Change Pocket
A change pocket is a small pocket attached mainly to the upper part or inside of a large pocket on a jacket or trousers, used to hold coins and small items.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
A change pocket is a small pocket meant for coins. In English-speaking regions, it is often called a ticket pocket, and the typical style is to place it overlapping above the hip pocket of a jacket.
In addition to practicality, it is used as a design feature that expresses the feel of classic tailored clothing. However, usage of the name and placement varies, so it is important to clearly specify the shape and attachment position in the specification sheet.
Placement and Function
On jackets, it is generally placed small above the right or left hip pocket. It derives from the use of separating tickets, coins, keys, and similar items, but in modern use its role is mainly decorative and as a detail rather than storage capacity.
On pants, it may refer to a small pocket attached near the opening of a side pocket or below the waistband. Small pockets seen on denim and similar garments are also called coin pockets, but their position and construction differ from a jacket change pocket.
Materials and Types
The outer side is usually made from the same fabric as the body or main part of the pants. For the pocket bag, fabrics such as pocket lining are often used because they are thin, relatively resistant to friction, and make it easy to insert and remove contents.
On jackets, a small version of a besom pocket or flap pocket is typical. On pants, the shape is selected according to the product’s level of casualness and sewing specification, such as single-welt, cut-and-sewn construction, or patch style.
- With flap: covers the opening and gives a classic impression.
- Welt style: finishes the edge narrowly with fabric for a neat look.
- Patch style: a relatively casual specification in which the pocket fabric is sewn on from the outside.
Main Applications
Change pockets are used on suits, jackets, vests, trousers, and similar garments. Especially on tailored jackets, the difference in level and size compared with the hip pocket becomes a design accent.
On work pants and denim, they are adopted as small pockets for separating coins and small items. If the opening or pocket bag is too small for the intended use, they become difficult to use, so they are designed with the items to be stored in mind.
How to Choose and Sewing Notes
Check the thickness of the outer fabric, the pattern, and the balance with the hip pocket, then decide the opening width, depth, and attachment position. On patterned fabrics, misalignment between the hip pocket and change pocket patterns becomes noticeable, so pattern matching should be considered during cutting.
When using a welt or flap, the smaller the pocket, the more difficult the corner stitching and turning become. Arrange the seam allowance so that thickness does not concentrate, and check the left-right height, horizontal opening, and flap roll on a sample.
For the pocket bag, select a material that takes into account friction with the outer fabric, wear from washing and use, and stress on the seams. If the design is intended mainly for carrying items, also consider the depth of the pocket bag and reinforcement at the opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are a change pocket and a ticket pocket the same?
They are often used in a similar sense, and the small pocket attached above a jacket’s hip pocket is generally called a ticket pocket. On the other hand, change pocket has a stronger meaning of a small pocket for coins, and may also refer to a small pocket on pants.
What is the difference between a change pocket and a coin pocket?
A coin pocket mainly refers to a small pocket on pants for coins. Change pocket also has the meaning of a pocket for small change, but it may refer to the small pocket attached above the hip pocket of a tailored jacket. In product specifications, they are distinguished by placement and shape.
What kind of pocket bag is suitable for a change pocket?
Generally, thin and durable pocket lining is used. Check the color compatibility with the outer fabric, smoothness, resistance to abrasion, and the difference in shrinkage during washing or dry cleaning. If the design is meant to hold heavy items, reinforce the pocket opening and pocket bag seams.
