Men today have the luxury of enormous pockets that could be comparable to a Mary Poppins bottomless suitcase, while women struggle to locate clothing with pockets, and, when they are obtainable, they are tiny.
This gender divide as it pertains to pockets, hasn’t always been the case. In the Middle Ages, both men and women wore bag-like pouches similar to fanny packs. According to Medium, the pocket disparity came about once they were invented and men had pockets sewn into practically every piece of clothing, granting them the ability to access belongings with ease. Women’s clothing, on the other hand, had pockets underneath petticoats and layers, which made retrieving possessions difficult.
Compared to the pouches prominent previously, modern pockets are well-regarded for their functionality. “I like pockets because they are useful, they hold all my stuff and it’s convenient,” junior Addie Gorman said.
But with the prevalence of tighter-fitting clothing, bulky pockets are challenging to camouflage, which leads to fake pockets in women’s clothing, or pockets that appear sizable, but in reality, can’t even fit a hand. “ I think those are pointless, because you can’t put anything in it,” junior Peyton Higgins said.
Students like to put items such as their phone, airpods, keys and chapstick in their pockets. A pocket’s practical nature serves as a safe way to tuck away necessities and evokes feelings of tranquility. “Putting your hands in your pockets can feel relaxing and they keep your hands warm,” ceramics and fashion teacher Malinda Pierce said.
Purses existed before pockets, however, there is a correlation between the two. If women had spacious pockets that could realistically fit an abundance of essentials, less emphasis would be put on the purse industry. “If pockets were in my clothing, I most likely would not need to carry a purse around, unless the item I wanted to bring with me was too big to fit in pockets,” sophomore Sofia Skilias said.
Pockets have a pertinent role in the advanced fashion class at this school as they include pockets in their garment. “ I believe most students would like a pocket, but it adds a level of difficulty and time,” Pierce said.
If you are interested in incorporating more items with pockets into your wardrobe, here are a few must-haves. From Old Navy, these High-Waisted Side Pocket ⅞ Leggings are perfect for carrying a phone and are $19.99. From Free People Movement, these Get Your Flirt On Shorts have side pockets and are made with water resistant, durable fabric ($40). For $9.98, the Athletic Works Women’s Fleece Pants with Pockets, Sizes XS-XXXL from Walmart have a variety of sizes. From Amazon, for $33.99, the WIHOLL Womens Oversized Sweatshirts Crewneck Long Sleeve Tops Fleece Pullover Fall Fashion Clothes with Pocket come in varying colors and have hidden pockets on each side.
For $32.99 and with gigantic pockets, try the Panadila Womens Summer Sleeveless Mini Dress V Neck Spaghetti Strap Sundress Athletic Short Dress with Pockets. “I love having pockets, especially when I find them in dresses,” Pierce said.
