Investing in vests has become de rigueur for the start of 2012 with Vogue featuring a vest-wearing troupe of models and the likes of heartthrobs Brad Pitt, David Beckham and even Barack Obama sporting singlets with pride.

Debenhams’ sales analysis showed that customers in Bedford, Crawley and Central London have followed suit, snapping up the sleeveless numbers throughout January and the start of February, with average sales increases of 1,389 per cent.

The people of Barrow-In-Furness, Sheffield and Blackburn however have shown themselves to be made of tougher stuff, with their vest sales the lowest in the country.

Debenhams spokesperson, Ruth Attridge, said “Our investigations have shown that vests have finally shrugged off the bad reputation they gained thanks to the likes of Rab C Nesbitt and Onslow from Keeping Up Appearances.

“The chilly conditions and some much improved role models in the shape of David Beckham and JLS, means they are now more popular than ever”.

Surprisingly, given the wintery weather up north, only one Scottish store, Dunfermline, made the top ten for vest-purchases.

Throughout the country, the most popular colour for vests is white, accounting for 90 per cent of sales, followed by black.

Attridge continues, “With snow forecast to continue throughout the month and rising fuel bills, adopting an extra layer may be your vest option.

“Although the hotter months seem a long time away, don’t pack your vest away at the end of the season. Our buyers predict the singlet’s success will continue, inspired by this summer’s well-honed athletes”.