Jetted Pockets

A jetted or “besom” pocket is

the basic pocket style for men’s suits –

it has the appearance of a narrow horizontal slit in the outside of the jacket that accesses a lined pocket inserted between the linings and the outer material. A small strip of fabric tapes the top and bottom of the slit for the pocket.

Among the various kinds of pockets mentioned above, jetted or besom pockets are regarded as the most formal ones. It comes with a small strip of fabric that tapers the upper and bottom part of the slit. This style is common in formal outfits like a dinner jacket.


Originally, there were specific rules about jackets and pocket styles – all formal garments had jetted pockets, including those with peaked lapels; all informal jackets were equipped with flap pockets. Today the decision for a particular jacket to have a particular pocket style is largely obsolete.

Incidentally, you will probably find that the pockets stitched in a new jacket have been closed up with loose stitching. This is done so that the pocket remains in a good shape while the jacket goes through the stages of production.