Decorative pocket that do n’t in reality exposed are among the dress industry‘s most thwarting practices . Sometimes , though , they turn out to be “ tangible ” pouch that have simply been tailor shut out .

In other words , some pockets can be liberated with the aid of a wrinkle ripper , while others would only put a hole in your article of clothing if you tried to remove the yarn . To help oneself you tell the difference and prevent any harm to your clothing , Business Insidercreated a video using suit jacket crown and dress drop-off as an example .

As Business Insider explains , suit crownwork manufacturer sometimes sew the pocket shut to keep them look fresh and tailored . When customers try on a cap and put their hands inside the pockets , it can stretch out the fabric and make it look disheveled . And no one wants to buy a frumpish - look suit of clothes .

When to snip, and when to put your scissors away.

To figure out what you ’re working with , take a looking at at the stitching along the border where the pocket would open up up . If it ’s held in place with a single , loose thread , nip off a piece of it and pull gently . On real pocket , that thread will come out easily . If the sewing is more resistant , you likely have a simulated pocket on your hands — and in that case , you should just leave it be .

A few other stitches on suit jackets and coats are n’t needed , and you may want to absent them depending on your personal tastes . specked dividing line of run up along the shoulder joint once served a specific tailoring procedure , but nowadays , they merely distract from the suit . You‘ll also sometimes see brand label stitched onto a handlock or stitches in the shape of anxon the back of a sport jacket . Those can — and should — be remove , according toGQ .

Whether or not to cut a pouch is n’t the only puzzling fashion motion . If you ’ve ever wonder what the purpose is ofthat flyspeck pocket on your jean , or whatthe loopon the back of your button - up shirt is for , or why the pockets on men ’s clothing aredeeper than cleaning lady ’s , or why some items of clothing havefake pocketsto get down with , do n’t worry — we’ve got you covered .

A edition of this article originally ran in 2018 ; it has been updated for 2023 .