Despite the variety of jeans models, the number of pockets in men's jeans often remains the same. According to tradition, there are five of them.
4 regular-sized pockets have a practical purpose: they store small things, money, keys, etc.
The fifth pocket differs from the others in its size; it is smaller than the others. This pocket often causes confusion among jeans owners. Let's try to figure out why they sew a small pocket onto jeans, into which you can't put much.
First appearance of a small pocket on jeans
The history of fashion knows exactly when an unusual pocket appeared on jeans. The age of this detail is approaching one and a half centuries.
Reference! Customers first saw it on pants in 1873. Levi's introduced a new tradition.
Back in 1873, the company released a new model of its jeans - 501 XX, which differed from others by the presence of a fifth pocket.
The author of this element is considered to be American designer M. Regalo.He came up with a compartment that, according to one version, was intended specifically for storing watches. This is exactly how it was designated in the catalogues: “watch pocket”.
However, initially, jeans owners used it for more than just watches. The “Gold Rush” that reigned in America at that time suggested a different purpose. The small, tight compartment was convenient for separate storage of washed-up gold nuggets, and was used for this purpose by many cowboys.
Classic uses for a small pocket on jeans
Gradually, the additional compartment began to be used for other purposes.
Watch
For a long time it was still used for watches, which in those days were not wristwatches. The watch chain was attached to the belt, and the case lay inside the recess.
Coins
The pocket turned out to be very convenient for storing small coins. It didn't take long to look for them among other things.
Small items
This detail was also appreciated by craftsmen who used strong and durable trousers as work clothes. Small parts (small nails, nuts, bolts, washers, etc.) were not lost and were always at hand.
Lighters
Smokers have found another purpose for the small decorative detail. It fit the Zippo lighter perfectly.
Romantic attributes
The lovers used the tiny compartment in their own way. At the right moment, either folded notes of romantic content, or rings indicating the seriousness of intentions, or contraceptives were taken out from there.
Medicines
There is another version associated with the designer M. Regalo. In accordance with it, it is believed that the author of the idea created a part for storing medicines, and possibly concealing prohibited drugs.
Reference! The fifth pocket in those days was called not only a “watch pocket”, but also a pocket for medicines – a “drugs packet”.
Personal talismans
It was considered important to constantly wear small amulets or talismans, which promised good luck and luck in business. Hidden in a pocket, they were invisible to prying eyes, but instilled confidence in their owner.
Modern use of a small pocket
Changes that occur in life have expanded the purpose of the fifth pocket and led to new options for its use.
Appearance cell phones forced us to look for a suitable place for them. A small denim pocket solved this problem.
It was also convenient to use it to deal with removed sunglasses. They were not inserted, but secured with a bow on the fabric, leaving the glasses on top of the trousers.
Many jeans owners develop individual habits. Some people know that they always have a small knife, others make it a place for chewing gum, others adapted for storing things purchased in transport ticket.
New technologies and the special purpose of the small pocket in Levi’s jeans models
Levi's, the first to add a fifth pocket to its models, is still ahead today. Professionals managed to combine classics and modernity.
And now the mini-department has received serious practical application. Buyers noticed that on the new model of Red Wire DLX jeans, the now familiar attribute of jeans looks new. It has a white leather overlay.
But the main difference between the model is the contents of the compartment. The owner of these trousers, along with the clothes, receives built-in headphones, a joystick, and special terminals. Thanks to this, the manufacturer combined clothes with iPOD, and the buyer received maximum convenience in working with it, because you can control the device using a joystick even when the iPOD remains in your pocket.
Important! All devices equipped with the Red Wire DLX model are detachable, making it easy to care for the product.
So a small pocket, which appeared as a decorative detail, became a practical and convenient addition to jeans.