The Anatomy Of A T-Shirt: Pocket Placement

T-shirts are a wardrobe staple, but have you ever wondered about the history of the pocket on a t-shirt? The addition of a pocket to the t-shirt is a relatively recent development, but it has become a classic style detail. The pocket on a t-shirt is typically found on the left side of the chest, but can also be on the right. While pockets on t-shirts may not serve much of a purpose today, they were originally designed to hold small items such as cigarettes, pens, and loose change.

History of the T-Shirt Pocket

The t-shirt is a relatively new addition to our collective wardrobe, with its existence in some form only dating back to the late 1800s. Originally designed as an undergarment, the t-shirt has undergone a significant transformation to become the outerwear staple it is today.

The first t-shirts are believed to have come about when someone decided to split the union suit—a type of all-in-one clothing piece patented in New York in 1868—into two separate pieces, creating a top that could be tucked into the waistband of the bottoms. These early t-shirts were made from wool or cotton and featured stretchy necks that could be pulled over the head without ruining the collar. Despite their functionality, these early t-shirts were not initially intended to be worn as outerwear, and doing so was even outlawed in some states.

The turning point for the t-shirt came in the early 20th century when it was adopted by the military. In 1904, the Cooper Underwear Company began marketing its "bachelor undershirt" to young men, and by 1913, the U.S. Navy had begun issuing t-shirts as undergarments for enlistees. During World War I, the U.S. Army followed suit, including the plain white t-shirt as part of the standard issue ensemble for new recruits. As soldiers returned home from the war, they continued to wear their t-shirts, and the garment quickly became a popular and versatile staple, suitable for both children and adults, and for casual and professional outfits.

The t-shirt's rise to fame was further propelled by its appearance on screen. In the 1951 film "A Streetcar Named Desire," Marlon Brando wore a tight-fitting t-shirt, sparking a surge in sales and cementing the t-shirt as a fashionable stand-alone garment. This trend was reinforced in 1955 when James Dean wore a plain white t-shirt with a pocket in "Rebel Without a Cause."

So, how did the pocket come to be added to the t-shirt? The small left chest pocket, now a common feature, was first included in a patent filed on August 16, 1929, by John W. Champion of Evanston, Illinois. Champion's design included asymmetrical pockets—a large pocket on the right side of the chest and a crested pocket on the left, sized perfectly for a box of cigarettes. This addition of the chest pocket was also influenced by the decline of the waistcoat and the increasing popularity of t-shirts as outerwear, providing a convenient location to store cigarettes, pens, and other small items.

While the exact origin of the t-shirt pocket remains somewhat unclear, its inclusion has undoubtedly contributed to the t-shirt's enduring popularity as a wardrobe staple, combining comfort and style with functionality.

T-Shirts as Outerwear

T-shirts are a versatile garment that can be worn as outerwear or layered under other clothing. With their stretchy, light, and inexpensive fabric, T-shirts are easy to style and care for, making them a popular choice for casual outfits.

The Evolution of the T-Shirt

The T-shirt has come a long way since its early days as underwear. Originally designed to be worn under a "union suit," the T-shirt was first popularised by the US Army, who issued it as standard underwear for soldiers. Over time, it transitioned from being underwear to general-use casual clothing.

Pockets on T-Shirts

While pockets on T-shirts are common today, they weren't originally part of the design. The small left chest pocket was first included in a patent filed in 1929 by John W. Champion. The pocket was designed to hold a box of cigarettes, keeping them close to the chest and preventing them from being crushed.

Styling T-Shirts as Outerwear

When styling a T-shirt as outerwear, consider the occasion and the overall look you want to achieve. For a relaxed and casual look, a pocketed T-shirt can be a good choice. Pockets add a functional detail, allowing you to conveniently stash small items like sunglasses.

For a stylish spring outfit, try pairing a T-shirt with lightweight nylon outerwear. This combination provides a chic and sophisticated look, especially when paired with well-fitted slacks and dress shoes. If you want to add a touch of edginess, consider rolling up the sleeves of the outerwear to give the outfit a more relaxed vibe.

Denim shirts also work well as outerwear over T-shirts. In warmer weather, you can wrap the denim shirt around your waist, adding a stylish touch to your outfit while keeping it handy if the temperature drops.

T-Shirts in Popular Culture

T-shirts have become a staple in popular culture, with celebrities like Marlon Brando and James Dean popularising the garment in classic films like "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "Rebel Without a Cause." Since then, T-shirts have become a form of self-expression, often used for advertising, protests, and souvenirs.

Pocket Placement

Left or Right?

The left side of the chest is the standard position for a pocket on a T-shirt. This is because it is easier for right-handed people to reach across their chest to access the pocket. However, T-shirts with pockets on the right side also exist, offering a less conventional option.

Pocket Shapes

The most typical shapes for T-shirt pockets are rounded or square. However, some T-shirts feature more unusual pocket shapes, such as pointed pockets, which were originally designed to hold boxes of cigarettes.

Pocket Sizes

Men's T-shirts tend to have larger pockets than women's T-shirts, which are often too small to be functional. Pockets on women's T-shirts are generally more decorative, whereas men's pockets are usually designed to be practical.

Pocket Functionality

T-shirts with pockets are a common sight today, but the story of how the pocket became a standard feature is a long and winding one. The T-shirt itself was originally designed to be worn as an undergarment, so wearing it as an outer garment was taboo for quite some time. In fact, it was even outlawed in some states. This began to change when the T-shirt became standard issue in the US armed forces, and soldiers leaving the service brought their stock with them, making the garment increasingly popular.

The small left chest pocket that we see on T-shirts today 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 presented an illustrated pattern for an everyday shirt with asymmetrical pockets—one large pocket on the right side of the chest and a crested pocket on the left, sized perfectly for a box of cigarettes. This type of pointed pocket was originally used on engineer shirts, but Champion adapted it for more common wear. The pocket was designed to keep cigarettes close to the chest, preventing them from being crushed when sitting down, which could happen if they were kept in a pant pocket. This desire to keep cigarettes close at hand also led to the trend of soldiers rolling cigarette packs into their shirt sleeves.

While the original purpose of the T-shirt pocket may have been to hold cigarettes, today it serves a variety of functions. Some people use it to stash or hang their sunglasses, while others may use it to hold a pen or a lottery ticket. The pocket can also add definition to the shape of the shirt, making it a fashionable choice. Ultimately, the decision to wear a T-shirt with a pocket comes down to personal preference, and it can be a convenient and stylish addition to one's wardrobe.

Pocket Sizing

The chest pocket on a T-shirt is a convenient feature for stashing small items and adding definition to your shape. When it comes to pocket sizing, there are a few standard options to consider. The pocket size will depend on the overall size of the T-shirt and the intended purpose of the pocket. Here are some general guidelines for T-shirt pocket sizing:

Standard Pocket Sizes

• Adult size – For an adult-sized T-shirt, a standard pocket size is typically around 3.5" x 3.5" to 5" x 5". This size is suitable for holding small items such as sunglasses, pens, or a box of cigarettes.
• Toddler size – A toddler-sized T-shirt pocket is usually smaller, measuring around 5.5" x 5.5".
• Small, Medium, and Large – These sizes can vary depending on the manufacturer, but a small pocket is typically 8.5" x 8.5", a medium/large pocket is 10.5" x 10.5", and a large pocket can be up to 12.5" x 17".

Custom Pocket Sizing

It's important to note that pocket sizing can also be customised to fit specific needs. For example, a pocket designed to hold a smartphone may be larger, while a decorative pocket may be smaller and not intended for functional use.

Pocket Placement

The placement of the pocket is also important. Pockets are typically placed on the left or right side of the chest, with the left side being the most common. The pocket should be positioned so that it is easily accessible and does not interfere with the overall design of the T-shirt.

In conclusion, when designing a T-shirt pocket, consider the intended purpose of the pocket, the overall size of the T-shirt, and the placement of the pocket to ensure functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Frequently asked questions