The London Lounge

All,

I'm curious what is the opinion of LL members with regard to breast pockets on overcoats. Do they serve a purpose? Do people wear pocket squares on coats? Are they important for the visual balance of the coat, and would you say that a breast pocket is a better idea for someone taller than average than for someone else?

Thanks,

JD

I haven't really found a use for one, but I am glad that my last commission for a DB overcoat called for it.

Whether the style of the coat is a single- or double-breasted Chesterfield, the breast pocket should have a patterned silk square in it that complements the coat, or a pair of gloves tucked in with fingers up. Add a silk scarf or cashmere muffler, depending on the weather, and a beautifully made fedora.

JMB

I don't really see the point in a pocket square on overcoats, given that it will be removed as soon as you are indoors anyway. If I commissioned one I'd certainly have a breast pocket, however. Useful place for gloves and other things.

don't wear it. and don't think about putting gloves there, well you can put anything in your pockets, how about glasses for an instance.

One reason I asked is that on people who are not tall or somewhat ... huh ... rounder than is ideal, you often read that they should select details that de-emphasize bulk. Since a breast pocket on an overcoat is not that useful (I wouldn't put anything in it myself - there are more convenient pockets for gloves for me), then maybe it shouldn't be here.

On the Michael Drakes thread, I think one of the AA drawings posted by Michael Alden shows an overcoat without breat pocket.