Women’s Fashion- An Unfair History of Pockets and Patriarchy | Women’s Clothes with Pockets

The true discovery of pockets, on the other hand, occurred when the game of thieves and pickpockets began on the notorious streets. People, particularly men, began concealing their money and valuables within their clothing to avoid being robbed. 

This however wasn’t the same with the ladies, because, unlike men’s pockets that could be easily sewn into the linings of their coats, women didn’t have that privilege because of the heavy layer of undergarments and petticoats they wore.  

Women’s pockets were typically tied between the under-petticoat and petticoat, requiring a lady to partially undress to access the valuables of her beloved pockets. This was deemed “unladylike” and “demeaning,” and thus the pocket injustice was born. 

AN ON-AGAIN-OFF-AGAIN CONTROVERSY

Even after the fall out of the multiple layers from women’s fashion, the trend of wearing tight-hugging clothing to accentuate the delicate curves became a trend during the 1790s and that left no room for pockets, yet again!  

This soared to new heights during the French Revolution, where women were debarred from having internal or external pockets and had to carry a small reticule that could barely fit a coin! This is because women’s pockets were seen as a sign of threat which could be used to carry grenades and weapons! 

Trust a girl with a pocket and she just might blow up the entire nation! 

Well, that’s logical. Right?  

Perhaps this was a serious attempt by a male-dominated society to demonstrate that women have no right to pockets because they can never be financially independent and are only meant to be the perfect wife by her husband’s side.

Why should a woman have pockets when her husband can meet all her needs and necessities?! A lady doesn’t need to possess something of so much value!! 

During the world wars, when the revolution of women’s empowerment was gaining momentum and women were finally breaking stereotypes and demanding the rights that were rightfully theirs to take, this sexiest notion was met with a huge outrage! 

Take that 19th-century sexist society! 

HAIL THE COURAGEOUS LADIES, MAY YOU LEND US YOUR RENEGADE POWER!!  

A committee called the Rational Dress Society forged an official complaint back in the 1800s to demand the increase of functionality in women’s clothes. With the waves of the war in full swing, women’s pants with large pockets finally became a trend!

Alas, if only it lasted longer!

THE 21ST CENTURY ISN’T ANY BETTER

It was as if women’s relationship with pockets was doomed from the very start! After World War, women were yet again forced to become a victim of the patriarchy which demanded that they discard the clumsy fits and tomboyish clothes to revert to a more “feminine” appearance.  

The pressure from society, the phase of the trendy skinny jeans and skin-tight clothes, yet again saw the mysterious disappearance of pockets and appearance of the fake ones instead! 

THE MODERN-DAY CULPRIT!

In this era, the absence of pockets has more to do with good business economics which has ultimately normalized the notions of sexism and patriarchy alive. 

With the advent of designer bags and the massive industry that it is today, dress brands with pockets are struggling to make women’s clothes with pockets a new trend! If by some miraculous charm, women’s clothing brands dared to invent outfits with pockets, the entire handbag industry will struggle to thrive.  

POCKETS- NEED OF THE HOUR!!

Why is it so that it’s only men who get to have pockets where they can fit in their wallets, lunch boxes, horses, and even their entire house?!? Even a baby’s clothing has more functional elements! 

The quest for demanding pocket rights will continue unless you awaken the rebel in you and break the double standards! 

Take your step into a world filled with fashionable women’s clothing with functional pockets starting with ENTREPOWER! 

From pastel prints to rebellious red to serene blue, Entrepower has an exclusive selection of office apparel embroidered to ignite the queen in you and help you rule the throne that’s rightfully yours!