Men’s lined suit jackets often have a variety of interior and exterior pockets. They can be open top patch pockets, pockets with a flap top, occasionally a smallish ticket/cash pocket, a jetted pocket (pouch that hangs inside the jacket but accessible through an outside bound edged slit or covered with a flap) all manner of real functioning pockets are expected details on men’s wear. Not so much on a lined woman’s jacket. If there are pockets at all they may be obscenely small or at times sewn closed.

Some fashion explanations for this are that women’s garments lay closer to the body for a slimmer silhouette and pockets are added bulk; pockets distract from the garment’s visual design lines; women carry purses and so do not need pockets, it is a sexist conspiracy, etc. Be that as it may, why not add that needed or desired inside pocket to a finished jacket’s lining?

Adding an inside pocket to a finished lined jacket adds a real surprise to a women’s garment. Almost feels as if it is an uncommon secret to have an inside pocket at all. The pocket can be a simple patch pocket constructed from an heirloom hanky, a piece of crisp organza, soft chiffon or same as the lining material itself.

A 6-inch by 12-inch rectangle of fabric can be folded in half right-sides -together, stitched around raw edges leaving an opening for turning, turn right-sides-out, press and hand or machine stitch to the inside front of the jacket lining. Of course, if the jacket lining is in the process of construction it would make the process easier than opening a seam on a finished lining on a purchased or already assembled lined jacket. Alternatively, one side seam of the pocket could be stitched or included in the jacket’s side seam if the pocket would need added fabric support, however this pocket is not really designed for heavy use.

This pocket surprise would be just big enough for example to hold a car key, credit card or emergency cash tucked safely away in the garment’s interior. Having an inside jacket pocket to hold just a few essentials frees the wearer from having to carry a purse or clutch style bag when doing so might be tedious or undesirable for the attended event.

This uncommon and hidden pocket surprise can be embellished with simple embroidery, decorative threads or ribbon. Consider stamping or stenciling a design on the finished delicate pocket using fabric paint or fabric markers to add a monogram or meaningful symbol. The pocket lends itself to uniquely creative personal designs, a hidden beauty.

It is a given that real women want real functioning pockets in their clothing. Fashion manufacturers take heed, let there be pockets! For the time being, sewers will prevail and just add the darn things where they can and they will be functional and beautiful too!

Sew happy, sew inspired.