slash pocket: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Technical
Quick answer
What does “slash pocket” mean?
A type of pocket in a garment, made by cutting a slit in the fabric and finishing the edges, often with a welt or piping, and without a flap or other visible closure.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of pocket in a garment, made by cutting a slit in the fabric and finishing the edges, often with a welt or piping, and without a flap or other visible closure.
A pocket whose opening is a straight vertical or slanted slit in the garment fabric; commonly found on suit jackets, trousers, skirts, and coats. It is valued in tailoring for its clean, streamlined appearance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Slash pocket' is the standard term in both tailoring lexicons. 'Vertical pocket' or 'besom pocket' are sometimes used as near-synonyms, with 'besom' more common in British tailoring.
Connotations
In both regions, the term connotes a certain level of craftsmanship and formality, associated with well-made garments like blazers and trousers.
Frequency
More frequent within the specific domains of tailoring, fashion design, and sewing. Uncommon in general everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “slash pocket” in a Sentence
The [garment] has slash pockets.The slash pocket is finished with [detail].She prefers trousers with slash pockets.He specified slash pockets on the bespoke suit.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “slash pocket” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The slash-pocket detail gives the trousers a smarter line.
- It's a classic slash-pocket design.
American English
- The slash-pocket style is more formal than patch pockets.
- He ordered a slash-pocket blazer.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the garment manufacturing and retail industry for product specification.
Academic
Used in fashion design, textile, and tailoring textbooks.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used when discussing clothing details, especially for formal wear.
Technical
Standard term in pattern-making, sewing, and tailoring instructions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “slash pocket”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “slash pocket”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “slash pocket”
- Using 'slash pocket' to refer to any pocket with a diagonal opening (specific tailoring term).
- Pronouncing 'slash' as /sleɪʃ/ (like 'slay') instead of /slæʃ/.
- Confusing it with a 'kangaroo pocket' (a large front pocket).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. The front pockets on classic jeans are a type of slash pocket (a slit opening), but the term 'slash pocket' is broader and used for more tailored garments. Jeans pockets often have reinforced rivets and specific stitching, which aren't features of all slash pockets.
A slash pocket offers a more minimalist and streamlined look, as it lacks the extra layer of a flap. It is considered more formal and is standard on many suit trousers and blazers.
Yes. While often vertical, they can be cut on a diagonal (angled slash pocket), which can be more ergonomic for hand access and is a common style on suit jackets and some trousers.
Not in everyday high-street shopping. You are more likely to encounter it in bespoke tailoring, sewing patterns, or detailed product descriptions for higher-end formalwear.
A type of pocket in a garment, made by cutting a slit in the fabric and finishing the edges, often with a welt or piping, and without a flap or other visible closure.
Slash pocket is usually formal/technical in register.
Slash pocket: in British English it is pronounced /ˈslæʃ ˌpɒk.ɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈslæʃ ˌpɑː.kɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a magician 'slashing' a curtain with a knife to reveal a hidden space – a slash pocket is a slit cut into fabric revealing the pocket bag inside.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SLIT IS A GATEWAY (to a concealed space).
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining characteristic of a slash pocket?