Flaps on pockets

[puzzledexpression]

Just finished reading Simon Ball's new book, The Guardsmen. I noticed in the photographs that most of the men have the flaps on their suit jackets tucked in. Is it a solecism to have them out (like buttoning the bottom button), or is it only a matter of personal taste?

Puzzled

 

[imageWIS]

Are you sure that the pockets are tucked in, or rather they do not have flaps?

Jon.

 

[puzzledexpression]

OK, got the magnifying glass out... Certainly in some of the photos there are flaps which are tucked in. On others it's difficult to tell... Is "no flaps" an option?

 

[imageWIS]

Is "no flaps" an option?

Quite.

I have a Zegna Napoli Couture suit that came without the pocket flaps. While I was not overly thrilled when I first got it (compared to my two other Napoli Couture suits that have the flaps), it is nonetheless a change from the ordinary and after a while grew to like it and now think it looks quite good.

Jon.

 

[gregory]

If a jacket comes with flaps, is it alright to tuck them in?

 

[Kai]

I prefer flaps. Over the years, as the fit of the suit "relaxes" somewhat, the pockets on suits without flaps can tend to sag a bit, so the pockets gap. Pockets with flaps disguise this gapping better.

 

[LA Guy]

I prefer besom welt pockets - I think the look is just sleeker. To prevent them from sagging, get the pockets sewn up. It'll prevent you from putting stuff in them, which throws off the line of the jacket in any case.

 

[j]

Some jackets are designed so that the pockets can be tucked in and still look good, for a more formal look, I imagine. Others will not look good with them tucked in. In any case, be sure to press or steam the jacket under the pockets so there are no depressions left if you do tuck them in, as happens if you press over the pockets.

 

[gregory]

I prefer besom welt pockets - I think the look is just sleeker.  To prevent them from sagging, get the pockets sewn up.  It'll prevent you from putting stuff in them, which throws off the line of the jacket in any case.

I do feel the same way - i.e. flap pockets are not sleek.

 

[General Koskov]

To avoid making the pockets useless by sewing them up (they are very useful for tickets and thin papers which will probably not distort your line) you could have a inside button like some inner breast pockets do.

 

[LA Guy]

To avoid making the pockets useless by sewing them up (they are very useful for tickets and thin papers which will probably not distort your line) you could have a inside button like some inner breast pockets do.

I think that it's better to have these in the inside chect pockets. Looks much cooler taking them out too. The problem with the inside button is when the (oblivious) cleaners iron over them...

 

[johnnynorman3]

To avoid making the pockets useless by sewing them up (they are very useful for tickets and thin papers which will probably not distort your line) you could have a inside button like some inner breast pockets do.

That is a terrific idea.

 

[BjornH]

Flusser discusses pocket flaps in his books and does consider them for more informal suits. No big news but the funny part is that he seems to be quite self concious about his hips as he repeatadly warns readers that this can widen your hips Â

Although I seldom open my pokets nowdays it irritates me not to be able to use them. I think it's a sign of style to use them without actually stuffing them but for that, you have to have enough money not to worry too much about damaging your suit. Look at the champs of style - one invariably sees photographs of them with their hands in their pokcets. These men are not afraid to use them. B

 

[MilanoStyle]

I do not like flaps. Not my taste. I like clean tux style. It was 90s style however, I think its more classier .. just my opinion...

Also, my tailor told me, one should never open jacket pocket nor use them as they tend to get streched. All of my suit jacket pockets are sewed.

 

[gregory]

I have flap pockets. May I tuck them in? They pocket looks nice and natural when tucked in...