For too long, women of all ages have had to make do with dresses and skirts that threw sartorial elegance without the quintessential pockets. Only pants – most varieties of them – boasted functional pockets in the front, the back, even the sides; some with embellishments. The slim-fit stretchy ones also came equipped with patch pockets.

But phew, things are changing in that quarter now. Obviously, fashion is one thing, but practicality is an entirely different matter.

Today, you can even find stylish A-line skirts with pockets, adding a touch of practicality into everyday wear. Not all of them, though…

For, there remains a substantial segment of fashionistas who prefer to lug their phones and whatnots in handy bags/pouches rather than in pockets, as indicated by online reports.

I would prefer to think not, though.

The other day, I happened to watch a reel on Instagram featuring a grandma trying out a whole new wardrobe of colourful dresses. One thing common among all of those outfits was the presence of pockets – subtly tailored on the sides to make them practical and so very happening.  

But why did it take so long for all the designers in the world to come up with dresses and skirts with pockets? Did they have to wait for smart phones to understand how very important pockets are to an outfit?

That they are now a part of even traditional garments like kurtas is a big justification. Wonder when saris will also up their quotient to add subtly woven pockets to aid women who love their six yards?

In the days of yore, before smart phones became must-haves, women would use a portion of their sari pallus (loose end of the sari) to tie coins and notes in the absence of little pouches or sewn pockets. The more indifferent ones would tuck it onto their sari blouse tops, adjusting the pallu just so to pull it out to make payments for the bus ride or the fish purchased. Some would roll the money into kerchiefs and clutch the lacy piece of cloth in tight fists.

Those were hands-not-free days. Pouches or those little synthetic purses meant one hand was always curled up to hold them. Not everyone was into handbags; rather, not everyone was inclined to buy or carry one.

Time to change that, right?

With trends dictating fashion moves and personal style quotients amplifying practicality and even fun factor, let’s (all in favour of pockets say ‘aye’) just support designers who combine style with functionality.