What Is A Patch Pocket: Definition, Styles And Uses In Apparel
Most garments feature elements we often take for granted! You might have pockets on your shirts, pants, or jackets. There are many different kinds of pockets, and each has its own name and style. Pockets are not just useful; they are a key component in the design and function of many garments. This article will focus on one specific, common type: the patch pocket. We will explain what it is in a simple way, making it easy to follow along.
1. What is a patch pocket?
A patch pocket is a piece of fabric sewn onto the outside of clothes. Think of it like a patch you might stick on a bag, but this one is a pocket you can put things in. It’s a common pocket type. The most important thing to know is that it sits on the surface of your shirt, pants, or jacket.
A patch pocket, sometimes called an applied pocket or external clothing pocket, is made from a piece of fabric that is sewn onto the outside of a garment. It is not hidden inside the clothes or built into a seam where the fabric pieces join.
2. How can you spot a patch pocket?
It’s easy to spot a patch pocket if you know what to look for. One main feature is the stitching. You can often see the lines of thread – this is called topstitching – that hold the pocket onto the clothes. This stitching is a key part of its garment design.
- Square: Like the pockets on the back of many jeans.
- Rectangular: Often seen on the chest of shirts.
- Rounded: Some pockets have curved bottom edges for a softer look.
- Special shapes: Sometimes they have unique shapes for fashion.
The top edge of the pocket is usually left open. This opening lets you put your hand or items inside. When we help clients design branding near pockets, we always look at these features – the shape and the way the topstitching shows – because it affects where a label might look best.
3. How are patch pockets attached to clothes?
Making and attaching a patch pocket is quite straightforward. First, the raw edges of the pocket fabric are usually folded under and pressed or stitched. This process stops the fabric from fraying and gives a clean look.
Then, this prepared pocket piece is placed on the outside of the shirt, pants, or jacket where it’s needed. It’s then sewn directly onto the main garment fabric. The stitching usually goes around three sides – the bottom and the two sides. The stitches you see on the outside that attach the pocket are called topstitching.
This can be a single line of stitches, or sometimes two lines for extra strength or for a more detailed look. Especially on heavy-duty clothes like jeans, the top corners of the pocket, where it opens, often have extra, very strong stitches to stop them from tearing when you use the pocket a lot.
4. Common styles of patch pockets you might see
Patch pockets are not all the same. They come in different styles. Here are some common ones you will often see on clothes:
4.1 Basic patch pocket
This is the simplest type. It’s usually a flat square or rectangle. You see this on the back of most jeans, or as a chest pocket on a casual shirt or work shirt.
4.2 Patch pocket with a flap
This pocket has an extra piece of fabric that covers the opening. It helps keep things safe inside. The flap might close with a button, a snap, or a hook-and-loop fastener. You see these on jackets, some types of outerwear, and work shirts.
4.3 Rounded patch pockets
Instead of sharp corners, these have rounded bottom edges. This gives a softer look. It is common on some casual pants, kids’ clothes, or aprons.
4.4 Angled or shaped patch pockets
Some patch pockets have an opening that is slanted, or the whole pocket might have a special, non-square shape. This is often for style or to make it easier to put your hand in. You see these in fashion clothes or some workwear.
4.5 Bellows pocket
This pocket has sides that fold and can expand, like a small accordion. This gives it more room to hold bigger things. You see these on cargo pants or utility jackets.
When creating branding, knowing these different patch pocket styles helps us advise on the best label or patch placement. For example, a flap offers a different branding surface than a simple open pocket.
5. Where do you usually find patch pockets on clothes?
Patch pockets are very common. You can find them on many types of clothing.
- Shirts: Often on the chest, usually on one side. A classic example is the single chest pocket on a casual shirt, perfect for a pen or small notebook.
- Jeans & trousers: The back pockets on most jeans are usually patch pockets. Some casual pants or work pants have them on the front or sides too. The back pockets on most jeans are prime examples of patch pockets, essential to their iconic design.
- Jackets & coats: You can find them as chest pockets, or larger pockets on the lower front of casual jackets, denim jackets, work jackets, and some outerwear.
- Skirts & dresses: Patch pockets can be a nice design detail and also useful on casual skirts and dresses.
- Workwear & uniforms: Very common on work clothes and uniforms because they are handy for carrying tools or small items needed for a job. They are often made to be strong.
- Other items: You might also see them on aprons, bags, and children’s clothes.
6. Why do we use patch pockets?
Patch pockets are popular for several good reasons:
- Easy to Add: They are simpler and often faster to make and sew onto clothes compared to pockets that are built into seams. This can make clothes quicker to produce.
- Functional: They are very practical for carrying small items like keys, phones, pens, or a wallet. They are usually easy to reach into.
- Visible Design Element: The shape, fabric, and stitching of a patch pocket can add to the style of the clothes. They can be a noticeable garment design feature.
- Versatile: They can be made from the same fabric as the main garment for a subtle look, or a contrasting fabric, color, or texture to stand out.
7. Branding near patch pockets with Packlove
Because patch pockets are on the outside of clothes and easy to see, the area around them, or even on the pocket itself, is a great spot for adding a brand’s logo or name. This is a smart way to incorporate branding.
We make custom labels and custom patches that look great with patch pockets. These materials are excellent for this purpose. Here are some ideas for custom patches for apparel and branded labels for garment details:
- Custom woven labels: A small woven label, created by weaving threads into a design, can be neatly stitched onto the edge of a patch pocket for a professional finish. This looks very professional. Our custom woven labels are often made from polyester for durability.
- Custom rubber patches: For a modern, 3D look, a cool rubber patch from Packlove could be placed right above a pocket on a jacket, or on a pocket flap. These product types, specifically rubber patches made from PVC, are popular for items like jackets.
- Heat transfer labels: These heat transfer labels offer a smooth, ‘no-tag’ feel and can be applied near pockets for a clean branding look. Packlove has many options for these product types too.
Packlove helps you design these custom labels and custom patches – we’re here to guide you. We understand that not everyone needs thousands, so we are happy to help with ordering small quantity rubber labels for clothing pockets or woven labels.
These branding elements can significantly enhance a garment’s appearance and perceived value. Apparel brands often use labels on pockets, and many designers add branding to garments in this way because it’s effective.
8. Frequently asked questions about patch pockets
Here are answers to some common questions people have about patch pockets:
8.1 Is a patch pocket the same as an inside pocket?
No, they are different. A patch pocket is sewn on the outside of your clothes, so you can always see it. An inside pocket is hidden inside the garment, often in the lining of a jacket or coat, so you don’t see it from the outside.
8.2 Can patch pockets be decorative?
Yes, absolutely! The shape of the pocket, the fabric used, the color of the sewing thread, or even adding small designs like embroidery or a small label on the pocket can make it a stylish part of the clothes.
8.3 Are patch pockets strong?
They can be very strong. If they are sewn well with good quality thread, they can last a long time. On clothes like jeans or workwear that get a lot of use, the top corners of patch pockets often have extra stitches to make them even stronger and prevent tearing.
8.4 What’s the difference between a patch pocket and a welt pocket?
It’s simple! A patch pocket is a whole piece of fabric sewn onto the surface of the clothes – you see the entire pocket pouch from the outside. A welt pocket is more like a neat, finished slit or opening into the garment.
The actual pocket bag of a welt pocket is hidden inside the clothing. Welt pockets often have a distinct fabric edge or ‘lip’ along the opening. They are two different types of clothing pockets.
Explore more:
So, now you know! Patch pockets are simple but very useful parts of many clothes we wear every day. They are basic clothing construction elements. The most important thing to remember is that they are separate pieces of fabric sewn on top of the garment, not hidden inside.
They can be very practical for carrying things, stylish as a design feature, or even both! As one of the basic clothing construction elements, patch pockets are easy to spot once you know what to look for. Find more helpful guides on the Packlove Blog, and if you need branding for your apparel, visit Packlove today!
