Reclaiming the pocket: How Secrid empowers women this international Women_s Day
At first glance_ the pocket may seem like a minor design feature. Yet it quietly shapes how people move through their day. This International Women_s Day_ Dutch wallet brand Secrid highlights the ongoing “pocket gap_” the persistent design imbalance between men_s and women_s clothing pockets_ and what it reveals about mobility_ independence_ and how we carry the essentials of daily life.
For many women_ getting dressed still involves a practical calculation: what can actually fit in their pockets? Essentials such as a phone_ keys or cards often end up redistributed into handbags or carried by hand. When clothing cannot accommodate everyday items_ mobility becomes less effortless. What seems like a small design detail quickly turns into a daily compromise. Secrid has built its philosophy around compact “pocketwear” and tackles the question: How can the objects we carry support freedom of movement rather than restrict it?
A design imbalance
The disparity between men_s and women_s pockets is well documented. An analysis by the data journalism platform The Pudding found that women_s front pockets on jeans from major US brands were on average 48 percent shorter and 6.5 percent narrower than men_s. In their test_ fewer than half of the women_s pockets could fully accommodate common smartphone models. While pockets were not originally designed with smartphones in mind_ the study highlights how contemporary lifestyles increasingly challenge traditional garment construction.
The difference also has historical roots. From the 17th century onward_ many women in Europe wore tie-on pockets beneath their skirts_ decorative_ detachable accessories used to carry personal items_ as documented by the V& A Museum in London. Men_s garments_ by contrast_ increasingly integrated sewn-in pockets directly into coats_ waistcoats and breeches. As silhouettes narrowed during the 19th century_ functional storage in womenswear diminished further and handbags gradually became the primary solution.
Why the pocket gap persists
Several factors contribute to the persistence of small or non-functional pockets in women_s garments. From a production perspective_ deeper pockets require additional fabric_ reinforcement and pattern adjustments. In cost-driven mass production_ these details are often among the first to be reduced or removed. Economic dynamics also play a role. When garments cannot comfortably carry everyday essentials_ bags become a necessity_ sustaining a strong accessories market. Cultural conventions have reinforced this divide as well.
As Christian Dior famously remarked in 1954_ men have pockets “to keep things in_” while women_s pockets were often treated as decorative. More recently_ The Guardian has reported on growing campaigns for functional pockets in womenswear_ while The New Yorker explored how pockets subtly influence autonomy and freedom of movement.
_Pocketwear_: Rethinking everyday carry
Rather than waiting for clothing to change_ Secrid takes a different approach: the brand designs smart_ compact objects that fit effortlessly into the pockets people already use. Founded in 2009 in the Netherlands_ Secrid quickly built a reputation for wallets and card protectors engineered specifically for pocket use. Its signature aluminium Cardprotector lets users slide out cards with a single movement_ while keeping them safe from bending or RFID skimming.
At the heart of this approach is what Secrid calls “pocketwear.” The idea is simple: everyday essentials should move with you seamlessly_ securely_ and without added bulk. Pocketwear transforms ordinary objects into reliable companions_ always within reach and discreetly tucked away_ supporting hands-free mobility and the rhythm of daily life. Many of the label_s wallets are produced in the Netherlands in partnership with local workshops and sheltered facilities_ combining durable design with responsible production.
Returning to the challenge highlighted at the start_ the persistent pocket gap that still limits women_s mobility_ Secrid demonstrates how small_ well-designed objects can transform daily life. Its philosophy of pocketwear turns pockets into practical_ hands-free companions_ making essentials secure_ discreet_ and always within reach.
This International Women_s Day_ Secrid invites women to reclaim their pockets and experience firsthand how compact wallets and pocket-ready accessories can make everyday independence effortless_ because the right objects_ in the right place_ truly change how you move through the world.