Most cowboys wore a vest to keep their things that needed to be at hand easily. Things like tobacco, a watch, and letters or photos were things that a cowboy would keep close to them. So a vest was kinda like a suitcase. Most vests had two outside pockets and maybe an inside pocket for their wallet or money. I myself had holes placed in my vest for my badge, and an inside holster for my derringer. Being that I was the Sheriff of Calico, I needed to be prepared.