In their clothing, Men use the inner, attached pockets. This trend gave birth to the modern association of pockets-and-men and bags-and-women.
Initially, the pocket options for pants were quite limited but straightforward. Tailors created them from the waistband, then towards the top, or sideways.
A lot of experimentation went into the jacket, and the pocket choice showed the level of formality. The general rule has been that the more outer fabric layers or pockets, the less sharp or sleek the clothing, and the less formal it is.
Three classic suit pockets have been popular for the past few years and are still popular to date: jetted pockets, ticket pockets, breast pockets, and patch pockets.
Jetted Pockets
These pockets are sewn inside a seams’ lining. They comprise more than a slit. Look at your suit jacket’s left breast for an example.
Jetted pockets may have flaps, as well; it’s what you see on your jacket’s bottom hip pockets. The flaps started appearing at the start of the 20th century, and their initial use was to ensure the contents of the inside pouch didn’t fall out or get rained on.
When you got inside, and the flap wasn’t helpful, you could tuck it back into the pocket. Most people don’t keep this tradition, though. That’s why the flap remains outside the pocket all the time. But more formal suits, such as tuxedos, tend to eliminate flap pockets, giving the suit a more streamlined appearance.
Patch Pockets
This pocket type is the most basic – a patch whose material is similar to the jacket is stitched on the jacket’s surface. That way, it resembles some of the early exterior pouches. It’s one of the most visible pocket types; the pocket itself plus its contents rest on the garment’s surface.
Most people perceive the patch pocket as purely casual due to its visible construction, so it mainly appears on sports coats. And if it’s on a suit, then that suit is quickly rendered a casual suit rather than a business one.
Patch pockets are spacious, with a broad opening at the top, allowing you to stick your hands inside them for a casual look. Besides, these pockets invite you to keep items in them.
But most likely?
If you load heavy items, such as phones or keys, into patch pockets, they might sag, resulting in a sloppy appearance, or warping their look even when empty.
So, how do you remedy that?
Well, pressing the patch pocket with iron might help. But it’s best to prevent this problem by only putting small items inside this pocket type.
Despite their shortcomings, patch pockets are remarkable for their clean and relaxed appearance.
It’s also common to find a flap on a patch pocket, which makes the pocket more formal than a plain patch pocket.
Ticket Pockets
A ticket pocket refers to the third pocket that often appears on a jacket’s lower quarters, slightly above the primary right pocket. The assumption is that the wearer is a righty and would use his dominant hand to reach the pocket.
Left-handed men may need a bespoke coat to enjoy similar convenience. The ticket pocket is typically flapped and a bit smaller than the one below, but jetted versions exist.
Why is it called a ticket pocket? Well, because of the pocket’s original purpose – train travel. Men traveling to the country could carry a ticket in it. When the ticket pocket (and even a flap pocket) appears on a three-button hacking jacket, it may be cut diagonally, making it easy to reach your pockets when on horseback.
Breast Pockets
The typical breast or chest pocket has a visible edge and is welted. Years ago, before pocket napkins, handkerchiefs had practical use; people could keep them in the breast pocket to separate them from other possibly dirty items placed in the other jacket pockets.
Source: Hardini Lestari from Unsplash
These days, the breast pocket, also known as a pocket square, is mainly ornamental, and stitching it to the upper chest is the best way to display it so it coordinates with a tie.
Now, this is important: Choose a breast pocket that isn’t too bulky; big ones give your pocket a bulging look, breaking the left lapel’s clean line.
Cargo Pockets
A cargo pocket is a particular type of patch pocket, usually with accordion folds to increase the capacity. A flap closes the pocket secured by a button, snap, Velcro, or magnet typically seen on hunting clothing and battledress. Some designs feature cargo pockets hiding within the pant’s legs.
Source: Wikipedia
You will find cargo pockets on cargo pants designed from a hard-wearing fabric with rugged stitching. They comprise quick-drying synthetic or cotton blends and have big belt loops to hold wide webbing belts. The garments’ design allows for bending at the hip and knee, and it features felled seams to make them solid and durable.
