Suit Mistakes: Should You Remove Suit Stitching? (2024)

Table of Contents
Shoulders Back Vent Cuff Pockets FAQs

You’ve purchased a new tailored suit . It looks great, but you have no idea whether you should remove the stitching that seems to have been left in random places. Guess what? You’re not alone. In fact, there’s a surprisingly large percentage of men who fail to remove labels and stitching from their new piece of tailoring. To ensure you’re not one of them, we’ve put together this handy guide highlighting the suit stitching mistakes you should be sure to avoid.

Shoulders

Whilst nowadays the baste stitching on the shoulders doesn’t serve any real purpose, once upon a time it was used by tailors when fitting a suit on the spot. To get rid of it, slowly cut through the middle of a stitch and then pull the remaining thread away gently with your fingers.

Suit Mistakes: Should You Remove Suit Stitching? (1)

Back Vent

See those two small threads in the shape of an X on the back of your suit jacket? They need to go. Why are they there in the first place? They’re actually used to prevent wrinkles during shipping. To remove them, simply snip the stitching and make sure there are no bits left behind.

Suit Mistakes: Should You Remove Suit Stitching? (2)

Cuff

No matter how much you love the brand that made your tailored suit, the label stitched onto the cuff should never remain intact. It’s simply there as an ID-ing method for warehouse workers or shop staff looking to locate a certain size. Take it off carefully with a small pair of scissors or a seam ripper.

Suit Mistakes: Should You Remove Suit Stitching? (3)

Pockets

Although no one will actually know you’ve done it, removing the stitching on pockets is advised. While it’s not a necessity, doing so will give you a little more storage for any (light and small) daily essentials. After all, it was only put in place to momentarily keep the jacket’s pristine shape.

Suit Mistakes: Should You Remove Suit Stitching? (4)

Suit Mistakes: Should You Remove Suit Stitching? (2024)

FAQs

Suit Mistakes: Should You Remove Suit Stitching? ›

Although no one will actually know you've done it, removing the stitching on pockets is advised. While it's not a necessity, doing so will give you a little more storage for any (light and small) daily essentials. After all, it was only put in place to momentarily keep the jacket's pristine shape.

Are you supposed to remove stitches on a suit? ›

When you buy a new suit, there are white stitching on the jacket shoulders, the vents are sewn closed and the pockets are stitched shut. These all need to be removed to prepare the jacket to be worn.

Should you remove tack stitching? ›

It serves the same purpose–to help the jacket keep it's shape. If you've been wondering why your suit jacket pockets are sewn shut, that's why. But these pockets are meant to be functional. So be sure to remove the tack stitching from them as well.

Are you supposed to cut the thread on a suit jacket? ›

Free your butt! Before you wear your spiffy new suit — whether it has a single or double vent — snip those stitches. Because they're supposed to be removed, you'll find that they're pretty weak, which means you can just wiggle a finger underneath the "X" and pop it right off. If not, scissors will do just fine.

Do I remove stitching blazer? ›

It was designed to be removed, so you shouldn't run into any issues. Oh, and remember that the same principle applies to suit jackets and blazers. Like the brand tag on the exterior of the sleeve, it's a temporary thing that's meant for the store—not your life.

What happens if I don't remove stitches? ›

Leaving sutures in too long can leave skin marks. Sometimes, it can cause scarring. It also makes taking the sutures out harder.

When should stitches not be removed? ›

When is it safe to do?
  1. Dissolvable stitches. These do not need removing. Enzymes in the body slowly break them down, and they will eventually dissolve and disappear on their own.
  2. Nonabsorbable stitches. These come in a variety of materials, such as nylon or silk, and require removal once the wound has healed.
Jan 29, 2019

Is tailor tacking a permanent stitch? ›

Tacking is used in a variety of ways; one of the most common uses is to easily hold a seam or trim in place until it can be permanently sewn, usually with a long running stitch made by hand or machine. This is called a 'tacking stitch' or 'basting stitch'.

Does removing embroidery leave a mark? ›

Tiny needle holes are inevitable when you unpick a hem, remove embroidery, or take off a pocket.

What is the purpose of a tacking stitch on the back of a blazer? ›

“The X stitch on the back of coats, jackets and some skirts and dresses is known as a tacking stitch,” Kara Jubin, founder and creative director of KkCo, told HuffPost. “It's basically a loose 'tack' stitch to keep the vent flat and closed to prevent it from folding or wrinkling before it gets to you.”

Should a suit jacket be loose or tight? ›

The lapels should lie flat on your chest (not bow out) and you should be able to slide your thumb between the button of the jacket and your stomach without it feeling too tight or loose. In terms of length, the bottom of the jacket should end where your thumb knuckle is.

Are you supposed to open sewn pockets? ›

Are You Supposed to Open Sewn Pockets? Yes, you can choose to open your suit pockets, but it's a personal preference. Open pockets are practical but can affect the suit's shape over time. Keeping them sewn shut maintains a smooth, tailored look.

Should I leave my suit pockets sewn shut? ›

Keep those pockets closed if:

Open pockets are practical but can affect the suit's shape over time. Keeping them sewn shut maintains a smooth, tailored look. So really, it is up to you whether you want to open them or not. If you have some purpose or your inner OCD just prefers them open, don't hesitate to do so!

Is it OK to leave a stitch in? ›

The amount of time that the stitches stay in will depend on where the cut is and the type of suture (thread) used. We will have told you how long this should be. It is important that you do not exceed this time as the stitches may begin to irritate the skin if they are left in too long and cause infection.

Should you keep stitches dressed? ›

The original dressing should be left in place for at least two days (48 hours) (or as advised by the nurse / doctor), provided that the wound is not oozing. The wound must be kept dry. If the dressing becomes wet from blood or any other liquid it must be changed.

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