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.

Why are suit vents sewn shut?

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.

Should I tuck in suit pockets?

When you tuck in the flaps, the result is essentially home-made jetted pockets . The effect is a cleaner, flatter look that's most suited to formal dressing such as evening wear and morning dress. Jetted pockets are also popular on day suits and sport coats.

What are sewn pockets called?

The standard pocket that is sewn to the clothing is the patch pocket . Side seam pockets are slits in the garment with a pocket pouch within, while flap pockets include a flap that covers the pocket opening.

Are you supposed to open sewn pockets on Reddit?

Resist the temptation to rip them open! Man I regretted that thoughtless action. It seems like a lot of you suggest that we leave the pockets of a suit jacket sewn shut to "keep the shape of the jacket," or something.

Why are pockets always on the left?

Since most people are right-handed , the left side of the shirt or the jacket became the standard placement. Sewn on the white t-shirts of James Dean and Marlon Brando, the pocket associated itself with icons released by Hollywood in the 60's.

Why were pockets phased out?

Women's trousers fluctuated in fit and style so frequently that pockets often interfered with these cuts. As fashion's obsession with the woman's body and its size increased, any added material bulk was considered undesirable by designers .

Is it OK to leave suit jacket open?

Yes, you can leave your suit jacket unbuttoned when standing and for sure unbuttoned when sitting , depending on the style and fit of the jacket. Leaving it unbuttoned allows for more freedom of movement and a relaxed appearance.

Why do men's blazers have slits at the back?

Vents originated as a way for military men on horseback to ride comfortably . Thanks to the vent, they could part the back of their jackets and let them rest on the saddle. The vent prevents you from feeling constricted while you're sitting. It also prevents the jacket fabric from bunching and wrinkling.

Is it bad to fold a suit jacket?

No, you won't damage the suit — you're actually preventing wrinkles and stains . Hold the suit jacket by its collar and turn both shoulders inside out, exposing the lining. Fold it in half longways so that the lapels are touching. Your jacket should form a long rectangle with the lining facing out.

Are you supposed to cut the flaps on a suit jacket?

One of the most common mistakes, and the most obvious, is when men don't cut the vent threads on their jacket . The vent is the flap of fabric at the back, or sometimes a slit up the middle depending on whether it's British or Italian tailoring, and is usually sewn shut on new suits.

Are welt pockets functional?

The welt pocket can be found in pants, vests and jackets. Because it's a pocket, it's a functional element of your garment but it's also a decorative aspect as well. On the right side you'll have a sleek look of just the strip of fabric, known as the welt, covering the opening of the pocket.

Why Are Suit Pockets Sewn Shut? (2024)

The next time you buy a new suit, take a look at the jacket pockets and you'll probably discover that they are sewn shut. Conventional wisdom should tell you that you can't use these pockets if they are sewn shut. Pockets are an invaluable element of a high-quality suit jacket. They allow you to store small items, such as your car keys and cash, while also providing a warm and comfortable area to place your hands. This begs the question: Why are suit pockets sewn shut?

Only Jacket Pockets Are Sewn Shut

First, it's important to note that only suit jackets are sold with the pockets sewn shut. The pockets in suit trousers are typically sold open. Granted, some manufacturers sew their trouser pockets shut as well, but most only do this with the jacket pockets. You can check to see which garments of a suit have open pockets and which ones have closed pockets by inspecting the pockets. If you're unable to place your fingers into the pockets, they are likely sewn shut and will require opening.

Shape Retention

There are a few reasons that manufacturers sew the pockets of their suit jackets shut, the most common of which is to retain the jacket's shape. By sewing the pockets shut, manufacturers can preserve the original shape of their jacket, thereby eliminating the need for customers to modify or tailor the jacket after buying it. When jacket pockets are left open, the fabric may expand and stretch, resulting in an altered shape. To prevent this from happening, many suit manufacturers sew the pockets of their jackets shut.

Easier to Sell

Another reason that suit jackets have their pockets sewn shut is because it makes them easier to sell. The faster a manufacturer sells its jackets, the more money it makes. As a result, manufacturers design their suit jackets so that they are highly appealing to prospective buyers. And while there are many ways to make a suit jacket more appealing, one of the easiest ways is to leave the pockets sewn shut. This offers a cleaner, slimmer and more attractive appearance than suit jackets with open pockets. All of these effects mean that manufacturers can sell and turn their suit jackets more quickly.

Less Work

It takes time and work to open the pockets of a suit jacket. By leaving the pockets of their jackets sewn shut, manufacturers can produce them more quickly. This is just one more reason that suit jackets have their pockets sewn shut. While opening the pockets of a single jacket is relatively easy and quick, you have to remember that major manufacturers produce thousands of suits each year. If a manufacturer decides to sell jackets with open pockets, it must invest the time and labor to opening the pockets of each jacket that it sells, which may be thousands or more per year.

Requires Less Space

Although this is a small benefit, it's still worth noting that suit jackets with their pockets sewn shut require less space to store and display than jackets with open pockets. Manufacturers can squeeze more of their jackets into shipping containers, and vendors can display more of the jackets on their store's shelves. It's not a substantial difference, but the fact remains that suit jackets require less space to store and display when their pockets are sewn shut.

Can I Leave the Pockets Sewn Shut?

Now that you know why manufacturers sew the pockets of their suit jackets shut, you might be wondering if it's okay to leave your jacket's pockets sewn shut. Well, it's absolutely fine to leave your jacket's pockets sewn shut. In fact, many men actually prefer to leave their pockets sewn shut, simply because it helps retain the jacket's shape. When you open the pockets, the excess fabric may cause your jacket's shape to change. It's usually a minor change that's typically resolved through dry cleaning or washing -- but it's still something that many men want to avoid with their jacket. Therefore, they choose to leave their pockets sewn shut.It's also easier to leave the pockets of a suit jacket sewn shut. You don't have to risk damaging your jacket, and you wear your jacket immediately after purchasing it. From the moment you bring home your suit jacket, you can begin wearing it. This alone is reason enough to at least consider leaving the pockets sewn shut.

How to Open Your Jacket's Pockets

To take advantage of your suit jacket's pocket space, you'll want to open them. Leaving the pockets sewn shut means that you won't be able to use them to store small items or warm your hands, the latter of which is particularly beneficial during winter.Don't just pull the stitching out of your pockets, however, as this may damage your jacket. Instead, you'll want to carefully cut the stitching so that it safely opens up the pockets without damaging your jacket. The easiest way to open a suit jacket's pockets is to use a seam ripper. Available at most fabric stores, a seam ripper a small handheld tool with a razor edge at the tip that's used to cut seams. You place the seam ripper down into the stitching of your pocket, at which point you can cut it using the ripper's blade. Run the seam ripper across the stitching to cut it open while using caution not to accidentally cut any of the surrounding fabric. If you aren't comfortable doing this, you can always take your suit jacket to a professional tailor and ask them to remove the pocket stitching.The pockets are just one element of an attractive, high-quality suit jacket. You should also pay attention to the fabric which it's made as well as its overall style. By taking these things into consideration, you'll have an easier time choosing the perfect suit jacket for your needs.