The Hidden History of Pockets: A Conversation with Hannah Carlson

The Photo Detective

In this episode, Hannah Carlson, author of “Pockets: An Intimate History of How We Keep Things Close,” discusses the historical and social significance of pockets. Inspired by a personal experience where she had no pockets during an emergency, Carlson explores how pockets have evolved from medieval times to modern days, highlighting their gender disparity. She delves into how pockets in women’s clothing were often inadequate or non-existent, contrasting with men’s standardized pocketed garments. Carlson also examines pockets in historical contexts, like women’s sports and military uniforms, and how pockets have influenced and reflected societal norms and gender roles.

Key Points

• Historical Evolution: Pockets have evolved from medieval pocket slits to modern integral pockets in clothing, with men often having more practical pockets than women.
• Gender Disparity: Women’s clothing historically lacked pockets, reflecting societal views on femininity and practicality, and influencing how women carried their belongings.
• Pockets and Society: Pockets were banned in some eras due to their association with concealed weapons, and they influenced how people moved and interacted with the world.
• Modern Pockets: Despite advancements, women today still face issues with inadequate pockets, often expressed through social media and fashion movements.

Related Episodes:
Episode 220: Dress Codes and Fashion Rule Through History with Richard Thompson Ford

Episode 215: The Story Behind Twentieth Century Skirts with Dr. Kimblerly Chrisman Campbell

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About My Guest:
Hannah Carlson teaches dress history and material culture at the Rhode Island School of Design. After training as a conservator of costume and textiles at the Fashion Institute of Technology, she received a PhD in material culture from Boston University. She is the author of Pockets: An Intimate History of How We Keep Things Close and has contributed articles to Commonplace: The Journal of Early American Life; Dress: The Journal of the Costume Institute of America; Design Observer; and MacGuffin: The Life of Things.

About Maureen Taylor:
Maureen Taylor, The Photo DetectiveTM helps clients with photo related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal and appearances on The View, The Today Show, Pawn Stars, and others. Learn more at Maureentaylor.com

I'm thrilled to be offering something new. Photo investigations. These collaborative one-on-one sessions. Look at your family photos then you and I meet to discuss your mystery images. And find out how each clue and hint might contribute to your family history. Find out more by going to maureentaylor.com and clicking on family photo investigations.

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