the watch pocket (also commonly called the fifth pocket or coin pocket).
It’s that small pocket stitched inside the right front pocket of most jeans (the wearer’s right side).
Origin & History:
Contrary to popular belief, it wasn’t originally for coins or condoms.
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It was designed for pocket watches. When Levi Strauss & Co. created their first waist overalls (blue jeans) in 1873, pocket watches were common. This small pocket perfectly and securely held a man’s pocket watch, protecting it from scratches and damage.
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Hence, its true name is the watch pocket.
Modern Uses:
Today, with pocket watches largely obsolete, people creatively use it for:
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Coins (its most common modern use, hence “coin pocket”)
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Lighter (a classic fit for Zippo lighters)
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Guitar picks
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Tickets or folded cash
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USB drives
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Lip balm
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A single key (like a house key)
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Earbuds (for wired models)
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Small pocket knives
Design & Construction:
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It’s a separate piece of denim, sewn directly onto the front right panel of the jeans before the main front pocket is assembled over it.
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This creates a “pocket-in-a-pocket” construction that is incredibly strong and durable, a hallmark of quality jeans.
A Fun Detail:
On some raw denim or premium jeans, this pocket is lined with a contrasting fabric (often a colorful stripe or pattern) as a hidden signature of the brand, known as a “selvage id” or pocket bag flash.
So, that “small pocket in the big pocket” is a historical artifact of design that has found new life as a versatile mini-compartment. It’s a testament to the timeless and functional design of classic blue jeans.