A watch pocket is a small pocket sewn into a vest for holding a pocket watch, which was popular in three-piece suits. It was also used for storing other accessories and declined in popularity after World War II, but has recently resurged with the return of the three-piece suit.
A watch pocket is a pocket sewn into a garment, typically a vest, that is intended to be used as a holder for a watch. Pocket watches were made to fit in a person’s pocket and are attached to a chain that can then be attached to a vest or belt. Such watches were especially popular with men who wore three-piece suits consisting of pants, a coat, and a vest. The suit vest would normally have a small pocket on one or both sides in the midsection that was intended as a watch pocket.
Although originally intended for a watch, these watch pockets also became popular for storing other accessories. These could include cigar cutters, eyepieces, or vesta cases for carrying small matches and keeping them dry. Such items were also sometimes attached to chains similar to pocket watches as fashion pieces and to prevent accidental dropping. These chains were often elaborately decorated and could be seen running from a man’s side or waist to the watch pocket on his waistcoat.
Pocket watches declined in popularity after World War II, and wristwatches became more popular and standard as worn watches. However, as the popularity of the three-piece suit continued beyond that, the pocket watch could still be seen in men’s clothing. Watch pockets are especially evident in many early to mid-20th century vintage movies. The images in these films lead to the sight of a wealthy businessman or bank owner that becomes almost synonymous with the image of a man in a suit with one hand placed firmly in his pocket watch.
However, the three-piece suit waned in popularity, and the vest part was left behind in the 20th century as businessmen, and businesswomen who began wearing suits, moved towards simpler two-piece suits. . During this time, the pocket watch almost disappeared. However, at the turn of the 21st century, the three-piece suit experienced a mild resurgence once more, and when the waistcoat returned, the pocket watch returned with it. Although pocket watches are still less popular than wristwatches, there are still some men and women who wear pocket watches on formal occasions. Regardless of which watch is worn, the watch pocket allows a person wearing such a suit more options for how they stand and how the suit appears to fit them.
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