Surely, you’ve wondered at least once about the purpose of that small, often overlooked pocket on your favorite pair of jeans. What is it for, really? Does it serve any practical use, or is it just a decorative feature? If you’re like most people, you’ve probably put on your jeans, glanced at that tiny pocket, and never gave it much thought. Today, we’re going to solve that mystery and reveal the true purpose behind this small yet iconic feature on your jeans.

We’ve all been there. You’re getting ready for the day and reach for your favorite pair of jeans. They’re comfortable, versatile, and you feel great wearing them. But as you’re sliding them on, something about the design catches your eye: that small pocket within the larger front pocket. What’s it doing there? You might have thought, “Is this pocket even useful?” And the answer, surprisingly, is yes, but maybe not in the way you’d expect.

While many of us have occasionally used that tiny pocket for coins, hairpins, or even small pieces of paper we don’t want to lose, these uses don’t align with its original purpose. In fact, the tiny pocket wasn’t designed for everyday items like gum wrappers or spare change. Its history and intended function go way back to a time when jeans were first invented.

The truth is, this little pocket has a historical significance that many might not know. To understand its origins, we need to travel back to the 19th century, when jeans were first becoming popular. The iconic jeans brand Levi Strauss, which has been a leader in the denim industry for more than 140 years, sheds light on this small but significant detail. According to Levi Strauss & Co., the first jeans ever marketed had just four pockets in total: one at the back and two at the front, with the smaller fourth pocket placed inside one of the front ones.

So, what was it for? Originally, this small pocket was designed to hold a pocket watch. Cowboys and laborers during the 19th century used pocket watches to keep track of time, and before jeans had this feature, they would often tuck their watches into their vests or waistbands. Levi Strauss & Co., along with tailor Jacob Davis, introduced this small pocket in their early jean designs, creating a convenient spot for cowboys to safely store their watches. This feature, called the “watch pocket,” became a staple in jeans and a symbol of the brand’s practical design.

As Tracey Panek, a historian for Levi’s, explained in an interview with Insider, “The watch pocket was a feature of our first waisted overalls (which is what jeans were initially called).” This design was part of Levi’s original concept for durable workwear, meant to meet the needs of people who led rugged lives and required clothing that could withstand tough conditions.

Although the days of pocket watches are long gone, the small pocket on jeans hasn’t disappeared. While its original function has mostly faded with time, Levi’s continues to include the small pocket in their designs. But why keep it if people aren’t using pocket watches anymore? According to Panek, the brand retains the watch pocket in order to preserve the integrity of Levi’s original design. It’s now a hallmark of their jeans, particularly their famous Lot 501 style, which made the watch pocket a fashionable and enduring feature.

Today, this little pocket still serves a purpose, albeit a more modern one. People now use it to store all sorts of small items like cash, lighter, trinkets, or even condoms. What started as a practical solution for cowboys has evolved into a signature element of jeans, proving that even the smallest details can stand the test of time.

So, the next time you slip into your favorite pair of jeans and notice that tiny pocket, you’ll know its origin and appreciate its long-standing history.