Beyond the Seam: Rethinking Women’s Clothing and the Politics of Pockets through Feminist Materialism

Abstract

This paper explores the historical and contemporary significance and evolution of pockets from a feminist theoretical perspective. The issue is analysed through the lens of fashion, patriarchy, and capitalism. Despite their practical importance in everyday life, ‘pockets’ have long been absent in women’s attire, symbolising broader societal norms and patriarchal control over women’s bodies and autonomy. The paper begins by tracing the historical background of the pocket system for both men and women and how this evolved to reinforce gender norms and societal roles. This is then contextualised using various feminist theoretical frameworks—namely radical, liberal, and Marxist. The intersectional dimensions of this issue are also examined, focusing on the compounded marginalisation experienced by women from oppressed communities within the “pocket politics.” The patriarchal and capitalist commodification of women’s basic needs is both criticised and analysed. The findings point to a growing resistance against pocketless designs, led by feminist movements that advocate for practicality and autonomy in women’s fashion. By analysing the dynamics of pockets in women’s clothing, this paper contributes to the broader discourse on gendered fashion practices, division of labour, and the persistence of gender inequality in contemporary society