Pockets first began appearing on waistcoats and trousers about 500 years ago. As you probably already know, about half the population wasn't wearing trousers back then. For women in the 1600s and beyond, pockets were a separate garment that tied on between a skirt and petticoat.

When did pockets become common?

According to historian Rebecca Unsworth, it was in the late 15th century that pockets became more noticeable. During the 16th century, pockets increased in popularity and prevalence.

Who invented pockets for pants?

In 1873, Levi Strauss & Co. and Jacob Davis received U.S. Patent No. 139,121 for Improvement in Fastening Pocket-Openings. There were four pockets on the original pants and all of them were riveted—three on the front, including a small pocket above the larger right pocket.