And people generally seem to think I’m a bit of an idiot for not knowing that those sewn-up pockets in my jacket are made to be used. In my defence, how many items of clothing to you own that you have to RIP OPEN to use? I figured, if it’s got a seam, it must be there for a reason. I don’t rip open any of the seams in my jeans.
And that said, are those pockets not supposed to be used? Is it ‘low-class’ to ever put stuff in jacket pockets? Or are you expected to open those pockets right away when you buy it?
I’m very confused by the ‘sewn shut’ thing. Are they mostly sewn shut to make sure that when you buy it and cut the seams the pockets are pristine or are they sewn shut as fashion’s gentle reminder to not use them and ruin the line of your garment?
Anyway, I spent years never opening those pockets, assuming they were sewn shut for a reason (actually, mostly I thought they were fake pockets. I assumed most suit jackets had fake pockets. I never really noticed any guys putting anything in them)
Now that they’re all open, I hardly ever use them, but it’s nice having the option, if I were so inclined.
So, what do you do with your suit jacket pockets? Leave 'em sewn shut? Open them, but use them only in emergencies, or freely use them just as you would a pants pocket?
I don’t. I don’t want to be tempted to put anything in them, and have the bulges make me appear slovenly and unkempt. Next you’ll probably want me to wear a cellphone holster! :eek:
I cut them open and use them. Even if I didn’t plan to use them, I’d still cut them open, if just to get rid of the weird-looking clump of thread holding them shut.
I read that thread and I dont see anyone suggesting you're an idiot. For the record though it's not really true that they're made to be used, as much as one can say that one way or the other with authority. Even if you take the thread out because it bothers you, you shouldn't throw all sorts of stuff in your pockets. Lot's of people leave them shut because they dont want to put anything in them.
If the latter, it’d be done with better stitching.
Quite simply, if a dozen guys all try on a jacket, even if only a few of them shove their hands in the pockets, you can forget the thing looking ‘new’ any more.
They’re sewn shut to keep the form and fit of the garment true. There are those who want to use the pockets and that’s why they’re made, but I prefer to keep 'em sewn shut.
I leave 'em sewn shut. I generally only own one suit and a jacket or two at a time, always of lightweight fabrics that look like hell with anything in the side pockets. If I were in the habit of wearing tweeds or something like that, I’d probably open the pockets, as such a jacket wouldn’t be deformed, and if you wear tweeds in the US, you’re probably a professor and are expected to look a bit rumpled.
Is your fly made of velcro?
I cut my suit pockets open. I like to have a place to stash my hands and a jacket pocket seems as good as anything. Actual items always go in my pants pockets or inside jacket pocket though.
I’m not a guy, but I was married to one, and I never let him wear a jacket until the basting stitches had been removed from the pocket opening, and the back vent. They aren’t usually sewn completely shut…there is usually a tiny gap at one end so you can get at the stitching. And where else is a man supposed to put my lipstick and ID when we are out on a fancy date if he doesn’t use those pockets?
Similarly, I also remove the little brand tag that is tacked…not sewn permanently, but temporarily tacked…to the sleeve by the cuff on jackets and coats. I can barely control myself when I see a woman walking around with that still attached, sometimes by only two tailor’s tacks…I just want to grab a seam ripper and get it off for her, poor clueless wench…
I cut them if the tailor hasn’t. I usually don’t put anything in them that would destroy the line of the jacket, but occasionally I’ll drop my car key fob (just the fob, no other keys on the ring) or a parking stub or something small like that in the pocket. In addition, I’ve learned that when you are out and about with two young girls in tow, there are usually countless things that they’ll hand you that needs a pocket.
I also read the other thread, and nobody accused you of being an idiot.
Suit coats with the pockets/vent still sewn shut seem like the male equivalent of leaving the tags on something. They frequently use different thread for those seams so that they can easily identified and removed. Also how would you tuck in the “pocket flaps” (not sure what to call those) if you didn’t open the pocket?
I once neglected to have the vent opened up–I just assumed that the tailor had done it, and couldn’t figure out why my jacket seemed unusually tight. I felt like an absolute rube when I realized what had been going on.
But–you mean there are people who leave that tag on the sleeve? Really? I’d have a very hard time not politely explaining things to them out of kindness. I’d feel too embarassed for them otherwise.
And Red Skeezix, I don’t know whether you’re being serious or not, but pocket flaps are supposed to remain outside the pockets…
I heard that flaps out was a more casual way of wearing them. But a quick internet search reveals only one such reference. Maybe I’ve been wrong all these years.
In Eastern Europe in the 90s and here in Afghanistan now, men purposely wear their suits with the little tag on the left sleeve left in place. Often it will be a polyester suit that maybe cost $30 and the tag will say Bill Bass, or Ralph Lauren.
You are definitely on the right track. Pockets are sewn shut to as to maintain the integrity of those pockets, both on vests (which do often come with fake pockets a lot of the time, though only those of low quality), and blazers for suit pockets. The tread is usually sewn in a way that is easily accessible for a seam ripper or small scissors to get at.
Another point i would like to address for a lot of people that are dealing with this confusion falls on blazers. Typically in the back of blazers there are either one or two ‘vents’, which are just slits in the lower back of the jacket which most people assume is just for breathing, but this is not the case. Originally there were different types of suits for different occasions. the double vented system was used for horseback riding (also found in morning suits), where the elite of the time would ride their horses after mass. the point of the double vent was to allow the suit to lay flat on the back of the horse so as to not wrinkle during this experience. The single vent also has a historical function, and many other jackets that just havent translated to modern day.
the point i bring this up is because often times you will notice on these jackets is that a simple cross stitch is used (often times in a color contrasting the fabric of the suit) to keep the integrity of the suit as well before it is worn. These stitches as well should be cut out. It is a common mistake, and the most noticeable, to leave these stitches on and will instantly point out a ‘freshman’ or ‘rookie’.
Is your fly made of velcro?