The History of Pockets

“Who gets pockets, and why? It’s a subject that stirs up plenty of passion: Why do men’s clothes have so many pockets and women’s so few? Hannah Carlson, fashion historian at the Rhode Island School of Design, joins [the Concord Museum] for a conversation on the issues of gender politics, security, sexuality, power, and privilege tucked inside our pockets. Beginning 500 years ago when medieval tailors stitched the first pockets into men’s trousers, Dr. Carlson introduces a range of social issues that we continue to wrestle with today.” You can find Dr. Carlson’s full 60-minute presentation below.