Westentasche

Westentasche is a German noun meaning the waistcoat pocket. It refers to the small interior pocket inside a waistcoat (vest) that traditionally held items such as a pocket watch, coins, a handkerchief, or small notes. In classic men’s dress, the waistcoat was designed with pockets placed near the chest, and the Westentasche often served as a secure, readily accessible compartment.

In German idiom, the Westentasche is also used figuratively. The expression etwas in der Westentasche haben or etwas ist in der Westentasche describes something that is easily within reach, simple to manage, or reliably accessible. The phrase implies ease and familiarity, rather than physical size.

Historically, the Westentasche gained prominence when pocket watches were common and waistcoats were standard parts of formal and business attire. With changing clothing styles in the 20th century, pockets on waistcoats became less central for everyday use, and the term has become more of a cultural reference than a daily clothing feature. Modern waistcoats may include interior pockets for small items, but the term Westentasche is most often encountered in historical or literary contexts and as a linguistic stock phrase.