The small pocket on jeans is for... What is this small pocket on jeans for? What the creators say

Surely you have at least one pair of jeans. And these jeans are almost guaranteed to have something like this on them. small pocket, which timidly peeks out of the front right pocket. This combination comes in the standard five-pocket design for jeans.

But how and when did this little pocket appear? Do you use it? For what? Most likely, you, like me, are not putting in there what it is intended for. Although, there was a time when I was much younger, and I kept exactly what was supposed to be there.

Let's start our story in 1873 with these two guys:

These are Jacob Davis (born in Riga, originally named Jacob Yofis) and Levi Strauss (Loeb Strauss from Bavaria). They both immigrated to the United States in the mid-19th century, Americanized their names, and began making clothing. Strauss had been making durable cotton work pants for 20 years when Davis contacted him. He wrote that he had come up with a new way to produce durable pants, and offered Strauss cooperation. Davis himself simply could not raise the $68 needed to patent the idea (in today's money that's more than $1,300). The men received a patent together and began producing jeans based on Levi Strauss & Co. (although at first they were called “work overalls”).

Davis's invention was to fasten frequently torn parts of pants with copper rivets. It is for this, and not at all for durable fabric, or a new style, that Levi Strauss & Co. received her jeans patent in 1873.

The first models of jeans had only three pockets: two in the front, and one (right) in the back.

But in 1890, the company decided to introduce an innovation, a small watch pocket. In all company documents it is called “watch pocket”. The size was specifically chosen to fit most pocket watches of the time.

Only many years later, at the beginning of the 20th century, a second back pocket was added to Levi's jeans, which became the last of the “five pockets.” A small watch pocket was the fourth.

When I was at university, I wore just such a pocket watch on a chain, which I put in this pocket. At the time, I was very pleased with how well this “hidden change pocket” fit my watch. Then it never occurred to me that I was using the pocket for its intended purpose!

Levi's design was popular and was adopted by many other jeans manufacturers and others. Today, the five-pocket style can be found on a huge number of different pants.

The exception is trousers designed to be worn with a suit. They do not have a pocket for a watch, because traditionally it was believed that when putting on a suit, a man would put his watch in one of his pockets, or in a vest pocket.

During World War II, Levi's changed the design slightly by removing two rivets from the top corners of the watch pocket. In this way, the company supported the economy of metal for military needs.

Over time, the fashion for pocket watches went away. Today they are worn only by old-fashioned grandfathers and teenagers trying to somehow distinguish themselves from their peers (my case). And in the watch pockets they put everything from small change and lighters to condoms.

Levi's representatives say that the company is not removing this outdated pocket out of a desire to preserve the original design.

I got rid of my pocket watch a long time ago, I wear it now

Most jeans have a small pocket that is never used by the wearer. The “fifth” pocket is found on classic models and all men's versions. This detail was not always present in the cut of jeans. The attribute appeared in 1873 on the first models of the manufacturer Levi’s (USA).

History of the “fifth” pocket

Until the twentieth century, denim clothing was used as work uniform. Dense twill weaving allowed the fabric to withstand high loads and be resistant to tearing. The first models had only two front pockets for small items. With the expansion of the field of application in cut modeling, 2 details were added. Among these innovations was a “fifth” pocket.

INTERESTING: initially the small pocket was the fourth in a row. The rear left pocket appeared only in 1901.

• Levi's (USA) became a trendsetter and brought denim clothing out of workwear. Elements have been added to everyday models to make storage tasks easier useful little things. Among these innovations was an additional pocket.
• The sponsor of the clothing modernization was Zippo. They signed a contract with Levi's to introduce a miniature pocket for their famous lighters. The name of this element “watch pocket” has been preserved to this day.
• However, jeans lovers used the “gift” from the brand in their own way. Workers used it to store nails. Gold miners placed the rarest nuggets in it. Initially, the pocket dimensions are adjusted to fit early versions Zippo lighters.

What do the creators say?

In response to numerous user requests, Levi’s released a special “Fifth Pocket commercial” video in 2009. The story, presented in a humorous manner, tells the story of the resourceful owner of the Levi’s 501 model.

According to the plot, a young man receives favor from the mistress of a criminal element. At the moment of handing over the key to her chambers, it is searched by security. However, their searches were unsuccessful. The treasured key is hidden in a tightly pressed pocket.

The motto of the video: I love this commercial…

The real purpose of the pocket

In addition to the humorous presentation of the idea of ​​​​creating a pocket, Levi’s posted a list of descriptions on its official website. One of the purposes of the “fifth” element is to store small items. It is quite roomy and fits snugly, even if the trousers are unbuttoned. The size of the pocket is universal for any metal currency of the World.

The first customers and consumers of Levi's denim products were cowboys. Taking into account the needs of their users, fashion designers calculated the parameters of the pocket for storing cartridge capsules. This is one of the optional uses of the pocket.

The pocket holds various travel items. A small multitool fits well here. The tightly pressed edge is suitable for securing a folding knife clip.

One of the primary purposes of the pocket was to carry a watch. Initially, they were on a chain and special pockets were sewn onto clothes for them. Middle-class Central Americans wore them clipped to their belts. It is for such cases that Levi’s thought of a little surprise for its customers. This is evidenced by the self-name of the element “watch pocket”, which translated means “watch pocket.”

Anatomy of a pocket: dimensions and material

The idea of ​​strengthening work pants with rivets made Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss rich. Their pants didn't tear when long-term operation, which was the key to the popularity of Levi's clothing. The addition of an extra pocket gave them the opportunity to reinforce the waist area. In this place, the tension on the tissue is applied with double force. So the introduction of a pocket became a strategic decision for the entire line of clothing from a well-known manufacturer.

The initial dimensions of the pocket are 57x37x13 mm. Can vary up or down. The fabric on the pocket was laid in 2 layers or made with a higher weaving density. As a result, the pocket wall kept its shape in any state (tensioned or relaxed fabric).

Initially, the pocket was actively used for its intended purpose. With the advent of the technical revolution, pendant clocks gave way to hand clocks. The pocket remained “idle.” However, he has repeatedly become a source of inspiration.

In 1983, an advertisement promoting health protection against AIDS was withdrawn. The advertisement features a pocket as a place to store contraceptives. The idea came to the right place, that for many its use was clearly defined.

The 1993 film about the favorite of American teenagers, Lucky Luke, was not complete without the demonstration of the fifth pocket. A famous fictional marksman uses it to carry mints, which replace the cigars familiar to cowboys. This has become a reason for many to carry pills or chewing gum in their fifth pocket.

Surely we are all familiar with the classic look of jeans: straight legs and five pockets: one on each side in front and back and another small pocket protruding above the right front pocket. But not everyone knows what this small pocket on jeans is for.

Why a small pocket on jeans?

The first fifth pocket on jeans appeared in the Levi's 501 XX model almost 150 years ago, in 1873. By the way, at that time it was not the fifth, but the fourth pocket, since classic jeans of that time had only one pocket at the back, the second appeared later.

There are three main versions of why Levi's designers added this tiny pocket on the front. The most likely of them is that it was intended for wearing pocket watches on a chain, which at that time were much more widespread than now. On the jeans model of those times, this small pocket was slightly larger than we are used to seeing it now, and the watch would have fit in it quite well.

The second version of the appearance of this pocket is as follows: since jeans were then purely work clothes, it was stitched onto jeans for the convenience of workers. They could store various small things in it that were easy to lose. So, gold miners could put small nuggets there, and carpenters, for example, carnations.

Finally, there is also a popular version that the pocket was intended to carry a Zippo lighter, which at that time was used by most cowboys, whose main clothing was jeans. This version even explains the decrease in pocket size over time. Thus, after some time the popular Zippo lighters were supplanted by Cricket lighters, which fit perfectly into a modern-sized pocket.

Why do you need a small pocket on jeans now?

Over time, the classic shape of jeans with five pockets became established, and more and more explanations appeared among people about what the smallest of them should be used for. So, at one time it was believed that it was suitable for storing small coins, which were then necessary for using payphones. Later, a version appeared that this was a pocket for a condom, since its packaging easily fit there. Many also carried a penknife in this pocket. Nowadays, this pocket is more of a tribute to the classic cut of old jeans than a truly functional device, but many continue to store various necessary little things in it: paper clips, packs of chewing gum, coins, a small amount of cash.

Reading time: 4 minutes

Every year, more than 450,000 pairs of jeans are sold in America alone, not to mention the rest of the world. And how many owners of this wardrobe item have wondered why there is a small pocket on jeans and who invented it. To many, the part may seem completely inappropriate and inconvenient, especially when small objects get stuck, when the finger treacherously does not fit into a tight space. But without a pocket, jeans will no longer be real jeans. It is clear that this is not just a piece of decoration, and it is not a matter of fashionable characteristics; originally it had a specific function. Designers and historians are still arguing about what exactly the pocket was intended for, and some of the versions even sound absurd.

A little history or the main version of the small pocket

The history of the appearance of denim products goes back to the distant 15th century. Italian sailors made trousers by sewing together coarse linen fabric, since there was no need to sew sails. Subsequently, canvas clothing began to be called “Jenes”, and then the sound changed to American, and “Jenes” turned into “Jeans”.

In 1853, Levi Strauss decided to sew pants for sale for $1.20. The canvas pants turned out to be so comfortable that the young tailor began to have queues of customers. Later, Levi began to look for clients by visiting gold mines.

In the 1860s, canvas products fell in demand because the pockets were quickly torn off by the weight of gold nuggets and gold mining tools. This influenced Jacob Davis, who came up with a special device to strengthen the pocket area.

Interesting fact

Soon a new complaint was received - small gold grains were lost in the stretched compartments of the pockets. Therefore, tailors came up with a way to secure the gold they found by sewing an additional tiny pocket.

This is how the history of the American company Levi’s began.

Small pocket in the masses

It’s clear how the first small pocket on jeans appeared, but when did it happen? global change, and they started sewing on pockets not for gold miners, but for the ordinary population of America? In 1890, Levi's decided to follow fashion trends and develop special-sized pockets for watches on a chain. Around the same time period, watches for global consumption were released, offering simple, rugged, but reliable models that became favorites among cowboys and hard workers. In the brand's catalogue, the pocket is designated as “Watch Pocket”.

Interesting fact

Most consider the small attribute to be the fifth pocket on jeans, however, the fifth appeared only in 1901, and was considered the second back pocket.

Other pocket versions

The fashion for watches with a chain is a thing of the past, but why are there pockets left? Representatives of the American brand claim that they have not deprived denim pants of a classic attribute, from simple wish maintain the original appearance. Not all historians adhere to the version of the creation of the denim pocket by gold miners and those who like to track the passage of time, so other creation stories have appeared.

For the cowboys

Jeans are initially an American brand, therefore, the primacy of pocket creation is given to cattle herders from the Wild West:

• the first version of the cowboy story is based on the addiction to smoking, so the small pocket is designed to store a lighter, which fits perfectly, and during the races smoking accessories do not get lost;
• the second option lies in the attitude of the American towards firearms- the pocket was used to store special capsules that ignite the powder charge.

For workers

Initially, why do you need a pocket, there was a version designed for the convenience of a simple worker, where it was easy to find small items in the pocket: nails, hardware, rivets, pins. With constant movement and bending of the body, the size of the pocket did not allow a sharp object to dig into the body. Thanks to its dimensions, a folding knife could easily fit into the pocket, which simplified the search for the necessary tool.

For storing coins

In the distant past, to pay for needs, a couple of minted coins were enough, which could get lost in bulky pants pockets. But it turned out to be convenient to throw small money into a narrow pocket, which gave rise to the version of the appearance of an additional detail. Later, with the advent of payphones, the pocket began to be used to store small change, which made it possible to easily pay for a telephone conversation.

In fact, all this is more suitable not for appearance versions, but for what a small pocket on jeans can be used for. And, thanks to the changes in modern world, this detail is not so unnecessary.

For owners of denim products, the pocket is a kind of secret storage that everyone uses for their own purpose:

• storage place for glasses (if you put the frames in your pocket, the glasses will not be damaged);
• a safe place for contraceptives;
• medicines;
• MP3 player or iPod;
• chewing gum;
• ticket with public transport;
• talisman and so on.

battery in a safe place

candy for those with a sweet tooth

lip gloss in a small pocket

Today, the famous Levi's brand is still one step ahead. And now, a mini-detail in the new Red Wire DLX has a leather pad with a built-in music system together with an iPod, including: headphones, terminals and a special joystick. So, in the denim world, the small pocket continues to improve and does not lose its practicality.

A short video that answers the question “why have a small pocket on jeans?”:

Perhaps today there is no person who does not have jeans in his wardrobe, because this model of pants is not only very practical, but also stylish. Their laconic design is distinguished by its convenience, which is created by a special cut and the presence of pockets. We’ll talk about one of them today – the smallest one, located on the right side inside the main pocket, because probably many have wondered – what is it intended for?

A little history

As you know, the first jeans appeared as uniform for workers - gold miners. They valued thick denim pants for their comfort, reliability and long service life. Cowboys of the Wild West Those who had to spend long periods of time on horseback also appreciated jeans, and over time they became, along with the cowboy hat, the personification of their era.

It is the period of the gold rush and the dominance of cowboys that is associated with the creation of jeans with a small pocket on the right side, located inside the main pocket. It appeared in 1873, when Levi's brand designer Michael Regalo first included this model in the company's catalog.

Major versions

As already noted, jeans served as work clothes, so all their details, including a small pocket, had a practical purpose. And yet, debates about what exactly it was created for still rage. Let's look at the main versions of the appearance of this element of jeans, because some of them are quite entertaining!

Version one: For the cowboys. It is known that they were avid smokers, but, not having large funds to frequently purchase smoking accessories (in particular, the still popular Zippo lighter), they needed special good location for their storage. Small pocket just fit this lighter, and even riding a horse at high speed, the cowboy did not lose it.

Cowboys preferred jeans to other types of clothing because of their practicality and abundance of pockets.

Version two: for watches. At the end of the nineteenth century, the fashion for watches was small round watches, the chain of which was attached to a belt loop, and they themselves were placed in this pocket. Over time, the watch “moved” to the wrist, but the jeans remained with a small pocket.

Version three: for ecstasy lovers. Oddly enough, the small pocket of jeans has its own nickname - “Rugs packet” ( from English"pharmaceutical package"). The police often carried out raids in working-class neighborhoods, and in this pocket it was quite possible to hide several tablets of an illegal drug with a narcotic effect. The version is slightly dubious, but also has a right to exist.

Version four: for gold miners. During the gold rush, workers in the mines found nuggets of all sizes. And since their work was very physically active, there was a risk of losing such an expensive find. That's why denim designers came up with a way to store the gold they found by providing a separate, secure pocket for it.

Such ingots fit well into a small jeans pocket

What can I put in or how can I apply it?

There are a huge number of ways to use the described pocket. At a time when pay phones and payphones were widely used, It was convenient to put coins in it. Now it can easily fit several metro tokens, but modern technologies, putting into use plastic cards, took this function away from my pocket. For those who still prefer to carry some cash with them, this pocket will be very useful - in It can easily accommodate several paper bills.

Small pocket can serve as a "wallet" for small amounts of cash

Since the period of the sexual revolution, many young people began to always carry a condom with them, and this pocket is ideal for a contraceptive in both volume and size.