Patch Pockets

[Guest]

When do you want to specify patch pockets?

Are they suitable for any city suit? For country suits?

How about with sport coats?; on what kind of sports coats do want patch pockets and which, not?

[Guest]

They are less formal and go with less formal suits.

They are a way to have pockets on a completely unlined suit for summer.

I have them on summer suitings and on tweeds.

[Guest]

Not suitable with any city suit. They look really silly with most worsteds, the exception being unlined frescos and mohair blends. I agree with the above: terrific on summer suits and certain informal tweeds. Most any odd jacket can take them; that's pretty much a matter of personal preference.

[Guest]

Shanghai is located about the same latitude as the U.S.-Mexican border (30 degrees North of the Equator). So it can be quite challenging culturally trying to understand the lingo of Westerners (American WASPs, American Brahmins, Scots, Englishmen, etc.) when they discuss Summer clothing.

When you say patch pockets are only suitable for Summer suitings or not for city suits, do you mean to say that Summer suitings are not worn in the office in Summer?

Also, if one lives in a large city and takes a walk around the neighbourhood, e.g., in London's Hyde Park or Regent's Park, or along the Bund in Shanghai, is one supposed to wear city suits only, or can one wear Summer suits?

Just to make sure I really understand what exactly is meant, would a 2-piece solid Charcoal Grey tropical weight wool worsted be considered a city suit or a Summer suit?