TECHNIQUE
54. Clothes That Carry
Whether it is the smallest of five pockets on a
pair of jeans meant for spare change, or a large
pouch on the front of a hooded sweatshirt, any
type of pocket can be equal parts function and
design. Even an in-seam pocket, which is meant
to disappear, helps to keep the lines of the design
smooth while simultaneously providing the
capacity to carry.
World War II is recognized as a period in which
many technological advances were made in
response to the demands of the day. Designs
developed during that era also reflected needs
unique to the time period, as is evident in the
creation of the kangaroo cloak. This garment
was designed with huge pockets that allowed
the wearer to quickly stuff them with household
items when air raid sirens went off.
Pockets can do double duty depending on how
they're made and what they're made of. Some
pockets can be turned inside out to envelop
a garment, like a windbreaker or rain poncho.
When made out of fleece, they can serve as hand
warmers in outerwear.
Designing practical pockets for carpenter pants
will be dictated by the specific tools that need
to be carried. Any type of pocket can have a flap
that is fastened by buttons or Velcro. Zipper
pockets offer another type of closure. Pockets
can be inserted into a slit in the fabric and em
bellished/strengthened with a welt.
Accessories that act as utility belts, such as the
fanny pack, pocket belts, bum bags, or hip sack,
are popular for their versatility. Clothing devel
oped for the military or special activities, such
as safari jackets, fishing vests, and photography
vests, provides templates for pocket-driven
design. The cargo pant is standard issue in the
armed forces, as well as in many fashionable
wardrobes.
114 Fashion Design Essentials
Patch pocket with button flap
