Explore the topics that interest you.

Daily looks Fashion Trends How-to Item guides Saved styles

Loading your style ideas…

PLAYAI STYLE.

Trends made easy. Style made yours.

About Editorial policy Report an issue

Home Trends How-to Search

Home How-to

K-fashion wardrobe care · five-minute coat inspection

Should You Cut the X Stitch on a New Coat? Six Checks for Vents, Pockets and Sleeve Labels

The X-shaped thread across the back vent of a new winter coat may be temporary tacking used for shipping and display—not decoration. But cutting permanent reinforcement can damage the garment. Here is a practical check for Korean-style office overcoats and blazers, including designs with no vent at all.

6 min read

2026-11-04

Original photo

AI-generated image: an adult Korean tailor inspects a white X-shaped temporary tack on a charcoal coat's back vent without cutting it.

Save

What you need How to Style tip Sources

↗OriginalTailoring-construction explanation of temporary tackingThe Cutting Class→

Your style checklist

Check each item as you go.

0/10 done

Progress is saved only on this device (30 days).

What you need

A newly purchased coat or blazer
Good lighting and a flat surface
Small sharp scissors, only if the thread is confirmed temporary
A retailer or alterations specialist if unsure

How to

1. Take the coat off and lay it flat. Check whether the hem has a back vent at the centre or two side vents. Some coats, including Korean-label designs, have no vent: never cut fabric to create one.
2. Inspect any loose X-shaped thread. Does it bridge the two sections of a vent and hold them closed for transport? Colour alone does not prove that a thread is temporary.
3. Identify permanent construction before cutting. Leave the tight stitching along the vent edges, the reinforcement at the top and any lining attachment intact. Stop if you cannot distinguish them from a temporary tack.
4. Only when clearly identified, gently lift a little of the temporary thread away from the cloth and snip that thread—not the fabric—with small scissors. Ease the ends out slowly. Do not yank if the thread catches.
5. Treat pockets and sleeve labels as separate questions. Some pockets are temporarily sewn shut; others are decorative. Check for a real pocket bag. Likewise, verify whether an outer sleeve label is removable display tacking or a permanent design detail.
6. Put the coat on over your usual knit or shirt, walk and sit. The released vent should move naturally; removing a tack will not fix a coat that is tight at the shoulders or chest. Ask the seller or tailor when unsure.

One more tip

Not every loose-looking thread should be removed. Cut only confirmed temporary tacking spanning an intended vent. Check the retailer's return policy before removing any labels or stitches; seek a tailor's advice for delicate wool or cashmere-blend fabrics.

Sources and media

The Good Cut (13 October 2026): Coat vent tacking stitch
The Cutting Class: Removable Stitching in Tailored Garments
LINGSEOUL balmacaan coat listing, a no-back-vent example

JULYCOLUMN SS27: Six Ways to Rewear a White Shirt and an Oversized Jacket

Two OAFISH Winter Coats: Black Quad-Button Short vs Grey Rich Wool Half, Six Outfit Checks

Two KOLON SPORT FW26 Fleeces, Two Care Labels: Six Practical Checks

↗OriginalStep-by-step explanation of temporary and permanent coat stitchingThe Good Cut→

↗OriginalA Korean fashion product example designed without a rear ventLINGSEOUL / MUSINSA→

KEEP EXPLORING

K-fashion · interpreting SS27 · November 20267 min

JULYCOLUMN SS27: Six Ways to Rewear a White Shirt and an Oversized Jacket

Arirang News covered Seoul Fashion Week on September 1, 2026 and JULYCOLUMN's interpretation of clothing and family memories. This is a practical wardrobe guide inspired by the idea.

K-fashion · winter coats · 6 November 20267 min

Two OAFISH Winter Coats: Black Quad-Button Short vs Grey Rich Wool Half, Six Outfit Checks

Outfit ideas for two separately listed coats from Korean label OAFISH. Use familiar shirts, jeans and trousers and compare the actual fit rather than inferring fabric percentage from a product name.

K-fashion · winter fleece care · November 20268 min

Two KOLON SPORT FW26 Fleeces, Two Care Labels: Six Practical Checks

A Korean outdoor label's wool-blend hooded fleece and colorblock stand-collar jacket need different care. Compare verified fabric compositions, everyday styling and wash instructions before choosing.

Should You Cut the X Stitch on a New Coat? Six Checks for Vents, Pockets and Sleeve Labels | PLAYAI STYLE