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Does a jacket without breast pocket look odd?

Edward

Bartender
Messages
25,060
Location
London, UK
Yes and no. The example to which you link is historically correct. On the other hand, if you were to replicate the typical 1930s through 1950s suit, it might look a little unusual without a breast pocket as one would normally have been found on the typical designs in that period. On a subjective, personal level, I'm so used to wearing a blazer or suitjacket with a breast pocket and pocket square that I probably would find it a little odd to not have one myself.
 

Edward

Bartender
Messages
25,060
Location
London, UK
Quite. (Although I do suspect that the bright blue jacket in the first photo on the page linked to is not a true Nehru: the button stance looks wrong. I may, of course, be misinterpreting the visual cues, but it looks to me more like a Tyrolean style jacket with the lapels buttoned closed.)
 

hPPYs

New in Town
Messages
37
Location
Tokyo
Thank you.

800px-George_Washington_Carver%2C_ca._1902.jpg

I also found a photo of George Washington Carver in 1902,and most of those people didn't have breast pockets.
 
Last edited:

HodgePodge

One of the Regulars
Messages
264
Location
Canada
Quite. (Although I do suspect that the bright blue jacket in the first photo on the page linked to is not a true Nehru: the button stance looks wrong. I may, of course, be misinterpreting the visual cues, but it looks to me more like a Tyrolean style jacket with the lapels buttoned closed.)

I'm fairly certain this is the Jacket http://cdni.condenast.co.uk/320x480/Shows/SS2007/Paris/Mens/YSL_Rive_Gauche/00010f.jpg
He's popped the collar, which judging by the material on the underside wasn't what YSL had in mind, and buttoned a button I don't think was truly meant to be buttoned.
The fact that the Sartorialist likes that makes me feel like less of a failure for not having any sartorial je ne sais quois.
 

avedwards

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,425
Location
London and Midlands, UK
I think it looks odd on a post-20s suit or sport jacket, unless it as extremely sporty jacket such as a shooting jacket in which case no breast pocket might look acceptable. For example, on this jacket I think it looks OK:
Photo446.jpg
 

MisterCairo

I'll Lock Up
Messages
7,005
Location
Gads Hill, Ontario
Looking at each photo in this thread so far I can't come up with a single jacket where I go "hey, there's no breast pocket, what the!" or "Hey, there'a breast pocket on that jacket, what the!"

I think, just think, mind you, that we're in agreement. The presence or absence of a breast pocket will look strange, only in certain circumstances and only then to certain people. Sometimes.
 

Tomasso

Incurably Addicted
Messages
13,719
Location
USA
I wouldn't want a jacket sans breast pocket, but not so much that it is odd or unattractive but because that's where I stow my sunglasses when not in use. Where would I put them.[huh]



Shoes320.jpg
 

Oldsarge

One Too Many
Messages
1,440
Location
On the banks of the Wilamette
With the exception of that shooting jacket (which I actually like), I cannot help but feel that a shirt or a jacket without a breast pocket approaches uselessness. If I am feeling really dressy I want a pocket square. If not, like Tomasso, I want a place for my dark glasses/notebook/shopping list/etc. Nothing official, just a personal opinion . . .
 

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