Despite the strides that have been made in women’s issues and how they reflect in fashion design, one pesky problem persists: pockets. They are still fewer, or smaller and narrower than in men’s clothing. But every day women can influence design choices. Here is how you can push for change.
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Who would have thought pockets could be so controversial? Yet they are. For many women, finding proper pockets in dresses or trousers can feel magical. The absence of pockets is not accidental, as most of us know. It is rooted in historical expectations of femininity, even though women today are more independent than ever. What it highlights is that women’s fashion is still designed with form in mind, not function.
How did we get here?
In the 17th and 18th centuries, women did have pockets, but in the form of pouches worn beneath layers of skirts, which made them hidden and inaccessible. Later on, these pouches were removed, as designers felt they ruined the smooth and “feminine” lines of garments. Men’s clothing retained practical pockets, reinforcing the idea that men were active and practical, while women were meant to be looked at.
Despite progress in women’s liberation, this idea lingered in the design world. There is also a theory that pockets were removed to promote a market for designer handbags, and it is indeed an immense market. Today, we still see women’s fashion that prioritises shape and style, while necessities are kept in bags.
The shift towards functional fashion
Change is happening. More women are voicing frustration, and brands are listening and rethinking design. Many workwear and sustainable labels are including usable pockets in their pieces.
How to help move the trend forward
Make your voice heard by leaving reviews and product feedback; social media comments can also influence brand decisions. Support designers who prioritise function, often smaller labels and women-led. Choose practicality when you buy, as brands respond to demand for functional pieces.
Not just a convenience
It might seem small, but pockets are more than fabric. They represent autonomy, the ability to move freely, carry what we need and feel comfortable in our clothes. With forward-thinking design, functional women’s fashion does not have to sacrifice visual appeal. You can look and feel beautiful, and all women deserve that.
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