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Detail Inspiration: Decorative and Useful Pockets

Ask just about any woman, and one of the biggest frustrations of many ready-to-wear garments is the lack of truly  functional pockets. Handy for keeping your keys or cell phone stashed, it’s not hard to add a pocket (or two!) to many sewn garments–even when using patterns that may not originally have pockets. But pockets don’t have to be fully utilitarian and plain; I’ve dug up a few examples of beautiful pockets that bridge the gap between practicality and pretty.

This dress from the Willow Pre-Ready to Wear collection (Spring/Summer 2012) is a great example of incorporating a pocket into seaming. In this case, the pockets are set into the diagonal skirt seams in the front. It’s almost a variation on a kangaroo style pocket, and just goes to show that not all pockets need to be in side seams.

A 1950s sundress with a clever use of a border print. Look closely: the pockets are in each of the side border panels. A slit along the top of each panel is edged in piping, and then the pocket bag is affixed behind the panel. Like the previous example, it’s a bit sneaky and not something that screams “pocket!” at first.

Diagonal pockets on skirts are still a popular option today. What struck me most about this particular style is that it’s worked into the overall “x” motif of the bodice. (Which also gives a bit of an illusion of an hourglass shape.) Note that the cream trim does not extend the full length of the pocket edge: only about halfway. My guess is that this was done so as not to overemphasize the hip area. Pockets can not only be functional, but also give a bit of a visual twist to a silhouette.

Images: Willow Pre-RTW, yellow dress, 1950s dress.

Casey Cartwright

Comments

anto

August 1, 2012 #

those are beautiful garments. I’m already inspired to start incorporating more pockets in my designs.

Ginger

August 1, 2012 #

Love these! What interesting examples! And the neckline and midriff panel of the yellow dress are super cool!

Kim

August 1, 2012 #

I love pockets on dressed. I like using a contrast colour for them to add a little fun detail. My favourite of these is the last one! would love to try and recreate something similar!

LeeAnn

August 1, 2012 #

You curated some great examples! I specifically love the Willow dress. Many times I see pretty dresses but they don’t translate well to plus size (16-18), but I can see how the features on this dress would be very flattering. Especially if the taylored skirt was cut on the bias, it would feel amazing on. Inspiring for sure!

Inna

August 1, 2012 #

I can’t live without pockets! This green dress is so cute and should not be too difficult to make a similar copy.

pd

August 1, 2012 #

That yellow dress is the most amazing thing I have ever seen.

maddie

August 1, 2012 #

I love the pockets on the 1950s sundress! The print goes so well with the rest of the dress!

Lianne

August 1, 2012 #

Oh, oh, the x-dress: so beautiful and inspiring! I’m thinking about the new BurdaStyle pattern they just released, Seamed Dress, which has similarly angled seams in the skirt. I think these pockets could work perfectly!

VictoriaR

August 1, 2012 #

I love to have a pocket. One of the things I like about sewing is that I can add one. I don’t think any garment that goes below the waiste should be without a pocket. It is great to see them incorporated into the design. Thanks for sharing.

poppykettle

August 1, 2012 #

Those dresses are all incredible by themselves, even if you took the pockets away! Thanks for the inspiration :)

nausheen

August 2, 2012 #

wow those dresser are so good it look like awesome.
i like most yellow dress

Jenny

August 2, 2012 #

Wow, you really have created an amazing collection of pocket inspiration here- they are all beautiful!! I love to incorporate pockets wherever possible- a little bit for functionality but mostly to add some pretty details :)

Wiola

August 2, 2012 #

The yellow dress is great.

Roxy

August 2, 2012 #

I love all of these pocket ideas! The green dress is gorgeous. Now, how to implement?

Francesca

August 2, 2012 #

They’re gorgeous, all of them. you are so inspiratonal. you almost make me want to add pockets – I am the opposite to everyone, I leave pockets out of everything – hate them. I sew them up or remove them when I can on bought clothes. I never unpick the seams on pockets on jackets except on the chest. In fact, I am contemplating making a 50s shirtdress with a polo style collar which has a breast pocket and that I will probably do…. it will be useful for my work pass card. But hip pockets tend to gape on pants, and in dresses I end up putting my hands in them, which is a bit gauche, especially at my age:)… or putting things in them, which makes them stick out. Nah, I think I will keep on subtracting pockets… one big plus for me is that sometimes I have managed to make dresses I though I didn’t have enough fabric for, as pockets use a lot!

KMK

August 2, 2012 #

No ready-to-wear maker would even think of selling a man slacks or a jacket without a pocket. And they manage to make them so that their pockets don’t bulge out with normal use. Women need MORE pockets. Thanks for sharing these examples.
If Colette is planning to do a relaxed version like the Willow dress soon, that would be superb! I don’t have an hourglass shape, but that looks like it would be comfy and flattering on anyone.

naejah

August 7, 2012 #

I am a pocket person also and love all of your examples.

Katie

September 18, 2012 #

I am a nurse & the main (possibly only) thing I LOVE about my scrubs are the pockets. On most of my scrubs there are two deep pockets that are placed in an area thats comfortable to use but won’t be in my way. Plus, they can be packed to the max (gum, cellphone, pens, etc.) and it never shows.

maisha

June 7, 2014 #

I loooove the yellow dress. Is there a pattern available?