Fashion Elements: Understanding Pockets

We all love pockets so lets learn a little about the different types of pockets out there. Personally my favourite pocket is a clean hidden in-seam pocket.

Flap Pocket

Literally a flap, the exterior of the pocket only exposes a flap. There could be a real pocket under or maybe its just created for decorative purposes.

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Miu Miu 2013 retrieved from NY Mag

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Single Welt Pocket

Great way to bring attention to a pocket by framing it with a welt. 

Mostly seen on jackets and outerwear. 

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Unknown designer retrieved from NY Mag

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Double Welt Pocket

Common on dress pants and blazers. Two slim horizontal rectangles (welts) made of the same fabric as the garment line up to create a pocket opening.

Can also be called a bound pocket, similar look to a bound buttonhole.

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Victoria Secret 2013

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Side Seam/ In-Seam Pocket

This is a very inconspicuous pocket. Normally you can not tell a pocket even exists until a wearer places their hand in pocket.

Typically placed along the side-seam or any other common seam in a garment easily accessible to a hand.

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Akris 2013 retreived from NY Mag

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Patch Pocket

Most common couture pocket is a patch style pocket.

It is a patch sewn onto the exterior of a garment. This Kenzo 2013 example is out of leather to match the sleeves.

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Kenzo 2013 retreived from NY Mag

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Bellows Pocket

Outdoor and safari inspired. Key to make this a bellows pocket is the box pleat down the center.

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Oscar de la Renta 2013 retreived from NY Mag

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Safari Pocket

Similar to the bellows pocket, but now the box pleat has been flipped to create an inverted box pleat.

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Victoria Beckham 2013 retreived from NY Mag

Pockets can be designed to be functional or for pure aesthetic reasons. Regardless, they make for a chic design detail on any garment.

Happy Sewing!
Written by Sheila Wong