Those Fake Pockets Are Probably Real

Fake pockets: a common frustration the majority of women come to face in their lifetime. There are constant complaints of the annoyance of non-functioning pockets and some women do not realize that there is often an easy solution to this problem. Many fake pockets are actually real, usable pockets that have been closed at the opening seam. These seams can be easily removed in a matter of seconds. Keep reading to learn why pockets are often closed, how to check if a pocket is real, and how to safely make it functional.

Why Pockets are Often Closed

Why go through the process of sewing a pocket just to stitch it back up? Manufacturers often sew pockets shut for a variety of reasons. When the pockets are closed, the garment will look much nicer hanging on the rack and there with be no bulk. It also helps to protect the pockets from damage on the sales floor. Some people may actually prefer closed pockets, as it gives the garment a slimmer look. When the pockets are closed, the lining will not bulge out of the garment. Before you decide if you want to open your pockets, determine whether it will be worth the clean, sleek look and fit of closed pockets.

How To Tell if a Pocket is Real or Not

If the garment is unlined, this is very easy. Turn the garment inside out and look for the area the pocket should be. If there is a pocket, you will see the pocket lining (two pocket pieces sewn together). If the garment is lined, you will have to try to feel around for the pocket lining.

Another way to check is a pocket is real is to check for loose stitching thats keeping the pocket openings sewn shut. Usually the stitches will be loose and clearly visible. Sometimes, there will be a small opening at either end of the stitching.

If a pocket is fake there will not be any lining. Fake pockets will usually only have a piece of fabric covering the back of the pocket, inside the garment. If you do not see/feel two pocket pieces sewn together inside the garment, do not attempt to open the pocket, as it is likely fake.

How To Safely Open a Pocket

Opening a sewn shut pocket is a quick and easy process, but it is important to take care. Being careless may end up damaging your garment. First, you want to make sure you have a seam ripper. Small, pointed scissors may also do the trick, but be careful not to cut the fabric.

Gently pull on either side of the pocket area so that you can see the seams that need to be opened. Locate a thread that can be easily snipped without damaging the fabric and remove that single thread with your seam ripper/scissors. Gently tug on the area to loosen more threads, and continue to snip away each thread until the whole string has been completely removed. Pull out any other loose threads still stuck to the pocket.

It is important to note that sometimes, designers may intend for the pockets to stay closed. Pay attention to the length and tension of the seam that was used to close the fabric. If the seam is slightly long and loose, the pocket was probably supposed to be opened. However, sometimes very small and tight seams are used to close the pockets. While it can be done, these seams are still much harder to remove. If the seams are tight like this, the designer may have wanted to keep the pockets closed for fit reasons. If you have a tightly closed pocket and still wish to remove it, be sure that the design of the garment will not be sacrificed for the convenience of usable pockets.