholes allow for good range of motion. The body lengths hit around the hips on most versions too.

I would say this brand runs true-to-size. I always order my regular size and the fit is great. However, if between sizes, consider sizing down for a more tailored look.

What sizes are available for St. John’s Bay vests?

One of the great things about St. John’s Bay is that their size range is very inclusive. They make their vests available in standard women’s sizes from XS-3X.

For reference, the size chart is:

• XS: Bust 32″-34″, Waist 24″-26″, Hip 35″-37″
• S: Bust 34″-36″, Waist 26″-28″, Hip 37″-39″
• M: Bust 36″-39″, Waist 28″-31″, Hip 39″-42″
• L: Bust 39″-43″, Waist 31″-35″, Hip 42″-47″
• XL: Bust 43″-48″, Waist 35″-40″, Hip 47″-52″
• 2X: Bust 48″-53″, Waist 40″-45″, Hip 52″-57″
• 3X: Bust 53″-58″, Waist 45″-50″, Hip 57″-62″

So no matter what your size, you should be able to find a St. John’s Bay vest that fits comfortably. The range is really outstanding.

What colors do St. John’s Bay vests come in?

One of my favorite things about this brand is the huge assortment of colors and prints they offer for their vests each season. They have every color of the rainbow – rich jewel tones, bright pops of color, and all the neutrals too.

For solids, you’ll see all the staples like black, navy, olive, grey, and cream. Prints and color-blocking are on-trend too with buffalo plaid, camo, and bold color-combo versions.

There are always lots of options to match the vest to your personal style. And the colors are saturated and vibrant in even the synthetic fabrics.

Are St. John’s Bay vests warm enough for winter?

It depends on the individual style, but St. John’s Bay does make some vests that are perfect for cold winter weather. Look for ones made with fleece or down insulation to provide warmth without weighing you down.

For seriously frigid temps, I recommend their down or polyfill puffer vests. These have an inner layer of insulation and outer shell fabric that blocks wind and moisture. The quilted design traps body heat. I stay so toasty in my St. John’s Bay down vest even when it’s freezing out.

They also have sherpa and fleece full-zip vest options that are nicely insulating as well. I’d feel comfortable wearing these for daily winter wear, outdoor activities, or as a warmth layer under coats.

Are St. John’s Bay vests lightweight or heavy?

It depends on the individual style – St. John’s Bay offers vests across the spectrum from lightweight to heavy.

The cotton, polyester, and nylon vests are all ultra lightweight. These work great for transitioning between seasons or warmer climates.

For medium weight, look to the fleece vests. The sweater knit fleece provides warmth without heavy bulk.

And for seriously heavyweight insulation, the puffer vests with down or polyfill are your best bet. Though even the heavy puffer vests are designed to be flexible and not restrictive.

How do you wash a St. John’s Bay vest?

The care instructions depend slightly on the fabric, but most St. John’s Bay vests can be safely washed in the machine and tumble dried.

For cotton, polyester, nylon, and fleece vests, I recommend washing in cold water on a gentle cycle. Tumble dry low.

For puffer vests, it’s best to limit washing to only when needed. When you do wash, use a front-loading machine on gentle and air dry to prevent damage to the insulation.

To freshen between washes, you can steam or spot clean vests as needed. Always refer to the care label on your individual vest too.

But St. John’s Bay vests are meant to be washed and worn frequently. With proper care, they will last for years!

Are St. John’s Bay vests water-resistant?

Most of the St. John’s Bay vests are not water-resistant. The standard cotton, polyester, and fleece fabrics will absorb moisture if exposed to rain or snow.

However, they do offer select styles with water-resistant fabric finishes. For example, some of the nylon puffer vests have a durable water repellent treatment so water beads up and rolls off the surface rather than soaking in.

There are also full-zip fleece vests treated with StormShield technology for water and stain resistance. Check item descriptions if water-resistance is important to you.

Do St. John’s Bay vests have pockets?

Pockets are a must for me on any vest! St. John’s Bay designs include all the standard vest pocket configurations:

• Side seam pockets – Simple open patch pockets on the front side seams
• Lower front pockets – Zippered or open pockets set at the lower front hem
• Chest pockets – Upper zippered or open pockets at chest level, great for warming hands
• Interior pockets – Zippered pockets inside for safely storing essentials

The fleece and puffer vests tend to have the most pockets, but even the lightweight cotton and polyester vests usually have at least two standard side pockets.

What is the price range for St. John’s Bay vests?

One of the best things about this brand is the affordable pricing. Their vests range from $15-$60 with most styles coming in around $25-$45.

The lighter-weight vests like basic cotton or polyester versions are the most budget-friendly at that $15-$30 price point.

Mid-weight fleece vests are moderately priced in the $35-$50 range depending on features.

And heavy-duty down or puffer vests come in a bit higher at $45-$60. But even the premium styles are very reasonably priced for the quality.

Can I find St. John’s Bay vests on sale?

Definitely! Sales and deals are a great way to stock up on St. John’s Bay vests for less.

The best times to find discounts are:

• Seasonal sales – Look for sales during back-to-school, fall, and holiday weekends. Vests are often included in the markdowns.
• Clearance sales – Shop the clearance sections in-store and online for discounted past-season colors.
• Promo codes – JCPenney frequently offers sitewide promo codes that apply to St. John’s Bay.
• Cash back sites – Earn cash back of 5-10% when shopping at JCPenney through sites like Rakuten.

Signing up for JCPenney emails will provide early notice of all sales and special promos too.

Are St. John’s Bay vests available in men’s and women’s styles?

At the moment, St. John’s Bay only makes vests under the women’s branch of their clothing line. The fit, sleeve shape, lengths, and curves are designed for a woman’s figure.

However, many of the unisex or neutral colors and styles could also work for men. The men’s small size might correspond to a women’s medium in terms of measurements.

But for vests truly made for men’s bodies, you’ll have to check out JCPenney’s other exclusive brand Claiborne for options or other retailers that sell men’s vests.

Are there fleece-lined St. John’s Bay vests?

Yes, fleece vests are one of my favorite styles from St. John’s Bay! The plush fleece lining makes them the perfect layering piece for fall and winter.

They offer tons of fleece vest versions including:

• Full-zip fleece vests
• Pullover half-zip sherpa fleece vests
• Reversible fleece vests with fun contrasting patterns
• Fleece gilets with quilted stitching
• Lightweight stretch fleece athletic vests

The fleece lining makes them warm enough even for frigid temps. And they have an active silhouette that allows for flexible movement.

The fleece also comes in so many beautiful heathered shades. I have my eye on a charcoal heather one for this winter!

How do St. John’s Bay vests compare to other vest brands?

I’ve tried vests from many popular brands over the years, and St. John’s Bay still remains my overall top pick for quality and value.

Compared to big outdoor brands like Columbia or Patagonia, the St. John’s Bay vests offer nearly the same performance and warmth at a fraction of the price. They are on par quality-wise in my experience.

The fit is also much better than athletic brands like Under Armour that tend to run very slim. I find St. John’s Bay vests are made to flatter real women’s bodies.

And they consistently surpass fast fashion brands like Forever21 or H&M that lack durability. The prices are similar, but St. John’s Bay vests last exponentially longer.

Can I wear a St. John’s Bay vest for outdoor activities?

Absolutely! Many of the St. John’s Bay vests are perfect for outdoor pursuits and adventures. Look for styles made with moisture-wicking performance fabrics and features like zippered pockets.

The lightweight polyester and nylon athletic vests work great for hiking, camping, fishing, and more when you need breathable layering.

Water-resistant puffer vests and fleece offer insulation for colder activities like snowshoeing or winter climbing without sacrificing range of motion.

And cotton canvas utility vests have a rugged feel perfect for camping, hunting, and spending time in the wilderness.

Just check the product details to make sure you get a vest meant for active movement if needed. But St. John’s Bay has so many options that can work beautifully outdoors.

Are St. John’s Bay vests machine washable?

The care varies slightly depending on fabrics, but the vast majority of St. John’s Bay vests can safely be machine washed and dried.

Always check your vest’s tag, but most are machine washable in cold water on a gentle cycle.

I recommend tumble drying on low as high heat can damage synthetic fabrics over time. Some can be air dried as well, though that will take longer.

Washing regularly helps keep the vests fresh and looking their best. These vests are meant to be carefree additions to your everyday wardrobe.

What are the reviews for St. John’s Bay vests?

Across the board, St. John’s Bay vests get glowing reviews from buyers praising their outstanding quality, comfort, and value.

On the JCPenney website, most vests have earned 4-5 star average ratings with many happy customers. Fans say they are “well made,” “warm but lightweight,” and “very flattering.”

Common compliments include the soft fabrics, versatile styling, and the wide variety of options. People love having vests perfect for any occasion from the same beloved brand.

Negative reviews are few and far between. The occasional complaint is about fit running large. But sizing down seems to resolve that issue.

Are St. John’s Bay vests good for layering in fall or winter?

Layering is one of my favorite ways to wear vests, and St. John’s Bay makes vests perfect for fall and winter layering.

Cotton and polyester vests work nicely over long sleeve tops and under outerwear like leather, denim, or bomber jackets.

Fleece and down puffer vests add serious warmth under coats. I like wearing mine over chunky sweaters or sweatshirts for extra insulation.

The sleeveless cut allows for flexible movement so you don’t feel bundled up. But the extra core warmth takes the chill off.

St. John’s Bay vests are made from substantial fabrics that won’t bunch or cling as inner layers. And they help smooth and flatter the silhouette.

So yes, these vests are fantastic for cold weather layering! They add just the right amount of warmth and style.

The Takeaway: Why St. John’s Bay Vests Are Worth Buying

After answering all of these frequently asked questions, I hope I’ve convinced you that St. John’s Bay makes awesome quality vests that are more than worth buying.

They genuinely check all of my boxes for comfort, durability, style, and value. I love having vests I can throw on with anything for instant polish and versatility.

St. John’s Bay vests come in so many on-trend colors, prints, and fabrics too. You really can build a collection of vests for any occasion. From cozying up by the bonfire to causal days running errands, these vests deliver.

And they require barely any care while holding up to constant wear over years. The quality rivals the best outdoor brands for a fraction of the price. Such a good investment!

So next time you’re looking for a light layering piece, reach for a St. John’s Bay vest. With proper care, it’s sure to become a staple in your wardrobe rotation through many seasons to come.