Inside pockets: yes or no?

jbp · Jan 3, 2018

Hi, all. I'm new to the forums and have been considering my first leather jacket purchase for the past few months.

One issue that concerns me is the advice that Aero has on their website regarding inside pockets:

These have proved very popular although it's not an option we are too keen on and we strongly advise against this option especially in our slimmer fitting 1920s and 1930s styles. It's not a good idea in any leather jacket, the pattern of the inside pocket will gradually appear on the outside in the form of a rectangular wear pattern which will detract from the overall appearance of the jacket.

I've read several older threads (in particular, this one) where this was discussed. There doesn't seem to be a consensus: some people have never seen it happen, some people have several jackets where wear has made the pockets visible, some people hate that wear pattern when it shows up, some don't mind it, some people skip the inside pockets and don't miss them, and some people can't live without them.

I have always loved the inside pockets on other coats and jackets I've worn, and I'd hate to live without one or more on a new jacket I hope to wear for the rest of my life. But this is also likely to be a once-in-a-lifetime splurge, so I don't want to make a bad call that I regret down the road.

I don't want to ask you to just replay the previous conversation, so while I'm interested in anything anyone has to say, I'd really love to see any photos that anyone can provide where wear has made the pockets visible. Just what does the worst-case scenario look like?

There was also some conversation about different leathers being more or less susceptible to the problem, and I'd appreciate any advice in that regard as well. I had been leaning toward the heavy weight leathers like FQHH (mostly because of the glowing recommendations from these forums, not because of any previous preference), but I might rather have a different material if that were a tradeoff that let me keep the inside pockets.

Thanks for your input!

- Jay

Peacoat · Jan 3, 2018

I have at least 15 leather jackets, most of them custom made and all with inside pockets. Never have seen the "printing" described by Aero. Not saying it doesn't happen because obviously it does or Aero wouldn't warn against it, but it hasn't been a problem for me. Personally, I will not have a a jacket that doesn't have an interior pocket on the left side.

John Chapman, the purist he is, made my A-2 with an interior pocket, and didn't' even squawk about it (he knew my personal situation).

So, if you need an interior pocket, get one. They are most useful.

BTW, welcome to the Lounge. PC

handymike · Jan 3, 2018

If you want one, go for it!

Fonzie · Jan 3, 2018

Definitely, YES. They're very useful, better have it than miss it.

zebedee · Jan 3, 2018

Got external printing on my first Aero jacket that had internal pockets. I stopped asking for them in future orders.
They don't stop the two jackets that have them being more useful than the ones that don't.

J.

Seb Lucas · Jan 3, 2018

It's the only pocket I actually use. I like the look of the external printing but it has never happened to any jackets I have owned.

G'c · Jan 3, 2018

It's an absolute must for me, even for slimmer jackets (which I usually own as I am of a slimmer frame). I concur with the above that I personally never saw one jacket where an imprint is being caused due to having internal pockets.

If i can have my way, I would have two internal chest pockets on one side and one on the right, similar to the one I have for Tony Nowak's surrogates jacket. So... at least have on internal pocket.

seres · Jan 3, 2018

I find it interesting that, while Aero Leather may advise against the internal pocket, Thurston Bros, the Aero dealer in Seattle, orders almost all “spec” jackets with the pocket. However, I do notice that Thurston Brothers does not order a snap fastener on the the internal pockets… probably because the snap fastener is more likely to print through to the front.

dan_t · Jan 3, 2018

Form fitting jackets (cafe racer / board racer) = No.
1950’s ‘boxy’ cut = yes.
Simples.

BobJ · Jan 3, 2018

If I could custom order my jacket all over again, I would have inside pockets, but they would be patch pockets sewn onto the lining, made of the same fabric as the lining. I would have several - different sizes, shapes, and depths. They would not have the multiple layers of leather welting that print to the outside. I find inside pockets very useful.

The way it is now, I have vertical opening pockets welted into the leather facing. The right one is zippered and the left one has no snap or zipper. Not only do they print to the outside - which I don't mind - but they are thick, stiff, and prevent the jacket from draping properly. And I can feel them rubbing against my chest when I wear the jacket over just a shirt.

When I ordered the jacket, I requested a 12" by 12" 'poachers pocket' sewn onto the lining, made from the same cotton drill and the lining, right in the middle of my lower back. I have used it to carry: cap and gloves, mail, books, papers when it's raining, water bottles, to sneak snacks and beverages into movie theaters, and many other things - it's like having a little day pack in there. Plus... it keeps my kidneys a bit warmer!

Harris HTM · Jan 3, 2018

What kind of jacket are you planning to order? A trim fitting one such as a boardracer or a loose one? None of my 5 aero's has an inner pocket and it kinda bothers me.

jbp said:
But this is also likely to be a once-in-a-lifetime splurge

Yes, we all started like that.

navetsea · Jan 3, 2018

all my jackets (not aero) have inside pockets, and I wear my jacket snug with mobile phone in one side and wallet in the other side, so far I have no printing of the pocket, if anything the folding of the leather from chest pockets cutout on CR type jacket does show overtime before any printing of the inside pocket

maybe if the pocket bag is made from thick material (leather, corduroy, or other thick fabrics) they might show, but I can't imagine having a jacket without internal pockets yes plural.

OldStrummer · Jan 3, 2018

I had this discussion with Carrie of Thurston Bros. regarding the A-2 I have on order. She advised against it, but did offer a patch pocket option. I chose to not go with the patch pocket. I do have inside pockets on my other jackets, leather and otherwise, and use them for my cell phone. The Aero I'm getting from Thurston Bros. is not intended to be my every day beater jacket, so I will likely not wear it as often as I do my Wilson's Leather and other jackets.

Bfd70 · Jan 3, 2018

Love the inside pocket. Particularly now that phones have gotten obnoxiously large. I suspect you'd have to wear the hell out of a jacket for it to be noticeable and by that point the jacket would have plenty of other character marks anyhow.

El Marro · Jan 3, 2018

I too use the inside pocket every time I wear a jacket to stash my reading glasses. If you are hoping to wear this jacket for many years to come and you like inside pockets then I think this is an easy decision to make. I would order the pocket without any snap or zip closures to minimize bulk.

Vezio · Jan 3, 2018

I purchased last year a 1930's Premier Half Belt in Black Heavy Front Quarter Chromexcel Horsehide directly from Aero.
I opted for two verical inside pockets, 1 on the left and the other on the right side.
Both are with open fastening, without studs or zippers.
In one year of use, no sign of the inside pockets has appeared on the outer leather, yet. The only signs that have appeared are those of the shrinkrage of the sleeves.
I opted for two inside pockets, to maintain a symmetry between the two sides, because the inside pockets undoubtedly could create a thickness, which in narrower jacket models could be noticed (with a very trained eye!!!

).
No external sign anyway!

I hope I have been helpful.
Vezio.

super17 · Jan 3, 2018

I would say yes for inside pockets but i wouldn t use them that much. i doun't like when they get too bulky

ton312 · Jan 3, 2018

Guppy · Jan 3, 2018

I generally like inside pockets.

On Aero jackets, it depends somewhat on the style. Close fitting jackets, I might omit. But even my cafe racers have them, and so far no outline. Also, I have yet to see a photo from anyone showing the dreaded outline.

Bulkier jackets should have them, in my opinion. The only exception would be for a jacket with four external pockets, like the halfbelt deluxe. There, it's not as necessary, but still nice. You can reduce the bulk by going with an open pocket, no snap or zipper closure.

I like a horizontal opening at the top of the pocket, but Aero generally do theirs with a vertical opening.

technovox · Jan 3, 2018

I think you have to decide whether you're going for the cleanest look possible...or functionality. Personally, I like having an interior pocket and the convenience. And if I'm walking out the door, I'll tend to grab a jacket with an inside pocket first. I wish all my jackets had inside pockets. Typically, the Aero interior horizontal pocket seems to be a bit heavy on the leather trim for my taste, so I prefer their vertical pocket.

Inside pockets: yes or no?

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