Dress Codes: Why don’t women get as many pockets as men?

CNN - Apr 9th, 2025
Open on CNN

The article explores the historical and ongoing disparity in the presence of pockets in women's clothing compared to men's. Notable examples include high-profile events like the 2023 Met Gala where Dua Lipa's Chanel gown with pockets was celebrated, and Emma Stone's playful use of pockets at SNL's anniversary. Despite a clear demand for pockets in women's fashion, they remain a rarity, often replaced by impractical or fake alternatives. Apparel design expert Hannah Carlson traces this back to historical gender norms, where pockets in menswear became symbols of utility and independence, while women's clothing was relegated to decorative purposes.

The absence of functional pockets in women's apparel underscores broader gender inequality and has historical roots in societal views on gender roles. While men's clothing evolved to include various pockets as a staple, women's fashion was restricted by societal norms that valued aesthetics over practicality. This disparity was amplified during significant cultural movements, such as the Suffrage movement, and persists today with fast fashion and design choices prioritizing fit over utility. Pockets remain a symbolic point of contention, reflecting ongoing issues of gender inequality in fashion and society at large.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the historical and cultural evolution of pockets in women's clothing, highlighting the issue as a symbol of gender inequality. It effectively combines historical context with contemporary examples, making the topic relevant and accessible to a broad audience. The article is well-researched, with credible sources and clear narrative structure, although it could benefit from a broader range of perspectives, particularly from contemporary fashion industry stakeholders. Overall, the article is informative and thought-provoking, encouraging readers to reflect on the implications of design choices in fashion and their connection to gender equality.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article provides a detailed historical account of the evolution of pockets in women's clothing, claiming that pockets originated as drawstring bags in men's breeches in the 1550s. This aligns with historical records that suggest the early use of pockets in men's fashion. The article accurately cites the disparity in pocket sizes between men's and women's clothing, referencing a 2018 study that found significant differences in pocket dimensions. However, some claims, such as the exact timeline of pockets becoming a symbol of gender inequality, need more precise historical evidence. Additionally, the article mentions cultural and social implications, like pockets being associated with masculinity, which are supported by historical analyses. Overall, the article is largely accurate, though some historical claims could benefit from additional verification.

7
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the historical and cultural aspects of pocket disparity in women's clothing, presenting a perspective that highlights gender inequality. While it effectively covers the historical context, it lacks viewpoints from contemporary fashion designers or industry experts who might offer insights into current trends and practices. The article could benefit from a more balanced perspective by including arguments from those who may see the lack of pockets as a design choice rather than purely a gender issue. However, it does provide a comprehensive historical narrative that supports its central argument of gender disparity.

9
Clarity

The article is well-structured and clearly written, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the historical evolution of pockets in women's clothing. It uses accessible language and provides sufficient context for readers unfamiliar with the topic. The narrative is engaging, effectively combining historical facts with cultural analysis. The use of examples, such as Dua Lipa's Met Gala dress, helps illustrate the ongoing relevance of the issue. Overall, the article is clear and easy to understand, making it accessible to a broad audience.

8
Source quality

The article cites credible sources, such as Hannah Carlson, an apparel design lecturer, providing authority to its claims about the historical context of pockets. It references historical figures like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Alice Duer Miller, adding depth to its discussion on gender inequality. However, the article could improve by including a broader range of sources, such as interviews with fashion industry professionals or contemporary studies on consumer preferences. Despite this, the sources used are reliable and relevant to the topic, supporting the article's overall credibility.

7
Transparency

The article offers a clear narrative on the historical development of pockets, explaining how they became a symbol of gender inequality. It transparently cites its sources, such as historical figures and studies, providing readers with a basis for the claims made. However, it could enhance transparency by detailing the methodology of the 2018 study it references, allowing readers to understand how pocket sizes were measured and compared. Additionally, a more explicit discussion on the potential biases of the sources used could further improve transparency.

Sources

  1. https://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/9382/are-pockets-an-issue-of-gender-divide
  2. https://qresear.ch/?q=trump&p=4
  3. https://dovetailworkwear.com/blogs/news/the-sexist-history-of-pockets
  4. https://acecomments.mu.nu/?post=401192%3Futm_source%3Dpartner
  5. https://sartorialmagazine.com/fashion-1/2023/11/22/pocket-patriarchy