Did You Know? Pockets Almost Killed The Handbag

The Historical Plot Twist

If you peek into history, you’ll find a massive plot twist, for centuries, handbags were actually a staple of men’s fashion. Back in ancient Egypt and throughout medieval Europe, men were the primary users of bags. They wore leather or canvas pouches tied to their waist belts to carry coins, tools, and flint. Women, on the other hand, wore voluminous skirts with massive, hidden tie-on pockets nestled between layers of petticoats.

So, what changed? Tailors invented built in pockets.

During the Renaissance, tailors started sewing pockets directly into men’s trousers and jackets. Suddenly, men didn't need their waist pouches anymore. Meanwhile, women’s fashion shifted to sleek, form fitting dresses that left zero room for hidden underwear pockets. To carry their essentials, women had to bring the bag out into the open, adapting the old waist pouches into the handheld accessories we love today. 

The next time you find a dress with pockets, remember pockets are the exact reason the modern handbag exists!

The Studio Files
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