What's more "traditional," Center Vent or Double Vent?

Dinky89484 · Dec 28, 2010

When searching for a suit that lasts the test of time and can go beyond today's trend (slimmer lapels, less boxy, low rise pants/trousers, etc...), would you get a single center vent or a double vent for a suit?

anginaprinzmetal · Dec 28, 2010

It depends. I'd say in general double vent, but again that's just my personal opinion.

amplifiedheat · Dec 28, 2010

The visual difference is fairly minimal, and there's ample precedent for both. (Also for unvented, but I'm a hands-in-pockets guy.) Side vents generally look a bit sharper, though they are also more likely to gape.

mack11211 · Dec 28, 2010

Traditions are culturally and geographically specific.

For the Americans, it's a center vent.

For the English, it's a double vent.

For the French and the Italians, it may be a double vent or it may be none at all.

I prefer a double vent but have all the styles among my various coats.

pvrhye · Dec 28, 2010

Originally Posted by Dinky89484

When searching for a suit that lasts the test of time and can go beyond today's trend (slimmer lapels, less boxy, low rise pants/trousers, etc...), would you get a single center vent or a double vent for a suit?

A double lets you reach your pockets much easier. Single supposedly gives a more muscular looking fit, but I'm not sold on it.

Matt S · Dec 28, 2010

Single vent for single-breasted jackets and double vent for double-breasted jackets are most traditional. That said, I prefer double vents on everything, and double vents will never look out-dated. Savile Row tailors were mostly making their suits with double vents through the 80s and 90s when the trendy Italian suits were made without vents and the traditional American suits were made with single vents. The only thing you can go wrong with is putting a single vent on a double breasted jacket. That was occasionally done in the 90s by American makers who thought a single vent would look more conservative.

Despos · Dec 28, 2010

If by traditional you mean a sack type suit, they would take a center vent. Center or side vents are neither traditional or trendy, they serve a function. Center vents open and are better when you are on horseback. Side vents allow easy access to front or back trouser pockets while keeping your seat covered. A more elegant effect.

chevron · Dec 28, 2010

Whichever you find more functional, both are equally correct.

Mr. Lee · Dec 28, 2010

Originally Posted by mack11211

Traditions are culturally and geographically specific.

For the Americans, it's a center vent.

For the English, it's a double vent.

For the French and the Italians, it may be a double vent or it may be none at all.

I prefer a double vent but have all the styles among my various coats.

This guy got it right all around!

JohnnyCrockett · Dec 28, 2010

Center in the US.
Double elsewhere.

NORE · Dec 28, 2010

Traditional or not, I'll take 2 vents over 1 any day.

NickPollica · Dec 28, 2010

Originally Posted by Mr. Lee

This guy got it right all around!

+1 although side vents just seem more comfortable/elegant to me.

amplifiedheat · Dec 28, 2010

Originally Posted by mack11211

Traditions are culturally and geographically specific.

For the Americans, it's a center vent.

For the English, it's a double vent.

For the French and the Italians, it may be a double vent or it may be none at all.

From what I hear, James Brown sometimes preferred the triple vent.

ALFAMALE · Dec 28, 2010

Originally Posted by mack11211

Traditions are culturally and geographically specific.

For the Americans, it's a center vent.

For the English, it's a double vent.

For the French and the Italians, it may be a double vent or it may be none at all.

that.

Dinky89484 · Dec 28, 2010

Originally Posted by amplifiedheat

From what I hear, James Brown sometimes preferred the triple vent.

Triple vent...NICE.

What's more "traditional," Center Vent or Double Vent?

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