The Politics of Pockets

Welcome to the AI Papers podcast, because even AI has stories to tell.

So we're diving into the fascinating and surprisingly deep world of pockets, or rather, the lack thereof in women's fashion.

It's about time someone addressed this.

It's a sartorial scandal, really.

I mean, have you ever tried to fit a smartphone into a so-called pocket in women's jeans?

It's practically a magic trick.

Right?

It's more like a decorative flap than an actual functional pocket.

The history of this is crazy.

It goes way back, like 17th century, when men got pockets sewn into their clothes and women were stuck with these external pouches?

tied around their waists.

Can you imagine?

Talk about impractical.

And then of course, as fashion evolved, women's clothing got slimmer, tighter, so those bulky external pockets just didn't fit the silhouette anymore.

Enter the reticule.

Small, dainty, utterly useless for carrying anything more than a handkerchief and maybe a smelling salts.

which, let's be honest, is a pretty good indicator of what society thought women should be carrying.

Not tools, not essentials, just fripperies.

Yeah, it's pretty telling.

And then you have designers like Christian Dior cementing this whole pockets are for decoration thing.

Ugh.

I know, right?

Men have pockets to keep things in, women for decoration.

What century was he living in?

and let's not forget the impact of Haute Couture.

I mean, who needs pockets when you're dripping in diamonds and draped in silk?

Well apparently everyone, because even during the world wars when women were taking on traditionally male roles, they needed pockets.

So there was this brief period of practicality, but then poof, gone again as soon as the war ended.

back to the restrictive pocketless styles.

It's a cycle of oppression really, fashionable oppression.

But thankfully things are changing.

There's a whole pocket revolution happening.

Pocket Renaissance.

It's amazing.

Women are demanding functional pockets.

And not just any pockets.

We're talking big roomy pockets.

Pockets that can hold a phone, a wallet, keys, a small dog.

Maybe not a small dog.

The point is pockets that are actually useful.

And it's not just about practicality.

It's about challenging those ingrained gender norms, right?

It's about saying, hey, we need pockets too.

We have stuff to carry.

Exactly.

And designers are finally listening.

We're seeing more gender-neutral clothing, utility-inspired designs, and smart pockets.

Smart pockets?

What pockets that can order you a pizza?

I'm in.

Ha!

Close!

Think more along the lines of pockets that can charge your phone or track your steps.

It's pretty cool stuff.

And sustainable pockets too.

Made from recycled materials.

So, pockets that are good for the planet and for our sanity?

Sign me up.

It's great to see the fashion industry finally catching up with the 21st century, right?

I mean, for so long, it's been all about aesthetics over functionality, especially in women's clothing.

Totally.

It's like they forgot that clothes are supposed to be, you know, worn by actual human beings who need to carry things.

But now we're seeing this push for change, designers embracing functionality, finally understanding that women need pockets just as much as men do.

It's not just designers though, is it?

It's consumers too.

We're demanding better, demanding more practical clothing.

And social media has been a huge platform for this with hashtags like hack we want pockets, raising awareness and putting pressure on brands to change.

Power to the pockets.

So we were talking about this pocket revolution, this renaissance, and it's fascinating how it ties into so much more than just, you know, having a place to put your phone.

It's like this tiny piece of fabric has become this huge symbol of, well, everything.

Practicality, equality, challenging societal norms.

It's kind of mind blowing when you think about it.

Totally.

I mean the reticule, right?

So elegant, so useless.

It's like the ultimate symbol of how women were expected to be seen, not heard, and certainly not carrying anything of substance.

Absolutely, like here, carry this tiny bag that can barely hold a lipstick and don't even think about carrying anything important.

Yeah, yeah.

And then you have the Rational Dress Society in the 19th century, like, hey, we want pockets!

It's like this early cry for equality, hidden in plain sight.

It's amazing.

They were fighting for the right to vote and the right to carry their belongings.

Talk about multitasking.

Ha!

Exactly.

But even then, designers were like, okay fine, you can have pockets but they'll be sewn shut or placed near the hem of your skirt, so they're basically useless.

It's infuriating.

so frustrating, like we'll give you the appearance of pockets but not the actual functionality.

It's almost worse than no pockets at all.

Right?

It's like a cruel joke.

And then the world wars, women finally get some decent pockets because they're, you know, actually working.

But as soon as the war ends, poof, gone.

Back to being decorative objects, I guess.

Ugh.

It's like a constant two steps forward, one step back.

It is, but then Coco Chanel comes along and starts incorporating like menswear elements into women's fashion, functional pockets included, revolutionary.

totally.

She was such a game changer.

And not just for fashion, but for like challenging these ingrained gender norms.

It's like she was saying, hey, women can be stylish and practical.

Absolutely.

And now with smartphones and you know all our tech, the need for pockets is greater than ever.

It's not just about lipsticks and smelling salts anymore.

It's about survival.

Like how are you supposed to navigate the world without a place to put your phone?

It's become essential.

And finally, designers are sort of getting the message, right?

We're seeing more and more brands actually embracing functional pockets.

So we were talking about pockets, right?

And how they're like this surprisingly political piece of clothing.

Totally.

It's not just about having a place to put your phone.

It's a whole thing.

Like according to Peace Work Magazine, suffragettes use their pockets to carry pamphlets and stuff.

It was like the secret weapon for social change.

Whoa, I never thought about it that way.

So pockets as a tool for like rebellion?

That's amazing.

Right?

And now we have this whole modern pocket movement according to Searow's go.

It's like a continuation of that fight.

You know, women demanding functional pockets, not just these fake decorative ones.

Yeah, yeah.

It's like we're finally saying we need pockets too.

And not just any pockets, like real pockets.

Exactly.

Pockets that can actually hold things.

Like have you ever tried to fit a phone into a women's jeans pocket?

It's a joke, right?

It is.

Like according to the Badger Herald, women's pockets are like 48 % shorter and 6.5 % narrower than men's.

It's insane.

It's like this, pocket gender gap.

I know, right?

It's ridiculous.

It's like a small but significant example of how gender norms still shape our lives.

Totally.

And fashion trends, right?

They play a huge role in this whole pocket drama.

Like, the 18th century they invented the reticule because dresses were getting tighter.

Yeah, and who needs pockets when you have this tiny useless bag?

It's so impractical.

And then the 20th century, slim silhouettes, even less room for pockets.

Ugh.

And haute couture right?

Like Christian Dior.

All about decoration, not functionality.

Pockets for show, not for use.

It's like they forgot that clothes are supposed to be, you know, worn by actual people who need to carry things.

And then, celebrities, right?

They influence everything.

yeah, like Marlene Dietrich and Katharine Hepburn, they rocked trousers with pockets.

So cool.

But then glamour and elegance often meant no pockets.

It's like a constant battle.

And then minimalism comes along.

All clean lines, no pockets.

Stylish but so impractical, like where am I supposed to put my phone?

Right?

And then thankfully gender-neutral fashion starts emerging.

Finally, some practicality.

Pockets are back, baby.

It's about time and the placement of pockets, right?

So important, like pockets near the hem of a skirt.

Who thought that was a good idea?

So awkward.

But now designers are getting creative, finding new and better places for pockets.

It's like a pocket renaissance.

And technology, right?

Smartphones, we need bigger pockets.

It's essential and sustainable fashion too.

Practical and eco-friendly.

Pockets that are good for the planet and for our sanity.

The future of pockets is looking bright.

So we're talking pockets, right?

And it's crazy how this seemingly small thing is actually like a big deal.

It's not just a pocket, it's a whole symbol, you know, of practicality, equality, even rebellion.

Like remember reading about suffragettes using their pockets to carry pamphlets?

Whoa, yeah, secret weapon for social change, hidden in plain sight.

So cool.

But it's frustrating how, even when women did have pockets, they were often useless.

Sewn shut or placed ridiculously low, what's the point?

It's like a tease, worse than no pockets at all almost.

Like, you want pockets?

Here, have these fake ones.

So insulting.

Total joke.

And now, with our smartphones and everything, the need for decent pockets is even greater.

It's not just lipsticks and smelling salts anymore.

It's survival gear.

Right?

Try navigating the modern world without your phone.

Impossible.

And yet women's pockets are still like 48 % shorter and 6-5 % narrower than men's according to the Badger Herald.

It's insane.

It's this crazy pocket gender gap.

Like what's the deal?

And fashion trends play such a huge role in this whole drama.

Think 18th century tight dresses enter the reticule.

Elegant but utterly useless.

the irony, then 20th century, slim silhouettes, even less room for pockets.

Ugh.

And don't even get me started on Haute Couture.

Christian Dior, men have pockets to keep things in, women for decoration.

Seriously?

What century was he living in?

It's like they completely forgot that clothes are supposed to be, you know, worn by actual people.

People who need to carry stuff.

And not just stuff like lipsticks, but essential stuff.

Like phones, wallets,

So we've been talking about this whole pocket saga, and it's wild how much there is to unpack, right?

It's not just about the pockets, it's about so much more.

absolutely.

It's this whole intersection of fashion, functionality, gender norms.

It's fascinating, really.

And the future of pockets.

Like, where are we headed with this?

Well, designers are stepping up, right?

They're realizing, hey, women need pockets too.

So we're seeing all these cool innovations, oversized cargo pockets, hidden compartments.

It's like a pocket revolution, finally.

And it's about time, right?

I mean, who wants to carry a purse everywhere?

It's so limiting.

Totally.

So it's not just about practicality, it's about like freedom, right?

Being able to move freely without being weighed down.

Exactly.

And feeling empowered, you know, like you have everything you need right there in your pockets.

It's like a small but significant step towards equality.

It is.

But the fashion industry, they've had this like obsession with aesthetics, right?

Like pockets ruin the sleek silhouette.

tell me about it.

It's like they forgot that clothes are supposed to be, you know, worn by actual people who need to carry things.

Ha!

Right?

It's like this weird magic trick where they make pockets disappear in the name of...

elegance, I guess?

Yeah, it's like, who needs pockets when you can have unsightly bulges?

Seriously, it's so ridiculous.

Totally.

And then there's the whole economic side of it, right?

Like, adding pockets costs money.

Extra fabric, labor.

It all adds up and for these fast fashion brands, every penny counts.

So pockets are often the first thing to go.

It's a shame.

It is, but what about the influence of designers?

Right?

Like they have so much power to shape trends.

Totally, they're like the tastemakers, right?

And some, like Coco Chanel, have champion pockets, but others, not so much.

Yeah, it's like they prioritize their artistic vision over basic functionality.

It's frustrating.

so frustrating.

It's like sure you can't fit your phone in your pocket but at least you look fashionable.

Ugh.

Exactly.

And then of course we have to talk about gender norms, right?

Like historically, women's clothes were designed to be ornamental, not practical.

Right?

Like women don't need pockets.

They have handbags.

It's so outdated.

And it perpetuates this whole pocket disparity.

Totally.

But thankfully, things are changing, Designers are finally starting to embrace functionality.

Like Stella McCartney, Argent, they're getting it.

Yes, it's like this push for change, know, designers realizing that women can be stylish and practical.

It's about time.

So we've covered a lot of ground on this whole pocket saga, but I think we really need to dig into the cultural and practical implications of this whole pocket-less thing.

Totally.

It's way more than just a fashion quirk, right?

It's like this symbol loaded with all this baggage.

Yeah, yeah, like what does it mean when women's clothes don't have pockets?

What does it say about like their role in society?

Well, for one thing, it screams lack of autonomy, right?

Like you're forced to rely on a handbag, this external thing to carry your stuff.

It's limiting.

Totally, it's like this metaphor for dependence, like women are expected to be decorative, not practical.

Ugh.

And then you compare that to men's pockets, right?

Deep functional design for carrying all sorts of stuff, tools, wallets, you name it.

Yeah, it's like this stark contrast.

Men are equipped for the world, women are adorned.

It's telling.

It is.

And modern women, see this, right?

They're not fooled by these fake decorative pockets.

They're demanding real pockets, functional pockets.

It's this pocket revolution, and it's not just about the pockets themselves, it's about challenging these like, outdated gender norms, right?

Absolutely.

It's about saying, Hey, we're independent, we're capable, and we need pockets to function in the world.

Exactly.

So, beyond the symbolism, let's talk practicality.

Like what are the actual day-to-day challenges of not having pockets?

Well, handbags, right?

They can be a pain, cumbersome, impractical, and a safety concern too.

Easy targets for pickpockets.

for sure.

And what about like multitasking?

Trying to juggle a phone, keys, wallet, and a coffee?

It's a nightmare.

It is.

It's like this constant management of your belongings.

It's exhausting.

Totally.

And then there's the economic angle, right?

Like, no pockets means more handbags, more accessories, more money for the fashion industry.

It's a whole conspiracy.

Just kidding.

Sort of.

But yeah, it's definitely a factor.

And then there are the cost cutting measures, right?

Leaving out pockets saves money on fabric and labor.

It all adds up, so they make more money and spend less.

It's a win-win.

For them, not for us.

Exactly.

And this whole pocketless thing, it ties into this larger issue of gender equality, right?

It reinforces this idea that women are less capable, more dependent.

It does.

It's like this subtle but powerful message about like women's place in the world.

And it can actually limit their ability to, you know, participate fully in society.

absolutely.

Imagine trying to like climb the corporate ladder while juggling a handbag and a coffee.

It's not exactly empowering.

It's not.

So what does the future hold for pockets?

Are we destined to be forever pocketless?

I hope not.

I think things are changing, slowly but surely.

Women are demanding pockets and designers are like, finally starting to listen.

Yeah, yeah, this whole pocket revolution, it's gaining momentum.

And gender-neutral fashion, too.

That's a game changer.

Totally.

Practicality and inclusivity, it's the future of fashion and the future of pockets is looking bright.

Finally.

So we're talking pockets and it's like, finally designers are getting it, right?

Women want pockets, real pockets.

It's about time.

Not just these like fake little flaps that can barely hold a lip balm.

We're talking phone sized, wallet sized, snack sized pockets.

Exactly.

And it's not just about practicality, it's tied to this whole like gender neutral fashion movement, right?

Totally.

Challenging those old-fashioned norms.

Like, pockets aren't just for men anymore.

They're for everyone who needs to, you carry stuff.

Yeah, yeah.

And sustainable fashion is playing a role too.

Like pockets that are good for the planet and for our sanity.

Right?

Eco-friendly and functional.

It's not just about looking good.

It's about like living practically and responsibly.

Totally.

And technology, right?

Smartphones have made pockets essential.

It's like, how are you supposed to navigate the world without your phone glued to your hip, or, tucked safely in a pocket?

Exactly.

And designers are finally catching up, making clothes that can actually hold our tech.

It's a small step for fashion, a giant leap for womankind.

Ha!

I love that.

And social media, right?

We want pockets.

It's like this whole movement putting pressure on brands to change.

it's huge.

Calling out the pocket disparity, celebrating the brands that get it.

It's pocket activism.

I love it.

And there's an economic side to this too, right?

Functional pockets could be a whole new market.

Totally.

Brands that embrace pockets could see a real boost in sales.

Women are voting with their wallets and demanding pockets to put those wallets in.

Exactly.

And this isn't just a trend.

It's like a shift in how we think about clothes, right?

It's a pocket revolution.

It is.

The future of pockets is looking bright.

No more tiny useless pockets.

We're talking big, bold, functional, even smart pockets.

smart pockets, like pockets that can charge your phone?

That's amazing!

Yeah, or track your steps or, I don't know, order you a pizza.

The possibilities are endless.

Ha!

I'm in!

And sustainable pockets too, made from recycled materials.

It's like pockets that are good for the planet and your phone.

It's a win-win.

Totally.

So it's not just about adding pockets.

It's about reimagining them, making them like a design element, a statement.

Yeah, like Christopher John Rogers, right?

Making pockets a focal point.

It's like pockets as art.

Exactly.

It's the pocket Renaissance.

And what about those eco-friendly innovations?

Sustainable pockets made from recycled materials?

It's like fashion with a conscience.

So, we've talked about the past, the present, what about the future of pockets?

Like, where do we go from here?

Well, the future is inclusive and functional.

It's about breaking the binary, right?

Designing clothes with pockets for everyone, not just like half the population.

totally, gender neutral fashion, it's a game changer yeah?

Pockets for all.

Exactly.

And it's not just about inclusivity, it's about economics, this whole pocket economy thing.

It's a revolution.

tell me more, like how so?

Well, think about it.

The demand for functional pockets is creating this whole new market.

Designers, brands, everyone's jumping on the pocket bandwagon.

It's like pockets are the new black.

I love that.

So it's not just a trend, it's like a shift in how we view and value clothes.

Exactly.

It's like finally practicality is fashionable.

And sustainable too, right?

Like pockets made from recycled materials.

absolutely eco-friendly and functional.

It's like the best of both worlds and technology, smart pockets.

The possibilities are endless.

Smart pockets like pockets that can charge your phone or order you a pizza?

Maybe.

But yeah, think more along the lines of like pockets that track your steps or, I don't know, play music.

Who knows what the future holds.

That's amazing.

So the pocket renaissance is upon us.

It's a bright future for pockets and for all of us who need them.

It is no more tiny useless pockets.

We're talking big, bold, functional, even smart pockets.

The future is in our pockets.

And that's all the time we have for today's episode of the AI Papers podcast.

Thank you everyone for tuning in and a special thanks to our amazing listeners who've stuck with us through this deep dive into the world of pockets.