Pocketless clothing is a bugbear for women
A LACK of functional pockets in women’s clothes is one of the feminist issues of our times.
More than half of the women surveyed by clothing firm Lucy & Yak said they struggled to carry the things they needed every day as they didn’t have enough pockets.
A fifth of women named it as the most annoying thing about buying new clothes – and it’s up against strong competition from clothes that are not true to size, are too expensive or are uncomfortable and impractical.
The frustration can be seen online, where searches for “comfortable clothing brands” have risen 100 per cent. Google searches for “I hate all my clothes” have gone up by 50 per cent over the last year.
Men don’t have to put up with this nonsense. The pockets on women’s jeans are on average 48 per cent shorter and 6.5 per cent narrower than men’s pockets.
Lucy & Yak says that feminising the fashion industry would address these issues.
Lucy Greenwood, founder of Lucy & Yak, said: “Only 40 per cent of womenswear is designed by women and only 14 per cent of 50 major fashion brands are run by women. Creating equal gender representation would create items that are stylish, yet functional.
“Many women choose outfits based on how clothing makes them feel. The industry needs to break away from fast-fashion trends and create items with women’s values at the forefront, including practical clothing with functional pockets.
“This small change can help women feel empowered and confident in clothing they trust.”
Stylist Natalie Robinson added: “We are moving in a new direction and this year is all about reinvention, feeling good about yourself and breaking free from restrictions.
“Fashion will be more functional and practical to accommodate hybrid working and there will be a greater need for comfortable wear and larger pockets in women’s clothing. Women are becoming busier, juggling the school run, home and work life. We need fashion that is functional.”