HALLIE EPHRON: I recently started going to my local Y and working with a trainer. Weights. Balance. Cardio. The works. And because I pay for it whether I show up or not... I show up. On time. Bright eyed and bushy tailed? Not so much...
An unexpected challenge has been getting out the front door with all the stuff (I (think) I need.
Glasses, datebook, driver's license, credit card, cash, gloves, and of course the ever-present cell phone. And then figuring out where to stash it all when I get to the Y. I don't want to lug my purse around the gym floor, and they don't have nearly enough lockers.
Which got me musing about how my husband never ever hesitated a moment leaving the house because he needed a place for his stuff. That's because HE HAD POCKETS! Pants pockets. Side pockets, butt pockets. Shirt pockets. HE WAS ALREADY WEARING HIS "STUFF."
Men have pockets. They can just get up and go. Guys are hands-free all the time. While I linger doing the What-am-I-forgetting-now and Where-am-I-going-to-carry-it Tango.
I've noticed that women's clothing with pockets is more expensive than clothes without. Makes sense. Fortunately lots of workout clothes come with pockets. And then there are fanny packs. Practical but oh so nerdy.
I don't need exercise clothes. I need getting-to-exercise clothes. So that every time I leave the house, I don't have to go through a mental list of what I need to have with me because I'm already carrying it.
Turns out there's a fashion design we have to thank for (finally) designing women's clothing with pockets. (She also invented the ballet flat!) Claire McCardell, who graced the cover of TIME Magazine.
Do you have rituals to get yourself out of the house without having to turn around and head home for something you need? Or do you have POCKETS?!
Which got me musing about how my husband never ever hesitated a moment leaving the house because he needed a place for his stuff. That's because HE HAD POCKETS! Pants pockets. Side pockets, butt pockets. Shirt pockets. HE WAS ALREADY WEARING HIS "STUFF."
Men have pockets. They can just get up and go. Guys are hands-free all the time. While I linger doing the What-am-I-forgetting-now and Where-am-I-going-to-carry-it Tango.
I've noticed that women's clothing with pockets is more expensive than clothes without. Makes sense. Fortunately lots of workout clothes come with pockets. And then there are fanny packs. Practical but oh so nerdy.
I don't need exercise clothes. I need getting-to-exercise clothes. So that every time I leave the house, I don't have to go through a mental list of what I need to have with me because I'm already carrying it.
Turns out there's a fashion design we have to thank for (finally) designing women's clothing with pockets. (She also invented the ballet flat!) Claire McCardell, who graced the cover of TIME Magazine.
Do you have rituals to get yourself out of the house without having to turn around and head home for something you need? Or do you have POCKETS?!
What would you like to see in clothing design (men's or women's) that you don't see today?
I'm a bit surprised to hear that the gym doesn't have enough lockers . . . .
ReplyDeleteAlthough I tend to toss whatever I need into a tote bag when I am heading out, I do indeed have pockets!
Then what do you do with the TOTE?? I can't drag my bag of stuff around from machine to machine because I"m certain, absolutely certain that I will lose something in transit.
DeleteIdeally, the tote goes into a locker . . . which is why I'm surprised there aren't enough for everyone. But if there's no place for the tote, then pockets are the best answer . . . .
DeletePockets rule! I have 6 pairs of Duluth quick dry pants because they have so many pockets. They are wonderful for travel - and life!
ReplyDeleteI have a couple of pairs of Aviator jeans because the front pockets are deep enough for a phone.
Lisa, I am also a big Duluth Trading fan! Even their workout pants, and many blouses, have pockets. The ones I wear for gardening have 11 pockets, including two with zippers, and two with flaps that stay closed.
DeleteThose pants look great, but seriously pricey. I scored a pair of sweat pants with pockets at my local TJ Maxx for well under $20. Needs must.
DeleteI usually only shop their sales.
DeleteIn the 18th century, women tied pockets, suspended from tapes, around their waists over their petticoats. A hidden slit in their gowns let them retrieve what they needed. This is the genesis of "Lucy Locket lost her pocket..." The tie around Lucy's waist had come undone.
ReplyDeleteAs for me, all my day-to-day clothes have pockets because I'm so sadly uncurvy I've always worn men's jeans. In dress clothes or when I've tried on women's jeans I've been outraged by the lack of pockets or the teensy size of the pockets, often the size of a man's so-called watch pocket — totally useless! If I'm dressing up I will carry a purse but normally for wallet, comb, phone, car keys, eye drops, etc. for years I've used a small black fanny pack. I know it's nerdy but I AM a nerd, and I'm so forgetful that it helps to have these items STRAPPED ON. I don't know what I'd do at a gym without a locker, however. (Selden)
Another mystery solved, Selden. I've spent a lifetime wondering how Lucy lost her pocket;>)
DeleteI also buy men's pants, especially for hiking, and I am very curvy. Too bad. Pockets are more important than fashion in the great outdoors.
DeleteI used to use a giant fanny pack, but now that I have my ScottEvest, I don't need it, though I suppose I could put extra things in it.
DeleteSelden, I did not know that! Thanks for sharing...
DeleteThe brighter side for me of this dilemma has always been dancing the "do-I-really-need-it" tango.
ReplyDeleteAnd the corollary: if I leave it behind, guaranteed I'll need it.
DeleteSpeaking of pockets, who thought changing to half pockets on jeans was a good idea? Yes, my phone will fit but I can’t get it out in time to answer it. Same with wallet. Most of the pockets in my clothes are laughable.
ReplyDeleteSo I carry a small purse for everything.
And Hallie I feel your pain.
Amazing how even though I can't pry it out, it manages to FALL out when I"m not looking. Multipurposed.
DeleteAs a guy, I have pockets. But I still need to remember what I'm putting in them before leaving the house. Also, if I'm going somewhere where I might be for a while, I also pack a bag with stuff I might need. Water bottle, book, phone charger, CDs.
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you the number of times I've gotten in the car and realized I forgot something and have to go back into the house.
It gives new meaning to "in transit" - ping ponging from the garage to the house.
DeleteThey aren’t called Fanny packs any more. Now they are called belt bags and they are my go to for the essentials these days phone, sunglasses, keys, community ID card etc. just sling it over my shoulder like a crossbody bag or stuff it into my pool tote or pickleball bag.
ReplyDeleteNo longer called fanny packs??? Probably a marketing decision because Fanny implies feminine. Or that's my guess.
DeleteI try to make sure all my clothes have at least three pockets. I carry a thin wallet with five slots for IDs, Insurance Card, credit cards, and no cash that goes in one pocket and the cell phone in the other. I use the belt loop to attach my keys. When I go to the medical facilities, I have a tote that has all the essential things I may need and dump thin wallet, phone and keys inside and off I go.
ReplyDeleteDru Ann, I have a similar routine... have offloaded my ID and credit card to a tiny little leather removable pouch that lives in my wallet sometimes to rides shotgun with me when I need to pare down.
DeleteGood for you for hiring a trainer, Hallie! Lisa mentioned Duluth pants, which Karen (from Ohio) turned me onto a couple of years ago. Let's hear it for pockets.
ReplyDeleteI keep everything in my small Baggalini purse, which I can sling over my chest. It's my wallet, holds chapstick and lipstick and bookmarks (to give away), and has room for keys and hairbrush if I need that. I love it! Sometimes I even take my phone out of my back pocket and slide it in.
Can't think of any fashion improvements at the moment.
A baggalini works until you start doing pushups.
DeleteAn activity I haven't done in a couple of years!
DeleteTote bags: I have a tote bag filled with tote bags. Have different bags for tasks, medical bag, grocery bag, library bag, swim pool bag (duffle cuz the pool needs a lot of stuff) and so on. Pockets? When I review clothes for the job, pockets are a main talking point. Remember when paper backs were called 'pocket' books? Hope we can get some pockets that will fit our phones soon.
ReplyDeleteLots of workout pants these days come with cell phone pocket. They just need to be deep enough so that phones don't fall out.
DeleteThefts of several old ladies in grocery store parking lots had me rethinking my grocery store treks. I wear jeans with deep pockets, some are men's llbean jeans, but a few of their lady's jeans have good pockets, too. I put my keys in front right and driver's license in front left. Credit cards go into back right and store discount card goes into left rear. Hands free. If I am going to the bank, those cards join my license. I wear my glasses and the phone goes into my jacket or vest pocket. I can do this because I live right around the corner from a large shopping area.
ReplyDeleteIf I am going to a restaurant, I bring a purse. For the gym, I either pack a fanny pack or bring a gym bag depending on whether I plan to swim. Irwin has to bring a gym bag along for sports activities., too.
Women's clothes are usually sleeker than men's and women generally carry purses so designers eliminate the bulk of pockets. But for casual wear, I want pockets.
What's really shocking is how much time and brain power we've had to spend working all this out (I have similar destination-specific routines)
DeleteI bought a ScottEvest before I went to Europe a year ago, and it's still my go-to. It has over 20 pockets. There's even room to store a tablet or laptop should you wish. I have the full version, but there are smaller ones. I never carry a purse anymore. Since I keep my car key in it, I "can't leave home without it." I absolutely love it. It's comfortable enough that I tend to keep it on even if I'm on a plane.
ReplyDeletea vest! And it's especially designed to thwart pickpockets. Very clever.
DeleteHmm, taking a look at this now. I’m normally too warm for a jacket, but Nice has been cold this winter and this might be just enough - plus so practical! This could carry everything from a quick run to the market!
DeleteOh wow - ScottEvest is quite the pocket rabbit hole to go down! thank you...
DeleteAll i carry is my cell phone, which has a clear case with one pocket. The pocket holds my license and two credit cards. No keys needed, digital locks for the house and a tiny fob for the car.
DeletePockets, yes but deep enough to be useful. Unless I'm going on a big round of errands, I try to avoid taking along my tote bag. I prefer my phone in my back left pocket, house key in my front left, debit card in my back right pocket, front right always has an old fashioned handkerchief in it. But I recently bought a sling-across-my-body bag and like its compactness -- just big enough for wallet, phone, house key and maybe a small notebook + pen. I like being handsfree and having easy access to the important stuff right there, rather than having to sling the bag off my shoulder and dig into it.
ReplyDeleteI would give my eye teeth for a clothing line that fit me comfortably AND used 100% natural fabric. Those promises of 100 percent cotton that then turn out to be 98% cotton with 2% spandex are the BANE of my clothing existence...
There was just a piece on NYTimes Wirecutter about the wonders of a cross-body bag that could also be worn as a fanny pack. Got me considering. Esp for traveling when you still might need to be carrying cash.
DeletePockets…the perpetual problem. I try to have pockets in all my clothes. I never carry a purse. What I have instead is a back pack, a crossbody bag, and a large zippered tote. All have zipped or fasten closings and separate areas for wallet, keys, and phone. And all are prepacked with the interchangeable tissues, chapstick, etc. All I have to do is put wallet, phone ,and keys in. And I admit this is one time I’m glad I no longer drive. Once in the bag keys stay in the bag until I get home. But sigh life would be easier with pockets. Elisabeth
ReplyDeleteBut Elisabeth, your solution is beautiful
DeletePockets are the best. I have two fleeces with pockets that I use for early morning exercise-- room for keys, phone hanky--the necessities! For a hike, I need a little more space (for driver's license and car fob, so I use a water holster with a zip pocket. I do feel your gym angst Hallie. In pre-pandemic days I was doing a 2x a week Pilates class. We left our purses along the edge of the space, but it didn't feel particularly secure. Also, it's hard to do Pilates with stuff in your pockets! There were sufficient lockers, but it takes more time to go into the locker room, find the locker and lock up your stuff. I wasn't always running early for the 7 am class.
ReplyDeleteA WATER HOLSTER??! WHO KNEW...
DeleteI was introduced to water holsters 10 years ago and they are amazing! Easier to hold your water bottle and just enough room for lip balm, small sunscreen, keys, $20 and Advil.
DeleteSweatshirts – oh sorry, hoodies. Always wear, always have a pocket. However, you need the kangaroo one, not the zip one as the zip sweatshirt pockets seem to have an automatic dump feature. Put in stuff, and it falls out. Annoying.
ReplyDeleteFashion trendy I am – I have many colours! Also, I don’t own a purse…
Question for all – if as I notice, people seemed inclined to keep their phones in their back pocket, are you not always sitting on it? Do you have to get up to answer it? Is it uncomfortable when driving? Doesn’t the screen crack? Bring back the cargo pants – both for pockets and large legs (easier to get up and down in the garden, and just in life!)
automatic dump! HA HA... And you've called it a "feature" (not a bug)
DeleteMargo, I'm here to testify that one should not work on a stone retaining wall while carrying your phone in a back pocket. When you sit to rest... crunch! Luckily it was an elderly phone. (Selden)
DeletePockets have often been a fraught social matter. Looking into the history of pockets in women's clothing takes you through the politics and beginnings of the feminist movement. It's not just a matter of convenience but a reflection of women's forced dependence on men throughout history.
ReplyDeleteI do think we women deserve some credit for inflicting (and now de-inflicting) this on ourselves.
DeleteAt one point, before she was assigned to Kenya, my youngest was working on a clothing line for women that looked good enough to travel in, yet had plenty of pockets and other necessities built in. I was helping her do research. Now she wears a lot of Athleta, which fills most of those requirements. I myself am a Duluth Trading devotee, but she has not yet seen the charm. Even Duluth's yoga pants have pockets.
ReplyDeleteI've been reading Deanna Raybourn's Veronica Speedwell series. Like Amanda Peabody, Veronica has adapted her 19th century clothing to incorporate all kinds of pockets, which she uses to carry her lepidopteris supplies, sandwiches, tins of honey drops, and all manner of other paraphernalia. The problem with today's counterparts is WAY less fabric to work with! There's barely enough in a pair of Lululemon yoga pants for the woman inside, let alone a couple roast beef sammies.
I was hoping you'd chime in, Karen... our resident clothing expert.
DeleteThank you for the reminder to get Veronica Speedwell back in my TBR!
Deleteoh, you are so right! I think about this every day! And it’s not just going out, it’s walking around the house just carrying my phone. I don’t want to carry my phone Want to put it in my pocket but I don’t have a pocket In my leggings or sweater.
ReplyDeleteThe other day, I actually thought, word for word: “I wish there was a thing that you could have in your clothes where you could put things so you wouldn’t have to carry things around. “
Then I burst out laughing.
Yeah , I thought, Hank, they are called pockets.
I have actually started wearing skirts at home instead of pants because they all have pockets.
So true Hank! And made me laugh.
DeleteExactly!!!
DeleteYes, Hank, to skirts! Although my pants have pockets too, things seem to stay in skirt and dress pockets better. Elisabeth
DeleteHallie, for warmer weather walks you need a fisherman's vest with a hundred pockets. Photographers wear them too.
ReplyDeleteI've returned to workouts at my local rec center. I lock my purse in the car, wear my gym pass and car keys on a lanyard, and carry a water bottle.
One item i'm considering for travel is a cell phone case on a lanyard around my neck.
I saved a puffy vest my husband wore and it's got pockets... ZIPPERED pockets. Weighs zilch I use it now all the time.
DeleteFirst of all Hallie, yay on you going to personal trainer! Our son taught me that you almost never need to bring a credit card, or even cash, if you have Apple pay on your phone. He has gotten stuck a time or two when he had no paper money when he needed it.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a great idea Lucy. My granddaughter had a lemonade stand and most of the kids who came by paid with Apple Pay on their phones. How times have changed!
DeleteMy new car has the ability to use an app to open the car doors, so in theory I would not have to carry that big, honking key fob. Not sure I trust it, though.
DeleteAn app to open the car door!! ?? This may be a game changer. I had two fobs and lost one so I'm down to just one and if I lose that -- help! To get a second fob will cost (depending on where you go) will cost between $350 to $550.
DeleteI have not yet gotten on the Apple Pay bandwagon... Surely a topic for another day.
DeleteAnon, my car is a Hyundai.
DeleteFor Android users, there is also Google Wallet. And both PayPal and Venmo have really easy to use apps. My kids use them all the time.
I have leggings that have 6 pockets. They are flat and not noticeable. I carry my cell phone, my driver's license, car fob, credit card and a few dollars cash if I don't want to carry a purse. Athleta is the brand name.
ReplyDeleteBRILLIANT, whoever you are... absolutely brilliant.
DeleteAbove I mentioned leggings but they called cargo pants with pockets but they fit like leggings and are very comfortable as the fabric is not thin but fairly thick. Athleta brand
ReplyDeleteahttps://athleta.gap.com/browse/search.do?searchText=cargo%20pants%20with%20pockets
https://athleta.gap.com/shop/cargo-pant this might be a better site.
ReplyDeleteTHANKS!
DeleteThis made me laugh. Brings back memories of my surprise at the age of 2 to learn that my dad's jackets had pockets while my mom's store bought jackets did not. However, my dad sewed custom made jackets with pockets for my mom. He sewed vests and moccassins. Yes, I HAVE pockets. And a fanny pack.
ReplyDeleteI love that he sewed jacks w pockets for your mom... that is the sweetest.
DeleteI've gotten to the point where I don't buy pants or jackets without pockets. Decent sized ones that actually hold stuff. I do have two cross-body bags - one spring/summer, one fall/winter - that I use for glasses, wallet, phone, etc. But pockets are a big selling point for me. I love the leggings I have with the deep side pockets on the thigh. So useful for carrying, well, anything.
ReplyDeleteBut pockets, especially rear pants pockets, need to increase in size to match modern smart phones. I routinely put my phone in my back pocket, go to the bathroom, and, well, you know.
Sadly, I do know.
DeleteFrom Celia: Thank you Hallie, another woman trying to change women's clothes for the better. Yes more pockets please. How is it that my nightdress has pockets but most of my dresses do not? It's enough to have one pulling out one's hair. I Like Eileen Fishers clothes though they are pricy. Unfortunately i don't fit into jeans though I'm fascinated by people who carry their phones tucked in their rear pants pockets.
ReplyDeleteAs for the dilemma. Just when I think I have it solved something comes to throw off my routine. For example my car has a neat place to store sun glasses which means one less item taken care of. But no longer as I can't have a car where I am currently living. So enter the cross body option. I'm Really not a fan of handbags, they feel like the beginning of lost causes. But my small cross body holds sun glasses, phone, cards and money not to mention a couple of
Bandaids necessary meds, a comb etc. my iPhone has a case which holds credit cards and license and is usually what I carry into stores, restaurants other places I may need money which I never carry nowadays. As for the gym that can be more trying as clean clothes versus used towels or sneakers plus toiletries need their own bag and a different plan depending on what comes before or what may follow not to forget what comes after should include security.
Sorry but I think I'm beaten by the gym bag requirements. Otherwise it's just the phone for me.
Oh, Celia - sounds as if you have this well under control.
DeleteUsually, I just lurk, but I couldn't stop laughing when I read this post. Like you, I hired a trainer a few months ago. I get there because I'm paying. Although the facility only has a few people in the "gym" at a time (2-3 personal trainers share space at a time) and there are cubbies, none of the cubbies lock so I'm always stuffing things in and hiding them with my coat or whatever. And, I went out and bought a few pairs of workout pants with pockets....but I don't like working out with anything except a Kleenex in my pocket. It is a quandary ... but supposedly well worth it. (Yeah....I like my pants, but if you can convince me to like exercise ....)
ReplyDeleteHi, Debra! Thanks for de-lurking!! Sounds like we are living in a parallel universe. :-)
DeleteFanny pack for me. Don't care if it looks nerdy or if it makes me look like I'm in a family way when I wear it under my puffer jacket. Without it, I'd be lost, and so would my handbag! I never understood why pockets were so hard to find (or so shallow as to be unusable) in women's clothes. Designers - listen up.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I just ordered travel sweatshirts from a company called Comfrt because they have built-in eye masks (for sleeping on the plane). When they arrived, I was very excited to see they have pockets everywhere: on the sleeves, inside the pouch and in the sweatpants, there are pockets inside pockets. The only downside is that the sweatshirts themselves are very thick. I fear I will broil wearing them. And since they’re pullover, not zip up the front, if you do decide to take it off, there goes your hair. (My follicle-ly challenged husband doesn’t understand why that matters.) Obviously you wouldn’t want something like this for working out, but the suggestions above will hopefully help you, Hallie. Plus Comfrt has other, seemingly not so thick, types of sweatshirts which might have pockets. And for the record, I keep my phone in my front pocket of my jeans. — Pat S
ReplyDeleteMmm, I just went to look at these and I think the blackberry has my name on it! Nice is chillier than we get in SoCal.
DeleteThanks for the tip, Pat
DeleteHallie you might check on the womens locker room policy for using those lockers. When I went to three different Y in our town all had additional lockers in the changing room/bathroom to the ones on the floor near workout stations. And they had built in locks so you don't have to bring your own and they are typically larger space wise too.
ReplyDeleteYears ago I had surgery on my back and wasn’t supposed to pick up or carry anything heavy. My purse wasn’t exactly heavy, but it felt like it was pulling my back. Even as a child I loved pockets, so I learned to carry as little as possible during this time: credit cards, driver’s license, insurance cards, etc. in a “credit card wallet,” car key (house key hidden in car instead of carrying it), and a few neatly folded tissues were all I carried most days. Eventually I added a phone to that list. Pockets are a must and bleep to manufacturers that are shrinking pockets. I have a few small crossbody bags, computer totes, and purses for when I need more things with me, but can’t leave them in the car.
ReplyDeleteNo one has mentioned scrubs bottoms. I discovered these in 2022, my year of endless surgeries and have since bought 3 pairs of dark scrubs bottoms to use in summer for working on the farm. Inexpensive, indestructible, light weight, quick-dry, elastic waist, and multiple POCKETS, including a deep phone pocket on the right leg. Since I can't wear shorts I now live in them once it's warm out. (Selden)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous idea! Off to mine the internet. Thanks, Selden.
DeleteWhat a smart idea!!
ReplyDeleteYou know the old starter to several medieval stories? What do women want? Turns out it's POCKETS!! I've gotten several leggings as gifts, and they all have this lovely, phone-sized pocket on one side. Heaven! One of them has another little pocket right at the center back waist, just big enough for a car key and a credit card.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter Victoria wore the most perfect woodland-fairy-princess dress for her wedding: a froth of pink with tulle skirts and floral embroidery and applique. Do you want to know what the female guests were MOST impressed with? It had pockets!
Yes! When I see women on the red carpet with their hands in their pockets it is such a flex: “see my pretty dress? It has pockets!”
DeleteTutus with pockets! Could be a trend.
DeleteMy mother always looked for clothes with pockets, when she was growing up it was to hold things such as jump ropes. As an adult it was for the usual, keys, money, tissues, lipstick, etc. If it was for a dressy occasion these things were given to my father since he had the pockets-women’s dress clothes never had pockets and the pocketbooks were too small to carry much.
ReplyDeleteI don’t buy pants without pockets and I have even found some pajama bottoms with them.
I hang a bag on the doorknob of the front door and put the things I will need for the next morning inside. If I wait until I am ready to leave I am more likely to forget something. The only item I need to remember is lunch.
I take less stuff with me to the gym. Everyone runs around in their workout clothes now anyway, so if I'm getting a coffee on the way home or picking up a library book in tights, no biggie. So I usually only have my phone, a little magnetic case for cards & my license that attaches to my phone, ear buds, and keys. I leave lip balm in the car. But, in the winter, I do have so much more (coat, boots, layers!) that I do put that stuff in a locker. But my Y has a LOT of lockers, so it's never a problem. And they have boot trays outside all of the classroom doors, so if I am just popping in for yoga, I leave them there and go in socks to the back to drop of the rest of my layers.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have this all figured out, Denise. I am in awe.
DeleteCargo pants are a girls best friend! I have multiple pairs and leave home with just my keys, phone, and a skinny wallet just for my ID and bankcard. Started wearing them as a mom while chasing hooligans and never looked back.
ReplyDeleteOh, Jenn, you are as always ahead of the curve. Wicked smaht, as they say here in Boston.
DeleteI carry a small cross body bag when going out, just big enough for phone, lip balm, and cards. At home I wear Danskin brand relaxed fit yoga pants--with pockets!--and unless it's blazing hot, some kind of a hoodie with pockets as well.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard a woman say anything bad about pockets. It seems we all want them in our clothing. One of the reasons I buy Vera Wang pajamas at Kohl's is because the bottoms have pockets. I went on a trip with a friend once, and she had an outdoor vest to wear that had pockets all over it. I keep thinking I'll get one like it one of these days. And, dresses and skirts with pockets are wonderful. It's just very reassuring to know you have a pocket on you.
ReplyDeleteClaire McCardell by Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson is an interesting read about her life.
ReplyDelete