Sweater vests from Rick Santorum: overpriced?

Sweater vests are available from Rick Santorum's campaign for a $100 contribution. But many stores sell sweater vests for less than $50. So where should true conservatives shop?

Rick Santorum is turning the hubbub over his much-discussed V-neck sweater vests into campaign funding. The Republican candidate from Pennsylvania is offering “Rick Santorum sweater vests" in exchange for a $100 contribution to his campaign.  The vests come emblazoned with “Santorum 2012.”

"Perfect for demonstrating solidarity with true conservatives, this vest is a great way to show your support for Rick,”  Mr. Santorum’s website explains.  “It's 100% cotton, made in the USA, comes in grey, and is yours for your contribution of $100 or more. Don't let sleeves slow you down – donate today!”

But $100 is pretty steep for a sweater vest. So even if they support Santorum’s “right to bear arms” (his joke, not ours), fiscal conservatives might want to shop elsewhere. And if they're female or under 18, they'll probably have to (the Santorum sweaters are only available in men's sizes).

With that in mind, here are a few places you can get your own sweater vest with enough left over to accessorize it and make your own political statement:

1. Jos. A Bank:

Santorum told the  New York Times that he gets most of his sweater vests from this menswear retailer, and its easy to see why: The store has a comprehensive array that includes the Santorum-signature cotton vest in 18 different colors. The cotton variety is currently on sale for $31.80, down from a regular price of $79.50. If you feel like splurging on a more luxurious fabric, the cashmere sweater vest is available for  $75.00 (usually $250), and a merino wool vest for 35.80 (regularly priced at $89.50).

2. Ralph Lauren:

Perhaps inspired by Santorum, Ralph Lauren is also offering a few decent sweater vest deals. The sportswear label’s more luxurious offerings will set you back as much as $225, but Ralph Lauren is offering its Pima cotton vests for $39.99. The vests come in white, powder blue, and tan–one of Santorum’s preferred hues.

3. Dockers

You can find Dockers sweater vests at most major department stores, including Sears, JCPenney, and Kohl’s. Most include some sort of argyle pattern, which is flashier than the Santorum-prescribed model. And you can grab one for as little as $16.99.

4. Old Navy

Who says sweater vests are only for politically active adults?  At $16.94, Old Navy has sweater vests for your little future politician. Girls’ cable-knit vests are available in navy blue and gray, and a patterned oatmeal vest with brown edges is offered for babies. Just because they can’t vote until 18 doesn't mean your children are too young for a sweater vest.

5. Petco

Hey, if you want to sport a sweater vest, don’t let the fact that you aren’t a human stop you. Petco, the pet supply store, offers cable-knit dog sweaters (sleeveless, of course) in orange and black, for $14.99. Right now, though, the doggie sweaters are on sale online for $10.49.