Pocketless Skirts: How to Adapt

Anyone who has spent their life wearing men's pants is used to deep pockets—large enough to hold a phone, wallet, and more.

Switching to skirts can make a guy wonder: Where do I put my stuff?

And who wouldn't want to keep pockets? They offer:

• A built-in way to carry stuff
• Quick access to your things
• Storage in venues that don't allow bags
• A container that can't be left behind
• Warmth for cold hands
• A place to put your hands when you're unsure or want to look cool

You can find decent pockets in skirts designed for men, but most skirts don't have them at all. When thrifting, you'll often find skirts with fake pockets, and if they're real, they barely fit a set of keys. And without depth, keys just poke into the fabric and your waist. 

Historically, the gendered pocket disparity had no practical reason, stemming more from fashion norms like thinner fabric, fewer layers, and a focus on sleekness in women's clothing. Compared to skirts, pants generally have more structure to support pockets because they wrap around each leg.

Pocketed skirts might offer convenience, but you'll be limiting yourself.

Embracing skirts without pockets opens you up to more diverse textures, patterns, colours, and cuts.

What may seem like a challenge at first can actually bring more fun and freedom in your wardrobe. Below, we'll explore bags and other carrying options that make pocketless skirts even more practical and enjoyable.

Benefits of bags

1. Capacity

This is a big one. Why limit yourself to a phone, keys, and wallet? Always be prepared, with items like these:

• water bottle
• notebook + pen
• sunglasses + case
• headphones + charger
• multi-tool
• lighter
• gloves
• hand sani
• gum
• balm
• umbrella
• snacks

And if you find something you want to bring home, the bag is your friend. Better yet, put a (compact) bag in your bag for groceries, and skip the paper and plastic.

2. Centralized

No need to dig through multiple deep, tight pockets.

When you get home, your bag's ready for your next adventure. With pants, you need to empty your pockets when you take them off, and remember to pocket things again before heading out. 

You can also skip the tedious pocket checks, knowing that you'll never pull out a soggy wallet (or worse) from the washing machine.

3. Comfort

Your clothes and body will feel lighter, more flexible, and less bulky. 

No more cargo pockets swaying you down. You'll forget about that upper leg pinch from sitting down with a smartphone in the wrong place.

It's not just annoying; sitting on a bulky wallet can misalign your spine. A heavy shoulder bag can too, in a different way – make sure to rotate sides, or use a backpack.

4. Sealed

Things can't fall out of bags, especially with zippers. The only worry is forgetting your bag somewhere, or getting it stolen... tracking devices like AirTags can help with this.

5. Minimal

Bags complement a sleeker, more form-fitting skirt, for those who prefer a streamlined look.

6. Options for any scenario

With a few key bags, you're ready for anything – a hike, working from a cozy spot, or a night out.

People with different coloured bags will also choose one that matches their shoes, or a colour in their skirt, leggings, etc.

7. Non-fraying

You won't get lines (or eventually holes) outside your pockets, from phone edges and keys.

8. Slower phone access

Sometimes it's nice to take a break from notifications (and the entire contents of the internet) being at the reach of an open pocket.

9. Bulge hiding

Certain bags will sit in front of the male bulge, which may be a concern to some, if the skirt is tight, clingy, etc.

Types of bags and alternatives

When your skirt doesn't have adequate pockets, consider an option below. 

To lessen your time spent rummaging, choose bags with defined compartments – preferably with access from the outside, for things you need often. Just beware of pickpockets. 

Shoulder bags

Just wearing a skirt feels daunting at first. Adding certain hand bags into the mix might look too feminine for your liking – whether you call it a satchel, a European carry-all, or something else.

Man's World calls out an A$AP Rocky quote in their Man Up, And Wear A Bag article:

"And no this ain't a purse, it's a satchel"

You can start with more masculine items like messenger bags, backpacks (good for ergonomics; hot in summer), even camera bags.

Crossbody slings can be accessible, theft-resistant, and stylish:

If you want to spread the weight out a little, a utility holster vest like this one might be for you:

Waist bags

At the belt level, fanny packs and bumbags might be familiar.

If you wear a kilt, a sporran will give you a traditional look.

Flat waist bags can come in different forms, from the asymmetrical festival look, to utility belts.

Left: Side fanny pack hip bag; Middle: Rider belt; Right: Festival utility belt

If the skirt waistband is sturdy or has a belt, a clip / holster can work, and they often come with their own belt.

Jacket, vest, and shirt pockets

Make sure you have jackets and vests with decent pockets. If you're in the market, prioritize fitted or high-waisted cuts.

Shirt pen pockets can also hold your keys and a money clip in a pinch.

Athletic

Runners already figured this out. If you don't mind the awkward access, undies and skorts with side pouches are good for phones. Thigh holsters are a thing. Arm straps, wrist pouches, and shoe wallets work too.

Sewn on

Your favourite skirt doesn't have to be pocketless. They can be sewn onto the inside, or outside. There are considerations – for example, you may want them attached to the waistband unless the skirt's fabric or seams are sturdy. More tips here on Reddit. 

Miscellaneous / grab bag

Still looking? You've got your neck wallets, lanyard phone cases with card slots, and belt loop keychains.

Lastly, if you're with a friend or partner, ask if you can borrow some space in their bag.

The future

Pockets are nice to have as a backup, or as a key feature on skirts with thicker fabric or sturdy waist hems.

Some men will embrace the bag as they move towards skirts. Even if a skirt has pockets, they use them less and less.

“The fashion handbag for menswear has made greater strides in these last few years than including pockets in womenswear.”

— Hannah Carlson, author of Pockets: An Intimate History of How We Keep Things Close, during Articles of Interest: More Pockets, Sept '23

For those wanting to pair down, don't worry – the need for pockets is being phased out, with technology.

At its height, the average 3-piece suit had 24 pockets. This gave Thomas "Walking Calculator" Jefferson the privilege to carry all sorts of miniature tools and devices with him.

Phones have absorbed this functionality and more. Even smartwatches can open doors, start cars, and make payments and calls. While some look forward to smart implants in our retinas, others are quite happy with the tangible satchel.

How do you carry your stuff? What's next for you?