You know that small, fifth pocket on your jeans? The one that isn’t necessarily a fake pocket but also doesn’t really serve a function (besides maybe holding some coins or your chapstick)? Turns out there’s a fascinating, little-known history behind it.
It was designed for pocket watches!
It dates back to the 19th century — 1879, to be exact — the year Levi Strauss & Co. released the first blue jeans and waist overalls during the California gold rush (the OG Lot 501 style). Because they were designed for working men — think carpenters, railroad workers, and miners — functionality reigned supreme. Men needed a place to store their pocket watches, and this mini front pocket was the solution.
To this day, Levi’s (as well as a slew of other brands) still includes the feature to honor the integrity of the original design. In fact, the only time the jeans went without the small pockets was during World War II when, in an effort to conserve metal, the two corner copper rivets that hold the pocket in place were removed.
For the most part, the tiny pocket is located in the front next to the bigger pocket, but it can also be within the main pocket.
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