Styles and design · 8 October 2026 · 3 min read
Slit, vent or kick pleat: what is the difference?
Slit vs vent: a slit has edges that part, a vent has edges that overlap and a kick pleat hides the opening. Where each belongs on kameez, skirts and coats.
InspirationThree ways to open a hem
A slit is an opening whose two edges meet or part without overlapping, like the chaak at the side of a kameez. A vent is an opening where one edge lies over the other, as at the back of a jacket, so it closes flat when you stand still. A kick pleat is a folded pleat with an underlay at the hem of a narrow skirt or coat, giving room to walk without a gap you can see through.
All three exist for the same reason: a garment that is narrow at the hem needs extra room for the legs to stride, sit and climb stairs. They differ in how much they show.
The slit, or chaak
Chaak is the Urdu word for the side slit of a kameez, running from the hem up towards the hip. Each edge is finished on its own, with a narrow hem or a facing, and the top of the slit is reinforced so it does not tear. A slit opens fully as you move and shows whatever is underneath, which is why a kameez is always worn over trousers. Our chaak and side slits guide covers how high to go and how to finish the edges.
Slits also appear on straight maxi skirts and dresses, at the back or side, and on sleeves, where a slit sleeve parts from the elbow or wrist.
The vent
In a vent, one side of the opening is extended so it laps over the other. At rest it looks like a closed seam; as you walk it opens a little and then falls back. Vents are standard on tailored jackets and coats, which may have one at the centre back or two at the sides, and on pencil skirts. The small opening at a shirt cuff, finished with a placket, does a similar job on a sleeve.
The kick pleat
A kick pleat is a short pleat at the hem, usually at the back, backed by an extra piece of fabric. When you step, the pleat opens and the underlay fills the space, so only more of the same fabric shows. It is the most covered of the three and suits narrow skirts, straight coats and some straight abayas; our page on custom abayas explains how abaya orders work if that is what you have in mind.
Which belongs where
As a rough guide, the more visible the opening is allowed to be, the simpler the finish can be. For modest dressing, a vent or kick pleat gives the walking room of a slit with far less on show; our guide to modest sleeves, necklines and lengths covers the rest of the outfit.
When ordering, say which opening you want and give its height from the hem in centimetres or inches, with a photo if you have one. We confirm the detail in your written quote for custom stitching. Ask for a quote, and see the stitching glossary for other words for parts of a suit.
- Kameez and kurtas: side slits, or closed sides for a cleaner line
- Straight maxi skirt: a slit or a kick pleat
- Pencil skirt: a vent or a kick pleat
- Long coat or straight abaya: a vent or a kick pleat
- Sleeves: a slit sleeve for a decorative look, a cuff vent for practicality
Common questions
Which opening is the most modest?
A kick pleat, because the underlay fills the opening and only more fabric shows as you move. A vent comes next, since its edges overlap at rest. An open slit shows whatever is underneath.
Can a kameez have a vent instead of side slits?
It can, if you ask for it with a photo. Most kameez use simple slits because they are worn over trousers, but overlapping or pleated openings are possible on some designs and are confirmed in the written quote.
Is a split the same as a slit?
Yes. Split is an everyday word for a slit, used especially for skirts and dresses. Vent and kick pleat are the more specific terms.
