Ask the Tailor: What do You Need to Know About Vents?

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Each month we ask our expert tailors to address one of your most frequent questions. This month we’re considering vents, and why they are such an important tailoring feature.

Feeling warm?! We’re right in the middle of the summer and have enjoyed some high temperatures and beautifully sunny days. This is ideal if it’s your day off and you can be out in the garden cranking up the barbecue, but is not quite so ideal if you’re in and out of meetings all day.

The most committed tailoring fans know that tailors have a whole host of tricks up their sleeves for helping to keep you cool and comfortable during the summer. One of the key ways they do this is by using vents.

What are vents?

Vents are vertical slits cut into your tailoring. They’re most commonly found at the back of a jacket. They allow for ease of movement and were originally used on sporting jackets.

In addition to allowing for ease of movement, vents are also helpful for allowing increased airflow to keep the wearer comfortable.

How many vents should you have?

Jackets typically feature three venting options: no vents, one vent or two vents. Dinner jackets don’t usually have any vents, nor do traditional style Italian jackets.

The typical style for British tailoring is to have double vents, one at either side of the back of the jacket. This creates a more formal look than a single vent, while also adding plenty of opportunity for air flow.

We think double vents are ideal for a summer suit. The ease of movement and air flow they provide will help to keep you comfortable in even the best British weather.

Next month we’ll be asking our tailors to cover another frequently asked tailoring question. Sign up to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss it.