How to remove the pocket from your dress shirt (with before and after pictures)

Hey guys, I had to remove the pocket from a few dress shirts I purchased. I was scared and after searching StyleForum realized that there was nobody who gave the results with pictures or a front to back tutorial. I know that most forum members cannot afford to chances on their $200 shirts - but I'm here to tell you it is worth removing your pocket if you really want to. First you all must know, I have no previous sewing experience. I cannot sew on a button, I cannot sew a thread, and I paid my local tailor to remove the stitching from one of my jacket pockets. So I was very hesitant to go through with this. I only washed the shirt ONCE Prior to removing the pocket, as I have heard that multiple washes will make removing the thread more difficult. Anyhow, I went to my local Walmart and purchased a 'stitch remover' Then I slowly proceeded to remove the stitches from my shirt (after the first few stitches it was easy, I just had to get used to doing it while being careful to pull the thread through. The most difficult part were the pockets inside corners, where the thread crossed over or it was double stitched I started at the top of the pocket, putting the sharp part of the tool on the pocket side, then sliding the tool so it would cut the thread. Then it was just a matter of going down to each hole and pulling the thread through (except once I reached the parts where there was new stitching). After a inch or two of thread was being pulled through, I would cut and start again. When the pocket was completely removed, I could see the little holes where the thread had been removed, I was scared because some holes seemed huge and I could not possibly imagine how I would make the shirt look 'unaltered' again After a wash it looked perfect though, it had took me a few minutes to find where the pocket had been removed from and in this picture you can faintly see the thread lines (I had to aim the camera in a very specific way just so you can see these marks. And still - it doesn't look so bad) If this was not a pinstripe pattern - there would have been no way for me to tell where the pocket had been removed from. Anyhow, for anybody thinking of removing a pocket - I say go right through with it. I'm very self conscious about my clothing and believe me - nobody will ever tell the pocket had been removed (unless they've seen you with the the pocket on) I think pockets make me look like more of a nerd - and if you're on this website you probably need all the help you can get Good luck!

Well that should answer any further questions about having one revoved. Of course you should expect to hear questions about wearing a bag on ones head when doing so.

I don't think you're doing it right.

The safest way to use a seam ripper is to slip it under the stitches and cut every fifth or so. You would do this from the top of the pocket. Then you can pull the bottom thread out in one continuous piece and the pocket will just lift off.

Why'd you take a pic of yourself dressed as the Unknown Comedian rather than just crop your face out of it :roma:

Does that bag come in other colors? Maybe something in a super 150's?
Seriuosly, thanks for being the test subject.. I'm off to pick up what I need to do some pocket removal!

Originally Posted by Vince.Rich

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Why'd you want to remove it?

I think chest pockets looks stupid

Originally Posted by edmorel

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Why'd you take a pic of yourself dressed as the Unknown Comedian rather than just crop your face out of it :roma:

I think face cropping looks stupid

FWIW my tailor has removed pockets for $4.

You "had to remove the pocket"?

Who buys a shirt with a pocket on it in the first place - unless they work in IT support?

Originally Posted by PoloPlayr

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Who buys a shirt with a pocket on it in the first place - unless they work in IT support?

Many of my shirts have pockets. I really don't care about them, since when worn under a jacket you don't see the pocket.

Mike

Great work!

LOL at people focusing on the brown bag but that comes with the territory. It does look faintly ridiculous and kind of spooky, given the lighting.

But again, good work!

The before/after washing photos probably saved me some future anguish, since I have some pocket removing to do myself and I can imagine the sense of regret I'd feel upon seeing the holes. I generally don't mind chest pockets though.

As long as you don't damage the fabric, warm water and a soft brush (a natural-bristled nail brush works) should work. Let the shirt soak for a while, brush it, rub it with your finger, etc. Repeat a couple times and the holes should disappear. It's never failed for me.

(Though don't try this on non-iron-finish shirts).