Wondering about suit jackets vents…some have single while others have none or double vents…so which one to pick! Here is all about it…

At a party recently a friend enquired about the Blazer/ Suit Jacket vents, which one to pick, what will look good…and as I explained can remember a few other friends around listening patiently.  This prompted me to do this elaborate post on the topic as so many of you would be having a similar query. I hope you will find this post on suit jacket vents informative.

While trying out a formal  suit jacket the prime focus of men is how it appears on the front. However its equally important to get the right fit and feel on the back side as well. The ‘vent'(s) on the back of the jacket is an important detail that must not be left ignored if you believe in dressing well.

Types of Blazer | Suit jacket Vents:

Vent or Slit is an opening at the back side of the suit. It can be ‘SINGLE’ vent in the centre or ‘DOUBLE’ at the sides or ‘NO VENT’ at all. The origin of the suit vents can be traced back to older military times when while horse riding the the vents used to provide the required comfort to the rider and allowed the suit to crease less and drape properly. The purpose still remains the same ‘comfort’, ‘ease of movement’, ‘easy access to the back pocket’ and a ‘clean fit’. So go on and read what it’s going to be for you- FORM /FIT or FUNCTION for the occasion at hand.

Key Features of suit jacket vents according to body type and comfort characteristics:

Single Vent:

The vent is centred at the back and is most suited for men with a protruding or outward bulge butt as it helps hide the flaw.

If you are in shape you don’t have to think twice to pick this style as its a classic and suits all body types.

The single vent blazers and suit jackets is the most commonly available style in ‘off the rack’ or ready to wear’ market due to its economic sense (consumes less time, money, effort to create) in mass production and thus has an ‘American’ lineage.

Bottom line: Need more function than form go for Single vent

Double Vent:

The two vents are placed on the sides in this style. The style is a clear winner for fit bodies in great shape but also helps in slimming down heavier men.

It is the obvious choice if you wish to stand out, look dapper, tall and elegant as the two slits give an illusion of height and make you score those extra points!

The double vent style being little more time consuming to construct due to the extra detail and craftsmanship is popular via ‘bespoke’ or ‘made-to-measure’ tailoring and is less easily available off the rack. Being more suave, classy and formal without doubt the style has a ‘British’ lineage.

Bottom line: Double Vent carries the classy British ‘BeSpoke’ charm and suavity and delivers both function and form. 

No Vent | Vent-Less:

Less accepted may be due to lack of knowledge about this style but for sure a great choice for extremely fashion conscious men who can sacrifice comfort for style.

The no vent suit jacket lends a cleaner line to the hip  and is good for lean bodies or smaller petite builds as it hugs closely at the torso for a nice snug fit.

This Tuxedo style fact can definitely add more weight to the sexier appeal of going ventless.

Key callout here is that this style is best suited if you have to stand the entire evening and your hands stay out of the pocket. (no vents mean less ease to access your pockets and unwanted creasing when you sit).

As the vent-less fit rules in style over comfort the lineage can be easily predicted to be ‘Italian’.

Bottom line: If the evening is all about being ‘Sexy, Fit and in Form’ Ventless is the way to go. Just think about the women in heels and your comfort can wait 😉

So what should be an ideal choice?

There is no doubt that all three styles are a classic when it comes to suit jacket vents. None of them is ever going to be out of fashion or will ever lead you to a fashion faux pas.

Depending on your body type, level of comfort, style  quotient you can choose the style.

Ideally a good mix of all the 3 styles in your wardrobe will keep you ready for all occasions.

However, for me the clear winner is the Brit style double vent jacket that spells class and drapes gracefully over the hips.

The Final Verdict for Suit Jacket Vents…

When going for bespoke I’m for Style would recommend the double vent. Its classy, its pragmatic, its stylish and pedigreed.

In Ready-to-wear you will largely get ventless or single vent… don’t be too fussy if all other things are fitting you well. 

QUICK RULES TO REMEMBER:

• When looking for form and function: Double vent
• More function than form: Single vent
• Only form and no function: Ventless

Still want more…here is what GQ has to offer on suit jacket vent.

Let me know which one is your favourite style.

Love, Aanchal