A side airbag apparatus for a vehicle is provided. The apparatus has an
airbag and a gas generator. The gas generator supplies gas to the airbag
such that the airbag is deployed and inflated at a side of an occupant.
The airbag has a loop seam, which is formed by sewing parts of the airbag
that face each other in a lateral direction of the vehicle such that no
clearance is created at the loop seam. A slit formation portion is
provided in part of the airbag that is encircled by the loop seam. When
the airbag is deployed and inflated, the slit formation portion opens as
a slit.