Why Women Love Dresses with Pockets (and the surprising history behind them...)

There’s a simple phrase that sparks instant excitement in women everywhere: “It has pockets.”

But this enthusiasm isn’t just about convenience! It’s rooted in history, practicality, and even a quiet push for equality. 

A Brief History of Pockets (and Why Women Were Left Out)

Pockets weren’t always sewn into clothing. In the 17th and 18th centuries, women wore separate tie-on pockets hidden under their skirts—functional, spacious, and entirely their own. 

Courtesy: Victoria & Albert Museum 

That changed in the 19th century.

As fashion shifted toward slimmer silhouettes, women’s pockets began to disappear. Dresses became more restrictive, and carrying personal items meant relying on handbags, an accessory that, intentionally or not, limited mobility and we use to this day. 

Meanwhile, men’s clothing evolved with built-in, functional pockets as a standard.

Therefore, we have a long-standing design gap that women are still pushing back against today.

Functionality That Actually Matters

At its core, the love for pockets is simple: they make life easier.

Pockets allow women to:

• Carry essentials
• Stay hands-free
• Skip the need for a bag

It’s about freedom. Whether it’s your phone, keys, or a small notebook (or a Stanley cup, if you're wearing Svaha)...having immediate access changes how you move through your day.

Equality Through Design

The demand for pockets in women’s clothing is also about something deeper: practical design parity.

Men’s clothing has long prioritized function. Women’s fashion, historically, has not.

Choosing dresses with real pockets is part of a broader shift toward:

• Functional design
• Inclusivity
• Clothing that supports real lives, not just aesthetics

It’s not loud activism, but it is meaningful and part of our ethos. 

Whether you're a teacher who needs a quick place to put a dry-erase marker, an office worker who wants to keep two hands on their laptop, or a busy mom who needs toys in one pocket and snacks in the other, pockets are crucial to our daily lives. 

How we combat this issue 

Not all pockets are created equal.

We've built so much support by doing something surprisingly rare: designing pockets that actually work. A dress with pockets means your valuables are ON you - not in a bag that can be stolen, or in your hands that can be misplaced. 

• Dresses with pockets are a must (every. single. dress!!!) 
• Leggings with pockets
• Yoga pants with pockets
• Skirts with pockets
• Cardigans with pockets (possibly the BIGGEST pockets we have!) 
• Scarves with pockets
• Scrunchies with pockets 
• Swimwear with pockets

Need we say more?? 

Tell us down below what YOU put in your pockets!