Vent (n,): is a slit in the bottom rear (the “tail”) of the jacket. Vents go as far back as the days when people first starting sitting and wearing jackets at the same time. Have you ever tried to sit or ride a horse while wearing a jacket that had no vents? Precisely, vents were created as a functional necessity designed to provide comfort to the wearer by allowing the jacket’s tails to part and fall gracefully vs bunching and constricting the body while seated.

There are three types of jacket vents you should know: single vent, double vent and the proverbial no vent. We’d recommend your erase the latter from your vocabulary as it has no place in a modern mans wardrobe.

Let’s start by saying that the single and double vents are both equally appropriate and timeless. However, there are significant differences in the two styles and understanding the pros and cons is crucial in deciding which style is better suited to you and your body. If you are a huskier guy and have a big derriere you may want to consider a single vent jacket as it will offer better coverage and cleaner silhouette. On bigger guys double vent jackets, if not tailored properly, will kick out and hang off your butt bringing undue attention to it.

Conversely double vents tend to be the go-to style for guys in great shape that are looking to accentuate their assets. “The dual slits (or vents) along the side emphasize the outside lines of the body; in doing so, they establish an attractive, longer silhouette that complements and lengthens your frame.” – Askmen