I’m not sure about kids these days, but when I was younger, my pockets were always jam-packed with all sorts of stuff. It was like a mini treasure chest - rubber bands, stickers, magazine cutouts, marbles, tiny toys, and who knows what else. Boys are natural explorers, so pockets were essential from the start. Growing up, we always had something to store in our pockets, and before long, putting our hands in them became second nature.
Contrast that with dresses, which have long been symbols of femininity and grace, and typically don’t have pockets. To explain it simply, the legendary Christian Dior once remarked, "Men need pockets to store things, women need bags for decoration."
Pockets, as we know them today, weren’t always a part of clothing. In the past, both men and women wore small pouches at the waist to carry necessities like handkerchiefs or little notebooks. However, as women’s fashion became more form-fitting, pouches became inconvenient and evolved into handbags, which are now an essential accessory.
By the 17th century, pockets were sewn directly into men’s clothing, offering a designated spot for daily essentials. Pockets in suit jackets and trousers were handy, though the modern advice is to use them sparingly so as not to distort the sleek silhouette of the suit.
However, back in the day, people didn’t care about that. Pockets were crammed with everything imaginable. In fact, pockets became such a hit that specialized designs were created. Today, we have all sorts of suit jacket pockets, like flap pockets that were designed to protect items from the elements or pickpockets.
The 20th century, and specifically wartime, led to further innovations in pocket design. Soldiers’ cargo pants were designed with functional pockets that were accessible even when sitting. Jackets, like the iconic safari and field jackets, were basically pocket paradises.
So, how many pockets are enough? According to a study conducted in the U.S., the average number of pockets on a three-piece suit (jacket, trousers, vest) and shirt in 1945 was 24! Hard to believe, right? And yet, for some, even 24 pockets may not have been enough.
Ultimately, the number of pockets you need depends on your lifestyle. Some people feel more secure and confident when they can carry all their essentials, even if it means sacrificing aesthetics. After all, no one wants to hear the clinking of items every time they take a step.
For style-conscious men, there’s a balance to strike. You don’t need to stuff every pocket to its maximum capacity. Not every pocket was designed for use, especially in tailored suits. Personally, I keep my essentials light: my phone and wallet go in my front pockets, and everything else - like glasses, notebooks, and a power bank - stays in my bag with my laptop.
A well-curated outfit can easily be ruined by bulging pockets. So, ask yourself, do you really need to carry all that stuff when you go out?
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