Dr. Ambs Aremuorin

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Hi, Let’s Talk Pockets

It’s the little things in life that matter—like pockets. Or, for women, the lack thereof. If you’ve ever wondered why so many women’s clothing items come without functional pockets, buckle up. This is more than a fashion faux pas; it’s a psychological, economic, political, and cultural rabbit hole that dates back centuries.

Pockets: The Pros, Cons, and Hidden Agenda

The Pros of Pockets

• Utility: Pockets offer independence and freedom. Carrying a wallet, phone, or even snacks? No problem—if you have them.

• Privacy: No need for external bags that are subject to searches.

• Convenience: Hands-free living is a dream.

The Cons of No Pockets

• Dependency: Without pockets, women have had to rely on handbags or external storage.

• Cost: This dependency feeds into the multi-billion-dollar handbag industry.

• Inconvenience: Without functional pockets, women are left frustrated and constrained.

Who Benefits? Fashion designers and industries profit from forcing women to buy accessories, perpetuating a cycle of beauty over practicality.

Pockets Through History: A Tale of Power and Control

In the 17th century, men had sewn-in pockets while women relied on pouches tied under their skirts. As women’s fashion shifted to slimmer silhouettes in the 18th century, those pouches disappeared, leaving women without the freedom to carry personal belongings discreetly.

By the 19th century, handbags became the norm. And guess what? Bags could be checked and searched—limiting autonomy even further. It was a subtle yet powerful way of controlling women’s privacy and independence.

“Fashion reflects the power dynamics of society,” says Dr. Elizabeth Way, fashion historian at The Museum at FIT. “Pockets—or the lack of them—were political.”

Modern Pockets, Same Old Problem

The Psychological Effects

The lack of functional pockets sends a subtle yet persistent message: aesthetics matter more than practicality. This reinforces gendered expectations of appearance and utility.

Studies show that women are more likely than men to carry emotional labor through meticulous planning (mental lists for items they need, including how to carry them). This creates an invisible but real burden.

The Economic Impact

A handbag can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, creating an additional expense men typically avoid. Meanwhile, fashion brands profit immensely from designing impractical clothing.

The Political Undertone

Fashion is power. The absence of functional pockets symbolizes an enduring struggle over autonomy and freedom. Women’s inability to carry their own essentials without additional baggage reflects the larger societal structures that still prioritize control over liberation.

Who Wins and Who Loses?

• Winners: Fashion designers, handbag manufacturers, and industries profiting from accessories.

• Losers: Women, who continue to face daily frustrations and the hidden costs of impractical design.

Parallels Between Past and Present Societies

While older societies explicitly designed women’s clothing to reflect their subservient roles, modern society does so covertly. We see the same issues: beauty over utility, control over freedom.

For example:

• Then: Pouches replaced by handbags, making women dependent.

• Now: Designer handbags marketed as status symbols, further commodifying women’s needs.

How Do We Shift This?

1. Demand Functional Design: Support brands that prioritize utility in women’s clothing.

2. Raise Awareness: Share the historical and cultural implications of pockets to highlight the issue.

3. Advocate for Inclusivity: Push for design equality in fashion.

4. Support Female Designers: Women designing for women can help address these oversights.

Making It Happen

Change begins with consumers. Start asking: Why doesn’t this dress have pockets? Why are these pants designed this way? When brands see demand, they will respond.

A Closing Thought

A split image: On one side, a historical depiction of women in 18th-century fashion holding pouches. On the other, a modern woman wearing a sleek suit with deep, functional pockets. She stands confidently, hands in her pockets, while handbags lie discarded at her feet.

If men had to live without pockets for a week, they’d riot. Women? They’ve been carrying the weight (literally) for centuries—and not just in bags. Let’s lighten the load and give pockets the power they deserve.

Aremuorin is a multi-award-winning artist, writer, and humanitarian, known for his unique fusion of music, writing, and advocacy. With a focus on empowerment and social justice, his work aims to inspire, educate, and uplift communities worldwide. Aremuorin has been honored with numerous accolades, including awards in the UK, USA, and Africa, and holds two honorary doctorate degrees for his contributions to both the arts and humanitarian work. His artistry goes beyond entertainment, as he uses his platform to bring attention to issues of mental health, social change, and cultural pride.

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