Introduction to Women’s Pockets
Bags for women have long been an afterthought. In the 16th and 17th centuries, women had a kind of bag known as "betting bags" or tie-on pockets that were bound around the body and worn under their skirts. These bags had a slit on the sides, allowing women to reach into them easily.
The Purpose of Women’s Pockets
The pockets were often strongly decorated and used to store various articles such as keys, money, handkerchiefs, and sewing kits, as well as valuables like watches, snuff fans, and smelling bottles. They symbolized a feeling of autonomy for women, giving them a sense of independence and freedom.
The Design and Functionality
In the 16th and 17th centuries, women wore the connecting versions of these pockets that were attached to their waist under their skirts. The pockets were designed to be hidden from view, but still accessible to the wearer. This design allowed women to carry their personal items with them, without having to rely on others.
The Disappearance of Women’s Pockets
However, with the introduction of the regeneration style in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the silhouettes of women’s clothing became much more restrictive, and the pockets disappeared. This disappearance had a significant impact on women’s autonomy, as they could no longer carry their valuables with them in public. Without pockets, women were forced to rely on men or servants to carry their belongings, making them more susceptible to control and manipulation.
The Consequences of Losing Pockets
The loss of pockets also symbolized the loss of power and privacy for women. The things that could be carried in pockets, such as money, keys, and notes, represented things that were not intended for women, such as property, power, and privacy. Instead of pockets, some women wore small bags, but these were not practical and made them even more susceptible to control. As historian Stevenson notes, "If you, as a woman, cannot bring your valuables to the public, it makes them much more susceptible to men or servants." The loss of pockets was a significant setback for women’s independence and autonomy.
