Side Seam Pockets that Gape - YouLookFab Forum

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Side Seam Pockets that Gape

Greenjeans

Veteran

Very often, side seam pockets on pants gape out on me. Does anyone know why this happens?

I am trying this pair of COS pants that I love & fit well except for side-pocket-gape. Would not size up or down.

Have you ever sewn pockets down to get the look you want?

I am going to pass on these even though I generally love because of the pocket issue plus cost. If cost goes down I might re-buy and sew down. In the past I might have kept them despite because the comfort and look are otherwise there. (My time here has changed my eye, I think.)

Cropped cotton poplin trousers

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15 replies

Latest reply was from Gail

unfrumped

Veteran

No great solution from me, but pet peeve also especially when I can't seem to see how it related to fit.
For years I always wanted pants pockets. Now they will seldom be big enough for size of phones now, or the keys I carry , and even my "travel wallet" isn't as secured as I like.
So now I prefer sans pockets or I often don't open up the pockets ( the basting thread)

Greyscale

Veteran

I often keep the pockets basted if they come that way, much as I love pockets. I do have that gaping problem often and I'm considering sewing the pockets on my interview pants so I don't think about it.

Staysfit

Veteran

I have this problem on one of my pencil skirts. I am thinking of removing the pockets completely because they serve no practical purpose and basting thread will eventually loosen. I think a permanent closure mIght be practical since it's only one item.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think this is a common problem. It occurs on me at times. I used to think it meant that I was "pear shaped." It can indeed be a greater problem for those with curvy hips. But in fact I think it tends to happen more on those whose thighs are a bit muscular relative to their overall size and isn't necessarily related to hip width, per se. It also very much depends on the slant of the pockets/ overall cut of the trouser. I have had trousers not do this, and trousers do this. And as you pointed out, it can happen in pants with an otherwise excellent fit. Although, I do think if it happens it can be worth trying the size up to compare. Often in my own case, a size up may feel looser overall but not in a bad way, and the gape disappears.

If I truly love the pant and can't envision finding a better option, I often leave the pocket basted and may even take the inside pocket part out.

JuniperGreen

Veteran

Some pockets I leave basted to avoid the gaping, but almost always eventually rip out the thread in a fit of pique so I can have functional pockets!

My understanding of the gaping issue is that the trousers are pulling at the hip. Especially with the minimalist style in the COS trousers with pockets that are set back and attached to the side seam. So maybe keep an eye out for trousers with pockets that are set more toward the front?

Greenjeans

Veteran

Thanks for the commiseration, all! As a pocket lover, it feels sacrilegious to sew them shut, but knowing I'm not the only one who has thought along these lines helps break that taboo. So, thank you, unrfumped, Greyscale and Staysfit.

Suz, your thoughts about thigh-ratio are on target, I think. You know, I'm a little asymmetrical due to an injury (with one thigh stronger/bigger than the other) and have noticed that some pants tend to fit the stronger leg better whereas others fit better on the other side. I'll have to pay attention more to pocket fit and see if I can figure this out. With this particular pair, the less strong, less curvy side had the better fit.

Thanks, JuniperGreen, I agree about pulling at the hip. As an hourglass, this has been an issue for me since I was about twelve. (Every now and then I find a pair that works and then cling to them until they're in tatters.) I'll give COS another shot if the style is right though know now their straighter cuts with side pockets probably just aren't going to fit.

madeline

Veteran

When I have this issue, I sew the pockets closed.

Joy

Veteran

Another who sees the pockets shut.

Anonymous

My hips always make pants pockets gape. It's rare to find ones that don't, though I rarely have problems with jeans. It's always with trousers.

LaPed

Veteran

Angie did a post on pockets years ago that may give you some ideas of what to look for:

https://youlookfab.com/2011/01.....t-flatter/

I have a pronounced hip:waist ratio and find side seam pockets really annoying for the reason you describe. I'm always excited when I find front welt pockets on trousers, and for casual I really like patch pockets, as well as traditional 5-pocket jeans.

Becky

Veteran

This is one of the banes of my style existence! I have generous hips/bum/thighs relative to my waist, and I think it must have something to do with that. I have sewn them shut before, or given them a pass altogether if that wouldn't work.

Scarlet

Veteran

I always pass on gaping pockets. It's a no-go for me.

Anonymous

I always pass on them.

Greenjeans

Veteran

A pockets post! Just what I needed but didn't know it. Thank you, La Pedestrienne.

Nice to know I'm not alone, BC, scarlet, Becky, Joy and Madeline.

Gail

Veteran

I sew them closed or keep them basted if they do this.