Decoding Suit Terminology: Lapels, Vents, and More

You might think decoding suit terminologies is not necessary or out of the box. But if you’re to tailor your custom-made-to-measure suit at some point in your life, either for your wedding or for some important life event (personal or professional), knowing these terminologies will be of great use to you. Most importantly, these terminologies will change the way you look at suits or tuxedos and greatly influence your buying decisions. 

Of course, we cannot cover all terminologies in one shot. So, in this short blog post, let’s explore only around ten important suit terms and their definitions in brief.  

  1. Lapel

In simple words, this is the collar of suit jackets, coats, or blazers. These are formed by folding the front edge of the suit and sewing them at a particular angle. These folds are not functional; they are for aesthetic purposes.  

  1. Cufflink

These are button-like ornamental devices that help secure the shirt cuffs around the wrist for a perfect fit. They are made of wood or toned metal and pass through the button holes of the dress shirt. This is both a functional and aesthetic part. 

  1. Necktie

It is the long piece of narrow cloth worn under the shirt collar that is tied at the front and extends up to the waist. Initially, it was used to cover the buttons of a button-down shirt. But now, the primary purpose has been redefined—to give a formal look and earn respect or self-confidence.   

  1. Tiebar

Also referred to as a tie-slide or tie-clasp, it is a rectangular-shaped functional part of the suit that holds together the necktie and the dress shirt. By clasping them together, men can avoid their neckties being flattered or flapped.

  1. Vent

It is the vertical slit found on the rear end or backside of a suit jacket or coat. It extends from the bottom hem to a few inches in an upward direction. These vents help relax while in a sitting position without any restriction from the coat or the jacket.  

  1. Canvas

A suiting canvas is a piece of cloth or material made of wool that helps give a proper structure or shape to the suit. It is loosely stitched to the jacket fabric and lies in between the outer jacket and the inner lining fabric.     

  1. Pant Break

Technically, this is the point where the trousers’ or pants’ silhouette breaks. Non-technically, this is the folded part that’s seen at the bottom hem of the trousers.

  1. Button stance

It is the position of the waist button on the suit jacket. Most standard-sized suits have a neutral button stance in which the button is positioned right at the waistline. While customizing the suit, it can go higher or lower. 

  1. Made to measure

As the name implies, the measurements of the suit are personalized for the wearer. However, the base of the suit remains the same. The advantage of these suits is their fitness.   

  1. Silhouette

Last but not least, it is one of the most important terminologies for fashion in general. Here, we will talk about the suit silhouette, which is nothing but the shape of the suit. It depends on the style, occasion, or theme of the event for which the suit is being tailored.

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