Thursday, December 5, 2024
There’s something inherently magical about pockets. After all, who doesn’t love discovering they actually have a pocket when they didn’t expect one? And yet, pockets—those simple, handy little storage solutions sewn into our clothes—have a surprisingly complex history, full of twists, turns, and, yes, some fashion-related frustrations (we’re looking at you, women’s fashion).
Ancient Pouches: Where It All Began
Long before anyone thought to sew a pocket into a pair of pants, humans had a more straightforward approach to carrying their stuff: attach it to their belts. Yes, the ancient belt bag was the first iteration of the pocket, and it worked like a charm. These external pouches, worn by both men and women, date back thousands of years, serving as a catch-all for everything from tools to trinkets. Think of them as the fanny packs of ancient times, only way cooler because they were handmade by, well, actual ancient people.
In medieval Europe, both men and women continued this pouch trend, wearing them on belts under layers of clothing. Not exactly the sleekest of looks, but hey, you have to work with what you’ve got! At this point in fashion history, pockets weren’t sewn into clothing. Instead, people used external bags to carry their daily essentials—coins, keys, and whatever medieval folk carried around (perhaps a bit of bread?).
The 16th Century Pocket Revolution for Men
Enter the 16th century, when men’s fashion started getting inventive. Men’s clothing began to feature sewn-in pockets—a revelation! These were typically hidden between layers of fabric, offering a more convenient and discreet way to carry personal items. No more fiddling with clunky pouches tied to a belt—just slip a hand into a sleek jacket or pair of breeches, and voilà, your valuables were within easy reach.
It was a small innovation, but it revolutionized men’s fashion. Not only was it practical, but it also allowed for a more refined and tailored look. Naturally, one might assume that women would be thrilled to adopt these handy pockets. But no, fashion history took a bit of a detour.
Women and the Tie-On Pocket Era
While men were enjoying the glory of sewn-in pockets, women had to wait a little longer. Instead of having pockets sewn into their garments, women in the 17th and 18th centuries embraced tie-on pockets. These large, detachable pouches were worn under layers of skirts, accessed through hidden slits. And while these tie-on pockets were surprisingly roomy (think “stashing-a-bottle-of-wine” roomy), they weren’t exactly easy to access. Picture it: You’re walking down a cobblestone street, someone yells, “Watch out, runaway horse!” and you can’t grab your pocketknife in time because it’s buried under ten layers of petticoats.
That said, these tie-on pockets served their purpose, allowing women to carry their essentials—money, sewing kits, handkerchiefs, and other personal items—throughout the day. But as fashion shifted, these practical pouches faced a perilous fate.
The Victorians and the Disappearing Pockets
Ah, the Victorian era. A time when women’s fashion was more about creating a specific silhouette than, you know, being practical. The slim, figure-hugging styles of the late 19th century didn’t leave much room for bulky tie-on pockets. As a result, pockets for women began to vanish. Enter the rise of the handbag.
While men continued to enjoy their sewn-in pockets, women had to rely on handheld bags to carry their items. These bags varied in size and practicality, but for many women, the sudden lack of pockets felt like a downgrade. What once was hidden and functional had become an external, often inconvenient, accessory. The message from the fashion world seemed clear: women’s pockets weren’t a priority.
The 20th Century Pocket Comeback (Kind of)
It wasn’t until the early 20th century that pockets started making their way back into women’s clothing. The push for women’s rights and their entry into the workforce led to more practical clothing and, yes, pockets! World War I saw women taking on roles traditionally held by men, which required functional, pocketed clothing.
Yet, despite this progress, there was still a catch—women’s pockets remained significantly smaller than men’s. While men could carry wallets, keys, and even snacks in their generously sized pockets, women were left with barely enough space for lipstick or a couple of coins. Of course, this style trend continues to this very day, much to the chagrin of most women; at least, that is the opinion of my bride.
Pockets Today: Still a Fashion Dilemma
In the modern world, pockets have become a symbol of both convenience and frustration. Men’s pockets remain plentiful and practical, while women’s pockets often feel like an afterthought. Designers argue that smaller pockets result from the desire for slimmer silhouettes in women’s fashion, but let’s be real: women deserve pockets that are both functional and fashionable.
So, the next time you find yourself delighted by the discovery of pockets in a dress or frustrated by the lack of room in your jeans, remember: pockets have a long, fascinating history, and their evolution isn’t over yet. Hopefully, the future holds more room for improvement—literally.
micky@hcnews.com
