Jeans are an eternal staple, they're everywhere: in stores, in closets, on the street. But there's a detail that always raises questions.
That small front pocket, inside the larger pocket. Does it have any real use or is it just decoration? Levi’s, the pioneering denim brand, has explained it.
A design with history
It all started in 1873, when Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis designed the first jeans with workers in mind. Miners, carpenters, ranchers... They all needed tough clothing to withstand long workdays, and denim was perfect.
The first jeans included four pockets: one in the back and three in the front. Among them, a small pocket sewn inside the larger one. Today it's still there, almost unchanged, although its original function has changed over time.
To protect pocket watches
In the nineteenth century, pocket watches were very common, and people wore them on a chain inside their vest. But in certain professions, like ranching or mining, this wasn't practical or safe. Watches could break easily.
That's why Levi’s decided to include that small front pocket, and its function was clear: to protect the watch. That's also why it's known as the watch pocket. A small detail, but very useful in its time.
As time went by and wristwatches arrived, its original use faded away. But the pocket remained part of the classic jeans design.
New uses over time
Although pocket watches are no longer common, the small pocket found other purposes. In the 1930s, for example, Zippo lighters started to gain popularity.
Their shape fit perfectly in that compartment. Also, they had to be kept upright to prevent the gasoline from spilling. So the small pocket was ideal.
It has also been used to store matches, coins, tickets, or even condoms. Its size makes it discreet, but very functional. Many people use it today without knowing it was originally intended for a watch.
A classic that survives
Today, that small pocket is more symbolic than necessary, but Levi’s keeps it. It's a mark of identity, a nod to its origins. In a world where fashion changes quickly, Levi’s jeans have managed to keep their roots.
The pocket may no longer hold watches, but it still serves small roles. Some people keep a ring there, others a key, others nothing. But it's still there, steady, as part of denim's history.