What's the point of dress pockets?

[Draculina]

Basically as the title reads: why do so many people prefer dresses with pockets in them? In my mind, they just make your hips look wider, and if you actually use your pockets to store things in them, you look bumpy and, again, wider than you really are...

Do you prefer dresses with or without pockets, and why?

I rarely wear dresses but I never, unless properly formal, wear clothes without pockets (…maybe that’s why I don’t wear dresses… 🤔). I find carrying a handbag a bit annoying and restrictive and a rucksack is annoying to keep going in and out of. I’d be lost without pockets!

I have my bank card and other cards on my phone so don't need a purse. I don't need reading glasses, an inhaler or the need to use tissues often and I don't wear make up very often.
I go out with my phone and keys in my pocket and thats all I need.

@Draculina wider hips are desirable to many, that’s not the point of having pockets but it’s not as horribly negative to many, as you’re making it sound.

If you are in favour of equality for women you are a feminist.

That women tend to feel good about looking bigger than they are?

I think you need therapy.

Most woman don’t give a shot what others think of them.

Personally, I don't like pockets on trousers apart from jeans.

They are never big enough for my phone or keys so still need a small bag or jacket/coat.

You tell yourself that. It's a great comfort for people to think they're driving the market, not vice versa. 😂

So patronising towards women

Oh, femaleness has nothing to do with it, but neither does it buy anyone a free pass. How unfeminist and sexist would it be to hold women to a lower standard?

It's not because you're a woman. It's because you've said silly things.

I’m so glad you’ve posted this OP! I feel exactly the same. Though I did know about the feminist side of things. I hate pockets on anything other than coats/jackets/blazers.

My hips are shaped so that pockets always gape. I wouldn’t be bothered about the general adding width but the gaping looks shit!

Anything not to have to piss about with a handbag.

I always get dresses with pockets. I have to carry stuff and when I don't have pockets I end up with my hands full.

Easy, I don't have a purse, my phone has a wallet type case, so I keep my store cards and drivers license in the slots. I have my phone linked to my bank card, so one less bit of plastic to carry round. I don't have a massive bunch of keys, door key, alarm key and car key, I have a clip and small torch on my key ring, it fits easily in my pocket or clip on a belt loop.
If I have a cold I'll have tissues in my back pocket. I don't wear makeup, I don't need lip balm, I don't need to carry a hairbrush. I made a pocket belt, so if any clothing doesn't have pockets (looking at you work trousers) I wear my belt.

Glasses are always on my head or nose!

Hear hear. I also like to pace with my hands in my pockets when thinking.

I tend to find that pockets in dresses aren't deep enough to keep my phone secure, although useful for tissues . I am loving a recent purchase of some leggings with pockets on the side though as they hold my phone in place perfectly.

Working women had pockets in their clothes. They tied on like a purse.

Ah, so you're one of those people who thinks women are here for decoration.

And, I presume, to serve men.

Definitely love pockets in dresses. I mainly use pockets for my hands, it's a comfortable way to stand

Reading glasses and tissue and work door entry pass. Love pockets. All my dresses have them, even formal ones.

Re it being a feminist issue, my husband used to moan that he couldn't carry a bag. He hated stuffing everything in pockets. It's not as secure and ruins pockets and lines of good suits.

Our son always has a "man bag" i.e a plain satchel. Husband now has all his heart medication, which he must have with him, ready to hand at all time, in his "man bag". He loves his "man bag"

I don’t put anything other than hankies in dress or cardigan pockets because I don’t like the fabric being dragged down asymmetrically. I carry a little bag or wear jackets with suitable pockets.

@JassyRadlett

Are you honestly saying that the women on this thread saying they do not like dresses with pockets are actually kidding themselves and they are being led to believe they don’t like pockets by…. The evil market? 😂

No, I was making a specific comment on your statement about market forces. HTH.

It wasn't just working class women.

My husband spent decades hating the fact men aren't supposed to carry bags for the reason you posted. He didn't like the line of formal suits and jackets being spoilt.

Many men, especially, men under 40, carry bags or small rucksacks.