besom pocket: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 - Very Low Frequency / SpecialistTechnical (Tailoring/Fashion), Formal
Quick answer
What does “besom pocket” mean?
A pocket found on the inside of a tailored garment, especially a suit jacket, characterized by a diagonal opening that is bound with piping and lies flush against the garment's lining.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A pocket found on the inside of a tailored garment, especially a suit jacket, characterized by a diagonal opening that is bound with piping and lies flush against the garment's lining.
A high-quality, discreet internal pocket in tailored clothing, often found in bespoke or high-end ready-to-wear suits, designed for slim items without creating visible bulk. Its construction, involving a welted seam, is considered a mark of fine tailoring.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is standard and understood in both UK and US tailoring terminology. However, it is more commonly encountered in British tailoring circles, where bespoke tradition is strongly emphasized. In the US, 'besom pocket' is standard, but 'welted pocket' or simply 'inside jacket pocket' may be used more generically.
Connotations
In both regions, it connotes quality, tradition, and expert craftsmanship. In the UK, it has a stronger association with Savile Row and bespoke tailoring heritage.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Its use is confined to tailors, fashion designers, menswear enthusiasts, and high-end retail. It is virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “besom pocket” in a Sentence
The jacket features a [besom pocket].A [besom pocket] is constructed with...to have/incorporate/include a [besom pocket]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “besom pocket” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The tailor will besom the pocket for a cleaner finish. (Note: 'to besom' as a verb is archaic/technical).
adjective
British English
- The besom-pocketed jacket hung in the changing room.
- It's a classic besom-pocket design.
American English
- He preferred a suit with a besom-pocket configuration.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the context of professional attire description, especially for high-end corporate wear. e.g., 'The suit's besom pockets add to its sleek, professional profile.'
Academic
Rare. Might appear in texts on fashion history, textile design, or material culture studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used. An everyday speaker would say 'inside pocket'.
Technical
The primary context. Used in tailoring manuals, pattern-making, fashion design courses, and discussions among craftsmen about garment construction details.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “besom pocket”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “besom pocket”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “besom pocket”
- Pronouncing it as /ˈbiːsəm/ (with an 's') instead of /ˈbiːzəm/ (with a 'z').
- Using it to refer to any inside pocket, rather than the specific piped, diagonal type.
- Misspelling as 'besom pocket' or 'beesom pocket'.
- Assuming it is a common term known to the general public.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While all besom pockets are inside pockets, not all inside pockets are besom pockets. A 'besom pocket' specifically refers to one with a diagonal, piped (welted) opening that is sewn flush to the lining, a construction method associated with high-quality tailoring.
The etymology is uncertain. The leading theory is that it derives from an older tailoring term 'to besom', meaning to bind or finish an edge, related to the bristles of a besom (broom) creating a neat edge. The term has been fossilized in tailoring jargon.
Its main advantages are discretion and a sleek silhouette. Because it lies perfectly flat against the lining without bulky flaps or external stitching, it doesn't create visible lumps or distort the drape of the jacket, making it ideal for carrying flat items like tickets, passports, or a slim cardholder.
Yes, absolutely. While historically more common in men's suiting, the feature is also used in high-end tailored women's blazers, coats, and suit jackets where a clean, unstructured interior is desired.
A pocket found on the inside of a tailored garment, especially a suit jacket, characterized by a diagonal opening that is bound with piping and lies flush against the garment's lining.
Besom pocket is usually technical (tailoring/fashion), formal in register.
Besom pocket: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbiːzəm ˈpɒkɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbiːzəm ˈpɑːkɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a **besom** (an old-fashioned broom) sweeping something neatly **inside** a hidden slot. A 'besom pocket' is a neat, hidden interior slot in your jacket.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUALITY IS HIDDEN DETAIL: The besom pocket is a hidden, internal feature that signifies overall quality and care in construction.
Practice
Quiz
In which of these garments are you most likely to find a besom pocket?