T-Shirt Pocket Placement: Where Do They Usually Go?

T-shirts are a wardrobe staple, with millions of people owning at least a few. The addition of pockets to t-shirts is a relatively recent phenomenon, with chest pockets becoming common in the 1950s and 1960s. Typically, t-shirts have a single pocket on the left side of the chest, although some have them on the right. Men's t-shirts tend to feature more functional pockets than women's. The history of pockets in clothing goes back over 500 years, with the word pocket derived from the French word poque, meaning bag.

History of pockets on t-shirts

The history of the T-shirt can be traced back to the late 1800s, when it existed in a form similar to long underwear, designed to be worn under a "union suit". Over time, people began cutting these garments in half, leaving the top long enough to tuck into the bottom half, thus creating the first T-shirt. Despite this, wearing a T-shirt on its own remained taboo for a long time, and was even outlawed in some states.

The T-shirt's journey to becoming an outerwear garment began with its adoption by the US military. In 1904, the Cooper Underwear Company began marketing pullover undershirts to young men as "bachelor undershirts", and by 1915, the US military had also adopted a plain white T-shirt as standard issue for new recruits.

The T-shirt's rise to fame was further propelled by Hollywood. In the 1951 film *A Streetcar Named Desire*, Marlon Brando wore a tight-fitting T-shirt, leading to a boom in T-shirt sales. James Dean also wore a plain white T-shirt in the 1955 film *Rebel Without a Cause*.

So, when did the T-shirt gain its pocket? Chest pockets on T-shirts became common in the 1950s and 1960s, as more people began wearing T-shirts as outerwear. The chest pocket provided a convenient location to store small items such as cigarettes, pens, and other small items. The small left chest pocket was first included in a patent filed on August 16, 1929, by John W. Champion of Evanston, Illinois, on behalf of Chicago-based Reliance Manufacturing. Champion's original pocket was two-ply with a clasp closure, but it set a precedent for the convenience of pocket tees to come.

Today, modern pocket T-shirts typically have rounded or square pockets, usually positioned on the left side of the chest, but sometimes on the right. While pocket T-shirts are available for both men and women, men's styles are the most popular and tend to have more functional pocket sizes.

Why t-shirts have pockets

T-shirts with pockets are a common sight, but their origin is a little unclear. The small chest pocket wasn't part of the original T-shirt design, which was first worn as underwear, designed to be worn under a "union suit". Over time, the T-shirt evolved into an outer garment, first issued to soldiers in the US armed forces, and eventually becoming a staple of casual wardrobes. But why and when did the pocket come about?

The addition of pockets to T-shirts is largely attributed to a patent filed in 1929 by John W. Champion of Evanston, Illinois, on behalf of Chicago-based Reliance Manufacturing. Champion's design included asymmetrical pockets—a large one on the right side of the chest and a smaller, crested pocket on the left, perfect for holding a pack of cigarettes. This was adapted from the engineer shirt, but the pocket design was modified for more common wear. The idea was to keep cigarettes close to the chest, preventing them from being crushed when sitting down, a problem that led to the trend of soldiers rolling cigarettes up in their sleeves.

While the original purpose of the T-shirt pocket may have been to hold cigarettes, its function has evolved over time. Today, T-shirt pockets are useful for stashing small items such as business cards, pens, pencils, or money. They are also a great place to hang your sunglasses, keeping them safe and easily accessible. The addition of a pocket can also add depth and a more dynamic look to a T-shirt, enhancing its style and giving it a more casual, relaxed feel.

The placement of the pocket is typically on the left side of the chest, positioned slightly above the second buttonhole, with variations in size and style, such as rounded or angled pockets. While T-shirts with pockets are versatile and practical, they may not be suitable for very formal occasions, where a smooth, pocketless shirt is often considered more elegant and in keeping with the dress code. Ultimately, the choice between a pocketed or pocketless T-shirt comes down to personal preference, the intended use, and the desired level of formality.

T-shirts without pockets

The absence of a pocket on a T-shirt creates a smooth, uninterrupted front that is well-suited to formal occasions and professional environments. It also maintains visual symmetry when paired with a tie, as the absence of a pocket ensures a balanced appearance.

Historically, the presence or absence of pockets on shirts was influenced by the assumption that individuals would be wearing a vest or jacket with ample storage space. Traditional European shirtmakers, such as Charvet, Turnbull & Asser, and Luciano Barbera, often omit pockets from their dress shirts under this assumption.

Additionally, the inclusion of pockets on T-shirts can be traced back to military influence. Soldiers, who were used to having pockets on their outerwear, brought this preference to their T-shirts, and the small left chest pocket became a standard feature. However, plain T-shirts without pockets gained popularity due to iconic actors like Marlon Brando and James Dean, who wore pocketless T-shirts in their films.

Ultimately, the decision to include pockets or not on T-shirts depends on the intended use and personal preference. Pockets can add practicality and a casual touch, while their absence lends formality and a sleek appearance to the garment.

T-shirt pockets and etiquette

The T-shirt has gone through many iterations to become the staple garment we know today. Originally designed as long underwear, the T-shirt was halved to create a top and bottom, with the top being long enough to tuck into the other half. This was due to the original fabric, wool, being too hot for summer.

The T-shirt was then adopted by the U.S. Army, who removed the buttons as soldiers lacked sewing skills. This iteration of the T-shirt was then popularised by Hollywood icons such as Marlon Brando and James Dean, who wore them on screen.

The T-shirt pocket has an equally interesting history. The small left chest pocket was first included in a patent filed in 1929 by John W. Champion, an engineer from Illinois. Champion's design included asymmetrical pockets—one large pocket on the right side of the chest and a pointed pocket on the left, designed to fit a box of cigarettes. This was adapted from engineer shirts, but the pocket's position near the chest was a convenient way to prevent cigarettes from being crushed, as they would be if stored in a pant pocket.

Today, T-shirt pockets are a detail that serves both practical and stylistic purposes. They can be used to store small items such as business cards, pens, and sunglasses, adding functionality to the garment. However, the presence of pockets can also impact the formality of the T-shirt, with pocketless designs being more common in formal contexts.

When choosing a T-shirt with a pocket, it's important to consider your needs, taste, and the environment in which you'll be wearing it. Pockets can be useful if you need to carry small items, but they may not be appropriate for formal events or workplaces with strict dress codes.

There are different types of T-shirt pockets to choose from, each offering a unique style and functionality. The angled chest pocket, for example, is a more informal option with a tip that extends downward and additional seams, making it perfect for sporty clothing during leisure time. On the other hand, the round chest pocket is a more discreet option that strikes a balance between etiquette and functionality, making it suitable for relaxed working environments.

In conclusion, T-shirt pockets offer a convenient way to carry small items, but they also add depth and style to the garment. When choosing a T-shirt with a pocket, consider the formality of the occasion and your personal preferences for style and functionality.

Different types of t-shirt pockets

Pockets are a common feature of clothing, including t-shirts, and can be used for both functional and ornamental purposes. While pockets on t-shirts are usually located on the chest, there are several different types of pockets that can be found on t-shirts, each serving a unique purpose and offering a distinct style. Here are some of the different types of t-shirt pockets:

Chest Pocket

The chest pocket is a standard feature on t-shirts, typically positioned on the left side of the chest, with the top of the pocket slightly above the second buttonhole. This type of pocket is often associated with dress shirts and can come in various sizes depending on the shirt's dimensions.

Angled Chest Pocket

The angled chest pocket is a variation of the standard chest pocket, featuring a more casual design. It is slightly smaller and angled into the t-shirt, making it easier for the wearer to slide their hands in and out.

Rounded Flap Pocket

This pocket style offers a utilitarian, casual look. It is larger than the standard rounded pocket and features a button closure with rounded flaps. This type of pocket is commonly found on casual shirts.

Single Button Angled Pocket

This pocket combines the angled chest pocket with a button closure and additional stitching details. It is a versatile option suitable for casual shirts.

Western Flap Pocket

Western Flap Pockets are larger in size and feature buttons and curved, Western-style flaps. They are commonly associated with Western shirts and often have lightweight, unfused interlining.

Bias Cut Western Pocket

This pocket style is a variation of the Western Pocket, where the pocket fabric is cut and sewn at a 45-degree angle to the main shirt fabric. This creates a unique visual effect, with the pocket fabric's pattern or grain appearing at an angle.

Patch Pocket

The patch pocket is a basic pocket design consisting of a patch of fabric sewn onto the garment. It can be found on various clothing items, including t-shirts, and can be styled in different ways, such as with a pleat or a triangle shape.

Flap Pocket

The flap pocket features a flap that covers the opening and is commonly found on suit jackets. The flap can be rectangular, pointed, or curved, and may include a buttonhole and button fastening.

Kangaroo Pocket

The kangaroo pocket is a large pouch-style pocket commonly found on tracksuit tops or utility garments. It provides a single spacious compartment or multiple divisions for carrying tools or other items.

Cowl Pocket

The cowl pocket is a draped-style pocket with fabric draped around the opening, creating a flowing silhouette. This style adds extra fabric for a draped effect and is commonly found on casual garments.

These are just a few examples of the different types of pockets that can be found on t-shirts. Each type of pocket serves a specific function and contributes to the overall style and design of the t-shirt.

Frequently asked questions