"Stitched-up" pockets?

matei · Mar 3, 2005

Greeting all!

Can anyone tell me when the practice of selling sportscoats/jackets/blazers with "stitched-up" pockets became prevalent?

It is really annoying to try and place something - like your keys, a phone etc., and not be able to because the *!$^% thing is all sewn up!

binkmeisterRick · Mar 3, 2005

I believe they tack in the pockets so they don't billow out from customers stuffing their hands in them when trying on the coats in the shop. It keeps the coats looking crisp before someone actually buys them. All you have to do is take a seam ripper (or even a small, sharp knife) and carefully pop out the stitching.

bink

matei · Mar 3, 2005

Thanks for the response.

I had actually tried that on some... and to my dismay I had a pocket that consisted of the entire lining of the jacket!

binkmeisterRick · Mar 3, 2005

In that case, the jacket was never made with pockets! My experience has been that new suit jackets with have a couple of light stitches in the pockets to keep them closed before customer purchase. It's usually pretty obvious which stitches to cut, though I've encountered jackets and vests with fake pockets.

bink

BellyTank · Mar 3, 2005

I have a couple of modern suits where I've left the lower pockets closed to maintain the tidiness- I don't use the outside pockets- make em baggy.
What about ready-made rack suits in shops with fake white hand-tacking on them? trying to look like half way through the Tailoring process?
Don't get it...
BT.

Andykev · Mar 3, 2005

Sewn Pockets

Most of my suits and sport coats came with the pockets sewn shut. They are easily opened for use as described above. I HAVE seen some where the pocket flap was decoration only and there was NO pocket.

I read this, or maybe dreamed it up, but isn't it true that some gentlemen never put anything in the coat pocket so as to not spoil their sleek look. Keeping the pocket sewn helps keeep the fabric together and hence a tighter look.

Anyone else know if this is the case?

BellyTank · Mar 3, 2005

Yep, I just said I do that in the previous post-
BT.

Andykev · Mar 3, 2005

That is a good point

I know BT. Just was wondering if anyone remembers it being written in a fashion book, like "Dressing the Man" or one of those.

What do you mean by the white stitching? Is that what they put on the shoulders? I have seen that, but never guessed the purpose or reason in doing that? Maybe a gimmic to show this suit is "custom".

I'm gonna look in the book and see if either of these things are in the suits chapter.

Any thoughts from our member who is on Saville Row in England? (sp)

BellyTank · Mar 3, 2005

Yep, I figure it's definitely a gimmick on a ready-made "rack suit"- a dishonest nod to the Tailor.

BT.

Mycroft · Mar 3, 2005

I hate when they are sewed since I LIVE out of my pockets and need them all.

The Wolf · Mar 4, 2005

my 4 cents (allowing for inflation)

The suits I've bought had the tacked pockets that opened fairly easily when I wanted to use them. Kinda like a charcoal bag.
It is done that way so the suit pockets don't sag before you buy it. A recent Esquire says one should keep them stitched shut so it always looks smooth but I always need more pockets. That's part of why I where vests.

The Wolf

Mycroft · Mar 4, 2005

Thanks for the info, I heard that too, but pockets are pockets and they are needed.

The Wolf · Mar 4, 2005

I second that motion

I'm fairly utilitarian when it comes to clothes; if it has pockets I'll use them.
I've had people ask if I'm going to wear my fedora in the rain or other instances. I figure I wear to protect my head, not just look to good.
I still haven't figured out the necktie. It's adds some color and can be used as a tourniquet if necessary.

From out of the night,
The Wolf

Mycroft · Mar 4, 2005

Its a sign of class (the tie), and it has ancient Roman Origins as signs of athority and leadership. Also, it may be used for identifications as in regimental stripes etc. Finnally, it protects your neck from your collar, sorta off.

up196 · Mar 4, 2005

Practical use for the tie

The Wolf said:
I still haven't figured out the necktie. It's adds some color and can be used as a tourniquet if necessary.

Not trying to be funny here, but when I'm working a detail and it's time to eat, I tuck the tie up out of the way over my shoulder under my brace. That way, if I spill anythig on my shirt, the tie can usually be used to cover up the spill when I'm finished eating.

binkmeisterRick · Mar 4, 2005

up196 said:
Not trying to be funny here, but when I'm working a detail and it's time to eat, I tuck the tie up out of the way over my shoulder under my brace. That way, if I spill anythig on my shirt, the tie can usually be used to cover up the spill when I'm finished eating.

Actually, that's a great idea! If I'm wearing a vest, I usually okay (as far as the tie goes) but I've never thought of tucking my tie under my braces. I have, on occasion, stuffed my tie inside my shirt before, between the top couple of shirt buttons.

As for pockets, I can never have enough of them. I use them daily. I don't even own trousers without two back pockets. However, it can get pretty maddening when you panic that you've lost your keys, only to find out you put them in a different pocket than usual.

bink

Mycroft · Mar 5, 2005

I agree with you binkmeisterRick and I am preety good at not spoiling my tie...<crosses his fingers>>.

The Mad Hatter · Mar 5, 2005

I read somewhere that unstitching the pockets is bad because keeping them stitched helps keep the shape of the jacket.

Marlowe · Mar 7, 2005

Mycroft said:
Its a sign of class (the tie), and it has ancient Roman Origins as signs of athority and leadership. Also, it may be used for identifications as in regimental stripes etc. Finnally, it protects your neck from your collar, sorta off.

Yes, the tie has ancient Roman origins. All slaves had to wear a rope around their neck, as a visual cue as to their class. Over time, the slaves of the wealthy, who were often in charge of the day-to-day running and operations of their masters' estates and businesses, began to wear more ornate and expensive tokens of their servitude. It became a status symbol. The modern tie is the descendant of that old custom.

Mycroft · Mar 7, 2005

I thought it started in the Roman Military, am I wrong?

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