Pockets on shirts have been a hot topic lately, especially when it comes to the disappearance of breast pockets on men’s shirts. It seems like they are slowly going out of style, while women’s shirts still have them. But why is this happening?
The breast pocket was originally added to men’s shirts as a practical solution for storing items when vests went out of fashion. Men needed a place to carry pens, glasses, and other small items since they didn’t have handbags like women. However, with the rise of technology and the decline of the need for writing implements, the breast pocket has lost its significance.
Nowadays, bulky phones can easily be stored in pants pockets, making the breast pocket unnecessary for many men. Additionally, the trend towards slim-line silhouettes in fashion has made the absence of a breast pocket look more polished, especially when wearing a shirt under a jacket.
Major retailers like J. Crew and Suitsupply are selling fewer men’s dress shirts with breast pockets, and even traditional brands like Brooks Brothers are seeing a decrease in the popularity of shirts with breast pockets. This shift in fashion reflects changing lifestyles and preferences among consumers.
Overall, the disappearance of breast pockets on men’s shirts is a combination of changing fashion trends, technological advancements, and evolving consumer needs. While the debate over the presence or absence of pockets on clothing may seem trivial, it reflects larger shifts in society and culture.