People have always been fascinated by the latest fashion trends. Not just today, fashion has been important for people since the beginning of time. Its definition however has changed over the years.
Many things were in fashion hundreds of years back but have become obsolete today. From corsets to fontange, many styles were once considered the epitome of fashion but are nowhere to be seen around today.
However, one thing has stuck with the human race for years and years and no one could understand its significance. All those who wear denim jeans might have wondered once in their lifetime that what is that small pocket used for after all.
A small pocket on the right side just above your pocket always left me wondering about its significance. But did you know that it served a purpose in the earlier days?
Reason & The History Behind The Design
These small pockets were made to hold a pocket watch which was a very essential item during that time when denim jeans were introduced as waist overalls.
Jacob Davis, a tailor from Rome had designed tough work trousers for miners from a special fabric. He partnered with Levi Strauss and improved the quality and design and patented it in 1873.
The small pocket was actually intended as a safe place for men to store their pocket watches. The design dates back to Levi’s first-ever pair of jeans, which hit the market in 1879.
According to the Levi Strauss blog, originally there were only four pockets designed on a pair of blue jeans, three in the front (the watch pocket included) and one in the back.
Although the watch pocket has been referred to as the fifth pocket, that honor belongs to the back left pocket, which didn’t appear on Levi’s jeans until 1901.
Current Significance
In today’s day and time, these watch pockets serve absolutely no purpose. Many of us are not even aware of the history it comes with.
Despite the design being redundant, Levi Strauss has kept the design and does not plan to change it anytime soon. The reason behind the company’s decision to maintain the watch pocket is to preserve the integrity of the early design.
