Jacket Pockets Sewn Shut?

[Warbaby]

I just picked up a beautiful Givinchy blazer at the thrift shop ($2.99). The jacket is in mint condition and both lower pockets are sewn shut. I've never seen this before - are they supposed to be left this way or is it just the way the jacket was delivered and the owner is supposed to cut them open?

 

[donCarlos]

All the new jackets I´ve seen have all the pockets sewn. The only reason I can see is to prevent people from putting something to the pockets in the shop.

Three of my jackets came with pockets sewn, just take a knife and open them. What would be unusable pockets good for?

 

[Rachael]

I always sew pockets shut.

One, the jacket looks better this way. Pockets look better if they aren't sagging.

Also, if you put things in lower front pockets, it creates an odd bulge when you're wearing it. That's what the inside breast pocket is for.

 

[Matt Deckard]

It's standard and usually tailors cut them open when they deliver the suit. Some today think they should keep the pockets sewn shut to prevent drooping but I always open mine up... they are there for a reason and that reason is to be pockets.

I say open them up and use them.

 

[Warbaby]

Thanks to all for the info. I'm going to cut them open because I need someplace to carry my cigarette case (the inside pocket is for a pen and some 3x5 cards for).

 

[Tomasso]

the inside pocket is for a pen and some 3x5 cards

Try a jotter.

 

[GBR]

Just cut the baste threads.

It is a so called security measure.

 

[CharlestonBows]

It's standard and usually tailors cut them open when they deliver the suit. Some today think they should keep the pockets sewn shut to prevent drooping but I always open mine up... they are there for a reason and that reason is to be pockets.

I say open them up and use them.

Ditto. We always open ours before delivery unless told otherwise.

It is a so called security measure.

It's more to preserve the integrity of the garment while being sewn, shipped and hung -- same reason for the basting stitches across the shoulder seams, sleeves, etc.

If it were a security measure, we'd sew the inside pockets closed, as well.

-- CB

 

[scotrace]

I am all about pockets and use all of them.

I think one of the Keno twins said something like "the best suit is one that you can fill the pockets with rocks and crawl around on the floor all day with no problems."

 

[ShoreRoadLady]

I believe you're supposed to open them if you want to use the pockets. In the theater, they're often sewn shut, just to keep them from sagging and looking bad. But of what use are pockets if they're sewn shut? [huh]

 

[Miss Sis]

Agree with everyone they are sewn shut to keep them looking good in transit.

Being a lady, I don't always open mine up, but then I have a handbag to carry all my bits and bobs about!

I got an unworn 40s suit a few years ago and not only were the pockets sewn shut but the pleats in the skirt were also tacked up.

 

[Feraud]

I got an unworn 40s suit a few years ago and not only were the pockets sewn shut but the pleats in the skirt were also tacked up.

This reminds me.. the men's jacket could also have the vent stitched shut. You might want to check that too.

 

[Micawber]

Ditto. We always open ours before delivery unless told otherwise.



It's more to preserve the integrity of the garment while being sewn, shipped and hung -- same reason for the basting stitches across the shoulder seams, sleeves, etc.

If it were a security measure, we'd sew the inside pockets closed, as well.

-- CB

Agreed, we would always open our garments up before the customer collected them unless instructed otherwise too.

 

[Tomasso]

the men's jacket could also have the vent stitched shut.

Vents are sewn closed with white thread just at the hem; pretty hard to miss.

 

[John in Covina]

All of the suits and sports jackets I have bought ( in my conscious memory) have had the outer pockets sewn shut. After a time, I will either grab the stitch remover or with caution an exacto knife and take those stitches out.

 

[adamjaskie]

The ones I've bought have been sewn shut in such a way that once I get the end of the thread loose I can just pull the thread and the whole thing slides out.

 

[Mike in Seattle]

Try a jotter.

Levenger's has great modern versions of these and a variety of types and styles of cards.

 

[WideBrimm]

I just picked up a beautiful Givinchy blazer at the thrift shop ($2.99). The jacket is in mint condition and both lower pockets are sewn shut. I've never seen this before - are they supposed to be left this way or is it just the way the jacket was delivered and the owner is supposed to cut them open?

Any time I find suit coat, sport coat, vest or pants pockets (rear) still sewn shut at a thrift store I consider it to be a very good thing for me, the buyer. To me it is an indication that the article of apparel was rarely or perhaps never worn and so is likely to be in good condition with clean pockets. If I like it I usually grab it