Whether you are a jeans enthusiast or prefer wearing suit pants, you probably noticed one small and unusual detail on your clothes. Have you ever asked yourself what is the small pocket on jeans for? Not the one at the back or sides, but that small one located inside the regular pocket.
Nowadays, it is pretty useless, but it had a purpose in the past. It’s been called different names. From a coin pocket, frontier pocket, and match pocket to a ticket pocket, to name a few. However, it has always been a bit of a mystery. Why do jeans have it? Here is the story about it.
A Brief History of Small Pocket
Small pockets go hand in hand with the discovery of jeans, or how they originally were called “waist overalls.” These blue jeans were made by Levi Strauss & Co., and they appeared on May 20, 1873. The jeans named Lot 501, or as we know them today as 501, were put into mass in 1890.
The watch pocket was the feature of the first Levi overall jeans. Levi historian says that the oldest pair made by Levi has a little pocket. This model of jeans is patented. According to Levi, there were only five pockets on blue jeans, including the pocket one.
Did You Know: What’s the Purpose of the Tiny Pocket That Comes on Denim Jeans?
The tiny pockets on jeans were designed for a pocket watch. Since the chain watch was one of the statements for cowboys, besides their guns, this pocket has a significant role. It served as a protection for the pocket watch from scratching or being stolen. And that is why Levi created a small fifth pocket.
What About Today?
Levi decided to maintain the watch pocket to preserve the integrity of early designs. Actually, all jeans manufacturers did. That is why small pocket is a part of the fashionable world, even nowadays, regardless of the denim styles. And what is the purpose of it?
Back in the 1800s, a pocket watch was a must-have accessory. No one carries a pocket watch today. Except you are going to the costume party as a time traveler. Nowadays, most people do not even notice the small pocket. Some are still using it, though. And for what?
People use the pocket to carry AirPods, pins, money, and coins. Some people carry lighters there (Zippo fits perfectly). Others think it is cool even to carry a pocket watch. If you inherited one from your grandfather, try wearing it with a chain, and you will undoubtedly turn some heads.
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