Patch Pockets on a Harris Tweed Jacket

[andreyb]

Gentlemen,

Yes or no? If yes, three or just two? If no, ticket pocket -- yes or no?

Opinions are very much appreciated.

Andrey

P.S.: Why I'm asking... I won a bespoke harris tweed jacket in a lottery (run as a part of local "Tweed Ride"). Yes, lotteries with such prizes do exist! The cloth is given -- no choice here -- now I have to decide on style.

[Costi]

And why not patch pockets, Andrey, if you like them? Are you afraid they might sag? - if they are lined, they won't. Of course, you are not going to stuff them with apples and nuts, are you?...
I don't like the way a patch breast pockets takes a pocket square, but if you don't plan to wear on, then it's not an issue.
Enjoy your prize!

[Berwick]

It depends what flavour you want to go for. If you fancy a hacking jacket, then no patch pockets and a ticket pocket is the way to go.

Personally I am not very keen on patch pockets - more things to go wrong (i.e. you have to make sure that the size and shape of the pockets are in balance and harmonious).

[Costi]

patch pockets - more things to go wrong (i.e. you have to make sure that the size and shape of the pockets are in balance and harmonious).

Ugh... true! If you go for them, makes sure the tailor makes mock pockets for you at the fitting, so you can get that balance right.
My tailor draws them with chalk while I wear the coat, then we play with the lines until we are both happy.
BUT when you get them right...

[andreyb]

Andrey, if you like them?

Very much so!

Are you afraid they might sag?

Yes. Also, a bit worried that harris tweed is too thick and bulky to work as a jacket with patch pockets...

Andrey

[Costi]

Andrey, I think patch pockets are supposed to be bulky in tweed (and they work well together) - that's the character! They look skimpy on a thin, supple cloth. Except linen

[hectorm]

Yes or no? If yes, three or just two? If no, ticket pocket -- yes or no?

Yes, on a shooting or Norfolk style jacket. Pleats, bellows and flaps. 2 pockets.
No, on a hacking or very tailored lounge jacket (ticket pocket yes).

[Costi]

Hectorm, that's very harsh of you
Why, a Harris tweed jacket can very well take hip patch pockets without bellows and flaps and without being a Norfolk coat. Don't you think?
(the hacking jacket is not my cup of tea...)

[hectorm]

.. a Harris tweed jacket can very well take hip patch pockets without bellows and flaps and without being a Norfolk coat. Don't you think?

Sorry Costi, I guess that my implicit point was that there is no such a thing as a Harris tweed jacket per se. There are jackets made of Harris tweed.
If it´s a shooting or a Norfolk jacket made of Harris tweed, I would strongly recommend patch pockets with pleats (or bellows) and flaps. I don´t think I´m being harsh; those pockets go better with the character of the garments than plain patch ones.
If it´s a "simple" lounge jacket made of Harris tweed (not too long, tailored or structured), yes, it can take plain patch pockets handsomely.
Hacking jackets are not my cup of tea either, although I confess that they were twenty years ago and I still have a couple of skeletons in the closet waiting for my son to grow up.

[andreyb]

Thanks for all the answers! Let me consider that you greenlighted three patch pockets idea.

BTW, the cloth in question is:



Andrey

[forex]

Andrey,nice looking cloth and colors are nice as well. I would avoid the three patch and do two hip patch pockets with a welted breast pocket on this one.
Who is going to make it up?

[Slewfoot]

I would lean towards flap hip pockets as well. A ticket pocker could work nicely. If you really wanted to shake things up a flap breast pocket could be fun with this fabric (porbably no ticket pocket in that case).

[andreyb]

Who is going to make it up?

A tailor from Milano who visits Moscow. No idea on who he is (remember, I won this jacket, so the only thing I can choose is style -- not cloth nor tailor).

Andrey

[Rowly]

I think patch pockets can give a very casual look to an odd jacket, although for a nicely shaped bespoke jacket, I prefer flapped pockets. One consideration is the scale and colourways in the pattern. Certain patterns, IMHO, will work with patch pockets while others will not. On this pattern, I would suggest flaps and leave patch pockets for more colourful sporty casual patterns. Congrats. on your win!

[lxlloyd]

A well proportioned patch pocket can be a very fine thing.