Vanguard's guide to jacket vents

Following on from our pockets post last week, we would like to look at another option that "maketh the suit", vents. 

When talking about jackets, a vent is a vertical opening at the base of the jacket normally to just above the seat area. Originally created for horseback riding their purpose remaining largely unchanged, to give ease of movement and retain the lines of jacket when sitting and moving.

With a little less variety than pockets there are 3 options to choose from, none, one & two, each with some benefits. We will start with Vanguard's favourite, two vents.

Two vents - AKA side vents/double vents

Two vents make an elegant choice for nearly all men’s suits. Traditionally an integral part of the British cut two vents offer less constriction of movement and easier access to your trouser pockets for the times you need to go fishing for small change, keys, etc.

This style is also suitable for nearly all body shapes. Men who have a slightly stooped posture, a curved lower back or a prominent seat will find jackets with one vent do not hang so well.

One vent - AKA single/centre vent

This option is traditionally part of the American cut. It’s somewhat of a compromise between two vents and none, offering some freedom of movement when sitting. As mentioned above it’s not suitable for all body shapes.

Here at Vanguard we like a centre vents on more casual blazers with a boxier fit as it sits stylistically with the whole look.

For our female clientele a centre vent will sit better for longer jackets. It affords our cutters more opportunity to accentuate shape from waist through to seat area. We also feel it has a slightly less masculine look on a women’s blazer in comparison to two vents.

For black tie a single vent is becoming acceptable on tuxedos. This is only on more modern tuxedos in less traditional colours, perhaps with slimmer lapels, stand alone dinner jackets for weddings rather than formal occasions.

No Vents/Vent-less

Traditionally this was the  Italian  cut. For everyday work suits we do not advise this option as the wearer can find movement restrictive. Also when sitting unless you completely take off your jacket you will find the back seat area can become crushed. That said there are a few occasions when no vents are advisable.

For formal black/white tie tuxedos jackets should have no vents, no if’s no but’s!
For female clientele creating a cropped jacket that sits above the seat line this is nice option to create a very waisted silhouette.

In conclusion; for those in any doubt go for a double vent on all suit jacket except formal tuxedos. For women a single vent on all but the most cropped jackets is the safest option.