The Evolution of Women’s Fashion in India (And the Tale of Pockets!)

Women’s fashion in India has a rich history, evolving from regal sarees to modern tunics, but there’s one small (literally) feature that has always been elusive for women: pockets! While men enjoyed the luxury of deep pockets for centuries, women had to make do with tiny, often decorative pockets or rely on pouches (potlis). Let’s take a fun journey through the history of women’s fashion in India and how pockets finally made their way into our wardrobes—though, not without a few bumps!

A Glimpse into Ancient Indian Fashion
In ancient India, women’s clothing was all about grace and tradition. The sari and ghagra choli were the mainstays of women’s wardrobes, each reflecting the cultural diversity of different regions. These garments were often embroidered, dyed, and woven with beautiful patterns, showcasing artistry and craftsmanship.

But—no pockets! Women carried potlis or pouches to store their essentials, which were either tied around the waist or the wrist. While these pouches were elegant, they weren’t exactly practical. Can you imagine carrying a potli while trying to navigate through a crowded bazaar?

Colonial Era: The Pocket Appears
With British influence came a shift toward Western-style clothing for women, like skirts and blouses. This era introduced petticoats, some of which had small hidden pockets. Though pockets were still tiny and reserved for men’s clothing, this was the first sign that women might one day have pockets too.

Still, pockets in women’s clothing remained more decorative than functional—tiny pockets that couldn’t hold much more than a handkerchief. Women continued to rely on purses and pouches for their belongings.

The 20th Century: Fashion Gets Functional (Sort Of)
As Indian women began taking on more active roles, entering the workforce, and participating in the independence movement, the need for more practical clothing grew. The salwar-kameez became popular for its comfort and mobility, but pockets were still rare. Even in the late 1900s, when pants and jeans became more common, pockets in women’s clothing were still small and often stitched shut (a frustrating fashion detail we’ve all encountered).

Despite fashion evolving, pockets stayed stubbornly small for women. Men’s clothing had deep, functional pockets to hold everything from wallets to watches, while women were left with pockets too small for even a set of keys.

Fun Fact: The Pocket Revolution
Did you know? In the 1800s, women’s dresses were so large and voluminous that they often wore pouches or tie-on pockets under their skirts! These hidden pockets were big enough to hold valuables, but of course, they weren’t exactly accessible without some serious effort.

Modern Times: The Pocket Problem Persists
Even today, many women’s outfits—especially traditional ones like sarees and lehengas—don’t come with pockets. And even when pockets are included, they are often too small to be useful. But the good news? The demand for bigger, more functional pockets has never been louder.

Cinnamon Closet: Finally, Deep Pockets!
At Cinnamon Closet, we’ve heard the call for functional fashion loud and clear. We’ve made sure our pants come with deep, practical pockets. We understand how annoying it can be to carry a purse everywhere, so we’ve designed our pockets with enough space to hold your essentials—whether it’s your phone, keys, or wallet.

No more tiny, decorative pockets here! With our deep-pocket pants, you can feel confident that your belongings are safe and secure, whether you’re heading out for work or a casual day out.

Women’s fashion in India has come a long way, from elegant pouches to deep pockets, reflecting not just style but also changing lifestyles and needs. At Cinnamon Closet, we believe that fashion should be both beautiful and functional—and we’re committed to giving you both.