Why can’t women have pockets?

[MarmitePizza]

I know this isn’t a new idea, but why is it that men get all the pockets?

I was looking at M&S “Family” Christmas Pyjamas (where they do them in the same festive print for men, women and children). I only want them for myself though - not a cheesy matching family photo!

The men’s ones have nice pockets in the trousers, but the women’s… nope!! Why can’t we have useful clothes as well? They’re literally the same but they added in pockets just for men!

AIBU to think women could have pockets too?

(And AIBU to also be slightly glad that as I am so fat I can fit in the men’s ones and have the men’s pocket anyway?!)

Yes - the conversation has evolved. I don’t confine it to pyjamas at all - I think it about all women’s clothes. The trousers I wear for work don’t have pockets. I can’t seem to find a combination where the trousers are comfortable AND have pockets.
I have one dress with pockets and it’s so comfortable to put my hands in them.
I am always hot and never wear a coat, so I don’t even have coat pockets, meaning I have to take a bag with me everywhere.
I have one previous pair of pyjama trousers which are also M&S Men’s Xmas pyjamas. On the rare occasion I have any lounging-around-in-pyjamas time its nice to be able to put your hands in the pockets, or your phone etc as you move around the house.

I always hear this but I just don’t recognise it in reality. Almost all my trousers have pockets, skinny jeans, wider leg jeans, leather trousers, cigarette pants, joggers and all bought from the women’s section.
The only things that don’t see high waist fitted trousers where pockets would ruin the shape and add bulk, or pyjamas and I wouldn’t be any to carry anything around in pockets when I’m going to bed.

My trousers all have pockets but many womens trousers don't have big enough pockets. I want to be able to fit my hands, not just my fingers, keys, cash, phone. Often children's clothes have bigger pockets than women's!

I don't see any reason why women's trousers should gave fewer ot smaller pockets than the same size men's.

Why waste money (fabric and labour) putting pockets on clothes, and sleeves on dresses? Women never carry keys, phone, wallet, tampons or a hanky.

pockets for women

This is one of my pet peeves. I don't want to carry a bag, it just gets full of junk.
I just need pockets.
I was so surprised that I brought a dress once that came with pockets I was so excited whenever anyone complimented me ide say thanks then show them the pockets.

popsyclothing.com

@TheGrimSqueakersFlea

Most of my dresses have pockets eg white stuff

This is one of my pet peeves. I don't want to carry a bag, it just gets full of junk.
I just need pockets.
I always carry my house keys and phone, even if i am only nipping out to put something in the wheelie bin , or popping to the loo at work. I don't want to carry a bag when doing that.

I only take my rucksack if I am out for the day with jumper and water bottle, possible a sandwich. Or if I am walking to get a top up shop. Otherwise I want pockets for my keys and phone.

Women used to have big pockets a long time ago, was very useful for carrying around their own things or as a housekeeper to carry useful larger items in, but at some point it became about a woman's silhouette. Pockets (especially large ones) ruin the lines of a woman's body... therefore pockets were either made very small or removed altogether and this has never been fixed! Women's clothing is still made with their silhouette in mind, appearing sleek with no large lumps and bumps are what is considered important over functionality. I wonder if it is somehow being propelled by the large bag fashion industry too, seeing as we only 'need' large bags because we don't have pockets to keep our everyday things in and if we suddenly started getting large useful pockets we'd likely eschew our bags (I personally would much rather use pockets than have a bag over my shoulder all the time).

Exactly! I would be put off buying a dress with pockets for this reason. They are unflattering and change the way the dress sits making anyone with hips look bigger than they are. I’ve never owned a jacket or jeans that doesn’t have pockets. It’s purely aesthetic, it’s ridiculous to think it’s some anti feminist conspiracy. 🙄

Have you compared the pockets to those in similarly sized men's clothing? They may have pockets but they are much smaller. Women are being shortchanged.

I don't understand why a women's silhouette would matter more than a man's? I don't look any worse with things in my pockets than a man.

I’m 5ft 1, I don’t think I’ve met any men who are similarly sized to me so not really comparable. I would expect my pockets to be less generous than DPs who is almost a foot taller due to the fact there’s more fabric used in making them.

Compared to a boys size 12 or 14 then

Heck some of my 3 year olds pockets are bigger than mine!

I have XS mens pyjamas and the pockets are huge

I never use the pockets

They're never deep enough and I don't want to lose or drop anything out of them

Maybe it’s a body type thing then. I certainly do look worse with pockets. I suppose if I had a more slim athletic build then this might not be the case. 🤔

I personally can't stand pockets. I usually wear dresses and I have absolutely zero desire to add unnecessary bulk to my clothes. In fact, I usually have to spend time REMOVING those dreaded in-seam pockets from dresses. Boden, I'm giving you VERY dirty looks!

people who are saying that trouser pockets make their hips look big (are the pockets gaping, can you see the lining?) are wearing trousers that are too small. I see it on men a lot too.

I want pockets in my clothes because at work i need my key-card a lot, and i don't want it round my neck on a lanyard. Small dress pockets are ok for that and the tissue i always need. But again: if you don't want pockets, cut them off and sew up the seam, and leave them for those of us who want them.

I agree with you but I do think that most of the reason is probably about the silhouette / shape that pockets create. Pockets can make some garments look bulkier and less streamlined, and lots of women might not want that, even if they like the idea of having pockets. And no that probably doesn't matter in pyjamas, but then I can't imagine why I'd need pockets in pyjamas anyway!

For the non-Victorians among us, pockets can be easily added or extended to the desired size. If you are good at sewing and dressmaking. I'm not.
If I buy an item, I want it to be fit for purpose, if it doesn't have pockets, I don't buy it.

Pyjamas need a chest pocket and side pockets. e.g. specs, phone, keys and hanky. They're worn outside the bedroom e.g for breakfast and late evening.

I'd rather look a mess than not have pockets.