Pockets

Something in the 1700s, pockets as we know them today came into being. But they are very different from an early form of pocket that was a small bag, hung from one’s belt or even around one’s neck. But…

Problem: Pockets hanging from the belt were an easy target for thieves.
Solution: Hang pockets from the belt, but on the inside of the clothes rather than the outside.
Problem: This solution foiled thieves, but it also kept the owner from easily retrieving anything from the pocket.
Solution: Cut a slit in the side of the pants (pantaloons) to allow access to the picket.
Problem: Reaching through the slit and trying to open the pocket from inside the clothes was much too cumbersome.
Solution: Someone suggested sewing the pocket right inside the slit in the pants so that one’s hand went directly into the pocket. Brilliant!

David Jeremiah, Signs of Life, p. 175