Suits with ticket pockets

I really like the look, but I'm wondering if because of the origin of the ticket pocket, where the suits were worn more casually, if it would be appropriate for investment banking interviews. I've got a couple of high quality suits now and the old ones are getting thrown out. So far though, I haven't bought my navy interview suit and I'm gonna make that my next purchase.

I'm leaning towards a double vented navy cashmere. I haven't decided on 2 or 3 buttons yet but I'm a slim 5'11" so I can do either and it'll boil down to preference. Actually come to think of it, would a ticket pocket only be present in a 2 button suit? I can't ever remember seing one on a 3 button suit.

Can't say I've ever seen a ticket pocket on a 3 button, but you're slim so 3 button would be okay. It's a decidedly English look, one that I rather like.

I have a good book called 'Fashion for Men: an Illustrated History' by Diana de Marly which has a picture (p127) of a suit which I am going to have duplicated for myself when I have the $. It is regarded as the height of business fashion at the time, a 3-piece peak (more like pea coat style) lapel three-button with ticket pocket. Here is the picture: It looks like plaid because my descreen filter isn't working on my scanner, but it's solid fabric. The caption reads: "Sir Samuel Hoare, 30 August 1938. The Foreign Office look with black Homburg hat, rolled umprella and a super-smart three-piece lounge suit, as crisply tailored as could be. The striped shirt has appeared with a white collar which 50 years later is still considered smart. The front crease in trousers was weel established by 1938, but Sir Samuel scorns turn-ups, although the man behind him has them. The British were still regarded as the best-dressed men in the world, at the top of society." The ticket pocket is entirely appropriate for business wear. I might note that in this case the pockets are besom style (no flaps) and as such, less prominent. By the way, long time no post, how is everyone? I have been lurking around but very busy. I'm glad to see this place is still active.

The pockets on that suit don't have flaps? All the suits with ticket pockets that I've seen do have them. Is no-flaps just as acceptable? Flaps are usually considered more casual right?

Yes, they have no flaps. Flaps are more casual although it almost never matters, except on a dinner jacket. Flaps originated on country jackets to keep twigs and stuff from falling into the pockets, and water out. I have seen many nice British style suits with ticket pockets and flaps (in fact I have one). My favourite style is with the flap pockets that angle up from front to back, which avoids breaking the 'no horizontal line' "rule".

Ha ha, I was just thinking "whoa, that dude is really dressed up" yet he's wearing a "lounge suit". My how times have changed. What would be today's equivalent - probably a track suit (shudder).

Being a lounge suit would also explain the besom pockets, right?

For the worse too =/ At least banking seems pretty immune to change and that's where I'm headed

Actually, according to Alan Flusser and other such authorities, what we call the suit (matching jacket and trousers) originated as casual wear, thus the name, and eventually replaced the cutaway coat and (non-matching) trousers as proper business attire.

And the slanted pockets on some jackets are called "hacking pockets", and apparently originated from equestrian traditions, as did the British side vents. The ticket pockets were popularized by the film stars of the 30s.

Anyway, you guys all know that I'm more focused on jeans and sneakers and modern designers than I do tailored clothing, and that maybe Steve B. or the younger Joe G. have something better to say about this.

heh. You me and joe g are all posting back and forth on this forum and modern man I'm going to bed now though. 3:30AM

The thing that fascinates me about the photograph, is the fact that Sir Samuel Hoare has the bottom button of his suit fastened (and it pulls). Does anyone know if the rule never to close the bottom button is a relatively recent one (i.e. post war)?

I remember reading that they used to do it up, but I can't tell you when this practice changed...