Pockets on a Men's Suit Jacket

The next time you go shopping for a new suit jacket, pay close attention to how many pockets it has and where those pockets are located. Many men (myself included) are guilty of overlooking the pockets on a jacket, assuming it has little-to-no effect on the suit's appearance and function. However, pockets affect both of these qualities, which is why it's important to choose a jacket that meets your needs. Formal jackets typically have "jetted" pockets, which are sewn directly into the lining of the jacket and feature a small  horizontal opening. From a bystander's point of view, jetted pockets are difficult to spot, as they are inherently designed to blend into the jacket. This makes them a popular choice among men who are looking to achieve a strict formal look. Flap pocket is another style that's commonly used in men's suit jackets. It involves the use of a pocket that's sewn into the lining, similar to the jetted style mentioned above, but the key difference between the two is that flap pockets feature a flap covering the opening. This makes them more visible, which can be a bad or good thing depending on your preference. Some men prefer the look of a clean, smooth pocket, whereas others like the added dynamic of a flap pocket. A third style of pockets is called hacking pockets. While used less frequently than jetted and flap pockets, many suit jackets still contain them. Hacking pockets are characterized by a diagonal opening, which is in stark contrast to most other styles of pockets. Hacking pockets are most commonly used on the other side of the pond, with many English horse jockeys wearing sporting them. Now for the million-dollar question: which style of pocket should I choose? There's really no single best style, as each ones has its own advantages and disadvantages. If you're dressing for a formal event, however, wearing a suit with jetted pockets would probably be the best choice. The jetted style of pockets has long been the go to choice for men's formal wear. It's clean, sophisticated, and easy on the eyes. Of course, flap pockets are always a viable alternative as well. Jackets with flap pockets may be slightly more noticeable, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Flap pockets are a fun way to spruce up your look, offering a fresh take on a traditional men's suit.