Welcome to Steemit @guttormf! :c)
Wow. That is quite a list of interests and from a Northlander's perspective. I'd heard of string vests. Looking forward to hearing more about them as I only hear the bad reputation that it seems to have.
Since you're new here, a quick read through this post may prove helpful.
You mean the "wife beater" reputation, or does it have some other negative rep? I think a wife beater is simply a sleeve-less shirt.
I've never heard of the 'wife beater' being attributed to a string vest before. I've heard of it being labeled as 'poor persons' insulation' - but nothing similar to what you mention.
Actually I am still trying to wrap my mind around why such a garment would be called a wife beater. O_o