Pockets

ANNOUNCER: Part 4. You will hear a student on a fashion design course giving a talk about the history of pockets. First, you have some time to look at questions 31 to 40. Now listen carefully and answer questions 31 to 40.

SPEAKER: Good morning. We were asked to choose an aspect of European clothing or fashion and talk about how it has developed over time. I decided to focus on a small part of clothing — pockets.

SPEAKER: I chose pockets for two reasons. First, we all have them in jeans, jackets, and coats. Even though we carry bags or briefcases, nothing is as convenient as putting your phone or credit card into your pocket.

SPEAKER: However, people rarely think about pockets as a fashion item. They are often overlooked. But when we look back in history, the development of pockets for men and women is quite fascinating.

SPEAKER: In the 18th century, fashion was very different. For men, this was when suits became popular. Trousers were knee-length and were called breeches. Waistcoats were short and jackets were long.

SPEAKER: These garments were lined with material, and pockets were sewn into the lining by the tailor. The wearer could store small items such as coins or pencils and reach them through a gap in the lining.

SPEAKER: Later, coat pockets became more decorative for fashionable men. However, they were often larger and plainer for professionals who needed to carry tools, such as doctors carrying medical instruments.

SPEAKER: The development of women's pockets was quite different. They were not as visible or as accessible as men's pockets.

SPEAKER: In the 18th and 19th centuries, women often carried many valuable possessions. They were more vulnerable to pickpockets, so they needed to keep items hidden.

SPEAKER: Women had a pair of pockets made and tied them around their waist with string. The pockets were made from fabric, sometimes from recycled cloth or from more expensive materials such as linen, often decorated with embroidery.

SPEAKER: These pockets were worn beneath their clothes. Since skirts were long, there was space to hide items between layers of petticoats. Women could reach them through a small opening in the skirt.

SPEAKER: Working women also carried tools for their trade. Their pockets remained inside their clothing but became larger, sometimes reaching down to their knees.

SPEAKER: These tie-on pockets remained common until the late 19th century. When fashion changed, dresses became tighter and less bulky.

SPEAKER: As a result, the pockets became too visible and affected the woman's appearance. Women still needed to carry personal items, so small bags or pouches became fashionable.

SPEAKER: These eventually developed into the modern handbag, especially when pockets disappeared from women's clothing.

ANNOUNCER: That is the end of Part 4. You now have one minute to check your answers to Part 4.