In Defense of Pockets: Why Women Still Look for Function in Fashion

There are few things in life as disappointing as slipping your hand into a dress pocket only to discover that it’s fake. For decades, women have been asking a deceptively simple question: why can’t our clothes have functional pockets? And yet, fashion often insists on giving us the illusion of practicality without the reality of it.

A Brief History of Pockets

In the 17th and 18th centuries, women had tie-on pockets, separate pouches hidden beneath voluminous skirts, roomy enough to carry keys, coins, even letters. Men, on the other hand, had stitched-in pockets in their coats and trousers, neatly woven into their daily attire.

But as fashion silhouettes slimmed in the 19th century, women’s tie-on pockets disappeared. Dresses became more form-fitting, and bulky pouches were no longer considered “ladylike.” Enter the handbag: an accessory that was less about function and more about reinforcing social norms. Men kept their pockets; women carried bags.

By the 20th century, the pattern was cemented. Men’s suits came with layers of deep, structured pockets — for pens, watches, business cards, even cigars. Women’s fashion? Decorative seams, false pockets, or none at all. It wasn’t just about design; it was about control. Pockets symbolized independence. If you could carry your own essentials, you didn’t need someone else to hold them for you. And for many years, that freedom was considered “unfeminine.”

The history-making all-female and all-Black battalion in the Women’s Army Corps in 1945. Their uniforms included faux breast pockets and minimal carrying space." (U.S. Army Photo/AP)

The Modern Pocket Problem

Fast forward to today, and we’re still celebrating whenever a dress or coat comes with “real pockets.” Entire memes are dedicated to the joy of announcing, “Thanks, it has pockets!” when someone compliments your outfit. Why? Because it’s still rare enough to feel like a victory.

The problem isn’t just about convenience. It’s about the message fashion sends. A lack of pockets implies women’s clothes are meant for appearance, not utility. That looking good should come at the expense of practicality. That elegance and functionality are mutually exclusive.

But here’s the truth: women deserve clothes that work as hard as they do. A pocket may seem like a small detail, but it’s a symbol of autonomy, freedom, and the blending of beauty with purpose.

Designing with Both Beauty and Purpose

That’s why the conversation around pockets isn’t just about stitching , it’s about rewriting the rules of what women’s fashion should be. When a garment includes well-placed, functional pockets, it’s saying: your lifestyle matters; your ease matters; your freedom matters.

At House of Yamina, we embrace this philosophy. Our tailoring celebrates heritage fabrics like tweed and cotton, while never forgetting the practical details that make a garment truly wearable. Yes, elegance comes first but what is elegance without ease? Pockets aren’t an afterthought, they’re part of the design language. They’re proof that a suit or jacket can make you feel powerful while letting you live powerfully, too.

All in all,

Fashion is more than aesthetics. It's a reflection of values. And in 2025, women should no longer have to fight for something as simple as a pocket. Because in the end, pockets are not just about carrying things. They’re about carrying yourself, with confidence, independence, and ease.

So here’s to pockets: small but mighty, quiet symbols of freedom stitched into the very fabric of our lives.