Pocket facts for kids
A pocket is like a small bag or pouch that's built right into your clothes! It's an opening in the fabric, usually shaped to hold small things. Pockets are super handy for keeping your money, keys, phone, or other little treasures safe and close by.
You can find pockets on all sorts of clothes, like pants, shirts, skirts, and dresses. They come in many different styles and shapes. Some pockets close with zippers or buttons, while others are open. But not all clothes have pockets – sometimes you have to carry a separate bag!
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The History of Pockets
Before pockets were sewn directly into clothes, people used small bags or pouches. These were often tied to a belt or hidden under their clothing. In the 15th century, for example, peasants would hang pouches from their belts to carry items.
Over time, clothing designers started adding pockets right into the garments. This made it much easier and safer to carry personal items. By the 18th century, women often wore "hanging pockets" under their skirts, which were separate pouches tied around their waist. Men's clothing, especially coats and trousers, began to feature more built-in pockets.
Different Kinds of Pockets
Pockets come in many designs, each with a special purpose or look. Here are a few common types:
Patch Pockets
A patch pocket is a piece of fabric sewn onto the outside of a garment. It's like a patch! You often see these on the back of jeans or on casual shirts. They can be plain or have fancy topstitching and designs.
Flap Pockets
A flap pocket has a flap of fabric that covers the opening. This flap can be plain or have a button to keep it closed, adding extra security for your items. These are common on jackets and some trousers.
Side Seam Pockets
A side seam pocket is hidden inside the seam of a garment, usually on the side of pants or skirts. They are often less noticeable because they blend into the clothing's design.
Welt Pockets
A welt pocket (also called a jetted pocket or bound pocket) is a sleek, flat pocket often found on dress pants or suit jackets. It has a narrow opening that is finished with a small strip of fabric, making it look very neat and tidy.
Images for kids
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Patch pocket with topstitching and bar tacking on the back of a pair of blue jeans.
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Pockets hang from belts as 15th-century peasants thresh siligo wheat in a Tacuinum Sanitatis
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18th-century woman's hanging pocket
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Patch pocket with pocket square
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Patch pocket with topstitching
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J patch pocket
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Flap pocket
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Buttoned-flap patch pocket with box pleat
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Sideseam pocket
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Double-jetted pocket
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Stand or single-welt pocket
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18th century-style hanging pockets
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Parts of a tailored pocket
See also
In Spanish: Bolsillo para niños
