Mens clothing had sewn in pockets as far back as the early part of the 17th century. Women sometimes used pouches that were tied around the waist that could be accessed through slits in the outer garments
It wasn't until WW1 during the early part of the 20th century, that sewn in pockets became common in womens clothing.
The Victorian Era
Queen Victoria reigned for 63 years, from 1837 until her death in 1901. She was a trend setter who dressed stylishly and wore a Chatelaine, meant to be worn on a belt, that became popular among women. They started as a practical tool for carrying keys and became a fashionable jewelry piece with multiple chains holding everything from sewing tools to personal accessories.
Chatelaines often had small bottles of scent attached. .
The Victorians believed that scents would cleanse "bad air," and protect against disease. The wealthy carried elegant, bejeweled vinaigrettes and chatelaine bottles, that often contained a sponge soaked in scent.
Fragrance also became a way to convey social status. The wealthy used expensive floral scents like jasmine and gardenia, while the working class used simpler scents like lavender and violet.
The working class carried their scent in plain, simple vials.
By the end of the Victorian era, the fragrance industry had been born, and perfume became an affordable luxury for all.
Affordable perfumes at the Drug Store
20th Century
The need for practicality during World War I led to functional pockets in women's clothing, and they have remained a staple feature in many garments since then
The photos in this post are from my family
albums and were taken at Perfume Passage, a privately owned museum in Barrington Illinois.
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