Pockets

Pockets are small bag-like spaces or pouches built into garments or objects to carry items or store things. They can also occur as natural cavities in rocks or soils, or as open spaces within structures such as furniture or bags. Pockets serve both functional and sometimes decorative roles, helping to organize or conceal contents.

In clothing, pockets provide practical storage and contribute to silhouette. Common garment pockets include hand pockets (slanted or straight), patch pockets sewn on the outside, welt pockets (a narrow slit with a fabric facing), inseam pockets (stitched into the seam), and flap pockets (a pocket with a protective flap). Special types include coin pockets, breast pockets, and cargo pockets. The position, size, and closure method (buttons, zippers, snaps) influence ease of use, security, and the overall look. Pockets may be reinforced for durability or integrated into lining for a cleaner appearance, and some are designed primarily for aesthetics.

Construction and materials: Pocket design involves cutting the pocket bag from the garment fabric or lining, attaching it to the garment at stress points, and finishing edges to prevent fraying. Techniques such as topstitching, binding, or fuse-interfacing can affect durability and appearance. The choice of fabric weight, stiffness, and lining influences pocket behavior when loaded.

Other contexts: In upholstery and bedding, pocket springs are individual units that provide localized support in mattresses. In geology, a pocket is a cavity in rock that may contain minerals. In biology and chemistry, binding pockets are regions in enzymes or proteins that accommodate substrates or ligands. In everyday life, air pockets occur in packaging and soils, impacting insulation and aeration.