If you've ever pondered the purpose of that small pocket on your jeans and assumed it's just for loose change, think again. It's hard to believe anyone hasn't at some point wondered about the necessity of so many seemingly redundant pockets on their wardrobe staple. The majority might have settled on the idea that these tiny pouches were meant to stash coins.
But it seems that this little pocket actually has a deeper history, as their heritage traces back to 1890 when it was first incorporated into Levi's 'waist overall' jeans for a very specific use. Business Insider revealed exactly what they are for, in an interview with Tracey Panek, the historian for Levi Strauss & Co who shared: "The oldest pair of waist overalls in the Levi Strauss & Co. Archives (from 1879) includes the watch pocket.
" READ MORE: ‘Stylish’ retro fan that’s ‘quiet’ ideal for the summer with 15% off READ MORE: Remington hair straighteners that are 'just as good as GHD' and leave hair 'slick' and 'glossy' have 67% off The innovation of securing pocket openings was patented by Strauss and J. W. Davis under the name 'Improvement in Fastening Pocket Openings,' on May 20, 1873.
Tracey also added: "Our late 19th century overalls came with a single back pocket situated on the right side, just below the leather patch." And despite its seemingly diminished relevance, there's a historical reason why this miniature compartment maintains its place in our jeans today. The watch pocket's continued existence .
