C'mon .. after all this time, there has to be a "classy" magician's vest, with some distinct designs and pockets, that with or without coat, allows access to pockets and exchanges that augments a jacket?

No way, with all the talent out there ... street and bar performers, coupled with the top tier trade show dudes that someone out there doesn't have a cool look.

Thx .. johno

John, what type of look are you after?

Something that is brocade or made out of nice silk .. multiple pockets.

It has been mentioned on other threads that these folks will custom make a vest out of nearly any material. You might want to check them out.

http://www.buskergear.com/shop/?page_id=3&category=11

I picked out the material from a Fabric Store, and the
young lady that alters my wifes clothing made me a custom
multi pocketed vest. The important thing is to have the proper
stiff lining in all the pockets. Those decks of cards will sag
the pockets without the lining.

Several years ago I had a tailor make me several black vests out of high quality tuxedo material. Four pockets, fully lined.

About six years ago I picked up a Versace vest...subdued bronze pattern, elegant and not remotely loud. Looks great with one of my Oxxford tuxedos.

Some designers make looser vests that might be very well suited to performing. The Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto tends to make lots of looser, flowing pieces including vests.

They are not cheap but they are elegant and high quality and would probably be great for magicians.