The Relevance Of Function
Part of my continuing education in menswear was learning about functional suiting options that one can choose when ordering a custom piece.
The most common function is the TICKET POCKET. This smaller pocket that sits above the larger was mostly used back in the day for holding theater or opera tickets. It’s still found on some off the racks and you can always add one or take it away when going custom. But in our modern day of e-tickets, it’s rare to see it getting much attention in the way of tiny slips of paper. I always add it to my customization options, though, because it proves to be a perfect holder for my mobile phone and is a much better way than to use a dreaded belt clip (shudder).
The second function that I love to make use of is the lapel boutonniere. I still use it for an occasional carnation if feeling quite the dandy but mostly I have found that running my Ipod headphones through it keeps them in place a lot better. It also hides the cable behind the lapel itself making your appearance a little neater. You can use your chest pocket to store your audio device for an even cleaner look but I prefer a pocket square.
The last function I always choose is the pen pocket just under the inside breast pocket. In the world of Ipads, Blackberries, and the stylus, I still prefer to jot down my ideas on a pen and paper. This post was written down with the pen and in the notebook featured below. I want to invest in a really nice affordable notebook and pen but for now I stick with Target brand notebooks and Varsity pens by Pilot.
It may seem like the suit jacket will be weighed down but you don’t have to have everything in there at once. I usually carry most items in my briefcase.
It’s amazing how some things deemed antiquated can become relevant again.
