I've been listening to episodes of The Cluster F Theory that we've recorded to get them ready to release and weirdly three of our guests have mentioned pockets, including Caroline Criado Perez this week. Caroline is the one who first got me thinking about pockets forever ago. Nearly 10 years ago, I wrote the following for The Pool (remember that?) and thought I'd share it here.
The best thing I ever did was learn to sew, now I make sure I always make clothes with big enough pockets to not need a handbag. Occasionally I'll wear something pre-made and spend my whole time annoyed at the lack of pockets.
I don’t know why we don’t have more pockets options when I think it’s quite well known most women would like them - surely an opportunity for someone to make some money!
My other annoyance is men who like to think they are all streamlined and efficient but actually rely on their female partner carting round everything in their bag for them - painkillers, plaster, sun cream, tissues, phone chargers etc.
Weird to read this right now as a moment ago I was hanging up the washing and pondering the fact my daughter had put two pairs of dungarees in the wash. As an artist she loves keeping a notebook and pen in the front. She might even love pockets more than I do, and I have a number of scott-e-vest garments. Even their undies have pockets (one that can hold a passport). Disclaimer - I have a patent for a pocket in a scott-e-vest gilet. It was initially designed so you could use your phone in dangerous places without it getting snatched. As you can imagine, it was so niche it never earned me a penny. It is still found in some jackets though.
I wonder why designers don't think practical pockets can exist in women's clothes. Even though she designed clothes herself and said... "A woman needs pockets. Why do you think we carry a bag?" I'm not sure Diane von Furstenberg designed any clothing that was particularly pocketey.
Great post. Thanks for sharing and I shall await your new GIA line of practical woman's wear aka 'Generous Innovative Apparel'. ;-)
This annoyed me to much that I set up a website to find clothes with pockets, because setting up a clothing range would have needed an eye for fashion and an ability to sew ( neither of which I have). Here it is
But to your point, it's ridiculous that we have to spend so much time troubleshooting just to be able to bring lip gloss and a phone with us on a walk.
The best thing I ever did was learn to sew, now I make sure I always make clothes with big enough pockets to not need a handbag. Occasionally I'll wear something pre-made and spend my whole time annoyed at the lack of pockets.
I don’t know why we don’t have more pockets options when I think it’s quite well known most women would like them - surely an opportunity for someone to make some money!
My other annoyance is men who like to think they are all streamlined and efficient but actually rely on their female partner carting round everything in their bag for them - painkillers, plaster, sun cream, tissues, phone chargers etc.
Weird to read this right now as a moment ago I was hanging up the washing and pondering the fact my daughter had put two pairs of dungarees in the wash. As an artist she loves keeping a notebook and pen in the front. She might even love pockets more than I do, and I have a number of scott-e-vest garments. Even their undies have pockets (one that can hold a passport). Disclaimer - I have a patent for a pocket in a scott-e-vest gilet. It was initially designed so you could use your phone in dangerous places without it getting snatched. As you can imagine, it was so niche it never earned me a penny. It is still found in some jackets though.
I wonder why designers don't think practical pockets can exist in women's clothes. Even though she designed clothes herself and said... "A woman needs pockets. Why do you think we carry a bag?" I'm not sure Diane von Furstenberg designed any clothing that was particularly pocketey.
Great post. Thanks for sharing and I shall await your new GIA line of practical woman's wear aka 'Generous Innovative Apparel'. ;-)
A good swing with my hand bag would see off any problems
It holds memories .
Where else can u put sea glass and special stones .
It carries coin and communication
Plasters and wipes
String
Sprays for heart and lungs
bites and stings .
It’s me
spare knickers just in case
I have never desired to be a neatly ironed ,pen in place male entity .
Woman we made men like that it was a duty to send them on their way looking shipshape .
And Gia why is your Prof not carrying your bag for you .
Thats not cricket is it .
I am enjoying the podcast it’s the first I have ever listened too .
This annoyed me to much that I set up a website to find clothes with pockets, because setting up a clothing range would have needed an eye for fashion and an ability to sew ( neither of which I have). Here it is
https://www.pocketsforwomen.co.uk/
An evergreen topic for me! I've solved the pockets problem a couple different ways:
- With dresses, wearing bike shorts with pockets on my bare legs or over tights
- With anything else, wearing a "waist pouch" like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K84FH6K or a small crossbody like this: https://www.target.com/p/anti-theft-travel-hip-pack-bag-dark-ivy-open-story-8482/-/A-87155193
But to your point, it's ridiculous that we have to spend so much time troubleshooting just to be able to bring lip gloss and a phone with us on a walk.