When I first started selling my vests online, my web designer suggested that I offer pockets as an option to both men and women.  I knew that men have used vest pockets for years, to hold pocket-watches and things — but women?  She said, “Absolutely! Women have things to carry too!“  It was already clear to me that vest pockets can add interest to any vest, so I thought, “OK, we’ll do it.”  And we do it right. We’re talking about a real pocket, not just a flap.

Creating and adding an inset pocket is a very complicated and tedious task, but it adds dash and utility to any vest:

As a result, I charge $5 extra for each pocket.  No one has ever complained,  but I’m sure folks have wondered why I’m the only person who charges extra for pockets.  Try making one! Adding pockets is an option located just below the size selection in the shopping section of the website.

As it turns out, women request pockets more than men! They have even contacted me to order extra large pockets, to hold cell phones, iPads, pens, glasses, credit cards and all sorts of things.  It is true, however, that men still often use vest pockets to carry pocket watches.

I did a little research and found out that the development of pocket watches played a significant role in the development of vest pockets. After the clock was invented, watches (portable clocks) began to be used in the 1500′s by town watchmen in Europe as they made their rounds at night. Since they were valuable, the watches were first attached to straps worn around their necks, and as the watches were miniaturized they began to get tucked into snug pockets for extra safety. Train conductors began to carry pocket-watches to reassure passengers that the train was on time. These smaller watches were almost always carried securely in a vest pocket, and men everywhere adopted the fashion. Women began to carry tiny watches, usually carried in a purse or as a brooch or pendant. In 1908, Colt made a compact hammerless pistol that was designed to be concealed in a man’s vest pocket.

Vest pockets are part of modern history.  Some people order one, two,  three or even four!  We offer pockets on any vest on the website!