Please or to access all these features

Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Alternative to pockets?

23 replies

TravellingJack · Yesterday 17:55

Although some of the skirts and dresses I’ve bought in recent years have pockets, I have plenty of older clothes that don’t, that I would like to be able to wear without worrying about where I’m going to put things, especially at work when I only have my rucksack and I’m just popping to the toilet or to another office. I’m not surgically attached to my phone but do sometimes need to take it with me, or have other small bits (tampons, tissues, lip balm etc etc) that I need.

Is there a solution that does not involve me learning to add pockets? Much as I’d like to learn to sew at some point, I simply don’t have the time, inclination or equipment, and some fabrics (e.g. leather or satin) are going to be tricky for skilled people, so no matter how simple it is, it’s not an option for me!

The only thing I can think of other than a bumbag is one of those money belt things you used to get for airport travel - think my dad had one in the 80s! Does a stylish version of this exist? Or something better?

OP posts:
concertinacornflake · Yesterday 17:58

How much stuff? A small leather cross body bag is nice, the really simple ones with a pretty fine strap.

TravellingJack · Yesterday 17:58

Just to add, I have tried taking a small crossbody bag but mine felt way too bulky and a bit awkward… one of those camera-style bags from a few years ago. I’m happy to buy something more suitable but haven’t seen anything I like yet so open to suggestions!

OP posts:
concertinacornflake · Yesterday 17:59

TravellingJack · Yesterday 17:58

Just to add, I have tried taking a small crossbody bag but mine felt way too bulky and a bit awkward… one of those camera-style bags from a few years ago. I’m happy to buy something more suitable but haven’t seen anything I like yet so open to suggestions!

Yes that's quite big, I'm meaning a flatter, longer pouch.

TravellingJack · Yesterday 18:02

concertinacornflake · Yesterday 17:58

How much stuff? A small leather cross body bag is nice, the really simple ones with a pretty fine strap.

Usually just phone, tissues, mini hand cream, lip balm, access badge/keys. All of these fit comfortably into trouser pockets.

Could you suggest anything in particular? I’ve spent some time looking and not seen anything that jumps out.

OP posts:
limetrees32 · Yesterday 18:06

Oh ,I love a bag thread !
That Wolf and Badger one is gorgeous.

ToadRage · Yesterday 18:31

I guess it depends on the style of the clothes. I took a dress to the local seamstress and got pockets put in. It was a work dress and i really needed them. I would reccomend this if it will not spoil the shape of the item. However some things e.g. fitted trousers, bodycon dresses would just not work with pockets. Alternatively a small bag is the only option. Crossbows, clutch or bumbag.

concertinacornflake · Yesterday 19:05

TravellingJack · Yesterday 18:02

Usually just phone, tissues, mini hand cream, lip balm, access badge/keys. All of these fit comfortably into trouser pockets.

Could you suggest anything in particular? I’ve spent some time looking and not seen anything that jumps out.

Do you like brown or black leather, or have a favourite colour?

I wouldn't look for something that jumps out, i would look for a really good quality boring classic neutral rectangular pouch. Something that will go with anything.

OneOpalOwl · Yesterday 20:29

I have this running belt that I use for short walks when I don’t have jacket pockets for phone and keys.. I wear it under my t shirt and it does lie very flat. A bit left field but it might do under clothes if you don’t want an actual handbag?
https://www.lululemon.co.uk/en-gb/p/fast-and-free-running-belt/155702474.html

Otherwise, the Uniqlo handbag is very practical and doesn’t get in the way? https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E481610-000/00

I also have this little Longchamp that I’ve added a cheap Amazon strap to. It is very small but holds phone, key, lippy etc. You can pop it into a bigger bag easily too.
https://www.johnlewis.com/longchamp-le-pliage-original-pouch/paper/p5936279

Longchamp Le Pliage Original Pouch, Paper

Buy Longchamp Le Pliage Original Pouch from our Women's Purses & Card Holders range at John Lewis & Partners. Free Delivery on orders over £50.

https://www.johnlewis.com/longchamp-le-pliage-original-pouch/paper/p5936279

minnowonthesay · Yesterday 20:34

I have this one, it’s a great size, it’s a nylon type fabric, so very lightweight too
https://amzn.eu/d/0gce3eRg

Amazon

Amazon

https://amzn.eu/d/0gce3eRg?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-style-and-beauty-5577356-alternative-to-pockets

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · Yesterday 20:54

These are far from cutting edge but are small and sit flat www.earthsquared.com/tweed-3zip-pouch-bag-8

Melarus · Yesterday 21:01

TravellingJack · Yesterday 17:58

Just to add, I have tried taking a small crossbody bag but mine felt way too bulky and a bit awkward… one of those camera-style bags from a few years ago. I’m happy to buy something more suitable but haven’t seen anything I like yet so open to suggestions!

Maybe a fabric one? There are some nice silk ones on Etsy

www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1610002924/japanese-fabric-phone-crossbody-bag

PestoPastaLife · Yesterday 22:13

Just in the last year I’ve started using small cross body bags. I have some with just enough space for my phone and a house key, others are slightly bigger with extra space for a card wallet, car keys and a pen. I love it! It stops me filling my bag with useless crap and I never have to think about pockets.

I’ve got quite a collection now, mostly bought from the sort of garden centres that also sell seasalt clothes and never got past shabby chic homeware.

Upyermonkey · Yesterday 22:30

Have a look at Lucy and Yak Brady bags.

Robogob · Yesterday 23:39

I have this. It’s the softest buttery leather and so easy to wear.

https://www.cos.com/en-gb/women/accessories/bags/leather/product/swing-crossbody-leather-black-0969585001

TitsWILLbetatted · Yesterday 23:41

I have the same problem, and a ton of small bags that are not quite right. I find there is a sweet spot where a x-body bag will sit under your arm (between armpit and hip) and you can forget it's there. Otherwise I find bags swing away from the body, feel bulky or feel hampering in other ways. The closest I have come to the ideal is a flat bumbag worn x-body, a small crescent bag, or a fabric bag with a narrow, or preferably absent gusset. But even those I have to take off (and lose) eventually because they still, eventually, feel in the way.

Cleansweeper · Yesterday 23:50

love this

Can I ask what can you fit in there? I'd want to put my keys, wallet, phone. would that fit @hugoagogo?

Flightyflora · Yesterday 23:51

TravellingJack · Yesterday 17:55

Although some of the skirts and dresses I’ve bought in recent years have pockets, I have plenty of older clothes that don’t, that I would like to be able to wear without worrying about where I’m going to put things, especially at work when I only have my rucksack and I’m just popping to the toilet or to another office. I’m not surgically attached to my phone but do sometimes need to take it with me, or have other small bits (tampons, tissues, lip balm etc etc) that I need.

Is there a solution that does not involve me learning to add pockets? Much as I’d like to learn to sew at some point, I simply don’t have the time, inclination or equipment, and some fabrics (e.g. leather or satin) are going to be tricky for skilled people, so no matter how simple it is, it’s not an option for me!

The only thing I can think of other than a bumbag is one of those money belt things you used to get for airport travel - think my dad had one in the 80s! Does a stylish version of this exist? Or something better?

I have two that I use, depending on how much I need to put in them determines which .
https://rokalondon.com/collections/bond

https://rokalondon.com/collections/chelsea?_pos=2&_psq=chelsea&_psid=02d18e105&_ss=e

Bond Pocket Crossbody Bags: Padded & Functional | ROKA London

Shop the Bond collection for chunky, padded crossbody bags. Featuring multiple pockets and durable recycled canvas, these small crossbody bags are made for urban adventures.

https://rokalondon.com/collections/bond

susiwho · Today 02:33

A light gillet with pockets is good.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page