Pocket Perfection | Why I’m a Pocket Obsessive

Design by: Melanie Makariou

Our Founder + CEO, Clare Hornby, is the original pocket obsessive. In our Pocket Perfection editorial, she shares her thoughts about our Pocket Science formula and why it's so important to get this feature right.

It’s no secret I’m a total pocket obsessive. To this day, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought I’ve found a great pair of pants, until I try them on and find out they either don’t have pockets, they’re so small they’re impractical, or they’re placed in the most unflattering places - the worst offender for this is right over the hips.

For me, and every other woman I know, pockets are essential. Aside from their immediate function, it’s also about knowing they’re there and how, in turn, it gives a sense of relaxation and reassurance. Yes, they’re helpful for storage, but they can also be a social boost too. If I’m at an event and I don’t know what to do with my hands? One goes in the pocket. I’m having my picture taken, and I don’t want my arms limp at my sides? In the pocket. I’m about to shake someone's hand, but mine are full? No worries, I’m most likely wearing ME+EM pants, so I’ve got a surprising amount of space to stash whatever I’m holding.

The power of the pocket cannot be understated. That’s why every ME+EM piece is intelligently designed with functional pockets. We call it Pocket Science, and it really is a formula we’ve spent a lot of time on. You can be assured that any ME+EM pocket is the product of a lot of thought + rounds of rigorous testing in terms of placement, construction and shape, and if it’s one of the few pieces we’ve chosen not to add pockets, there’s always a good reason for it.

PERFECT PLACEMENT

When you invest in your first pair of ME+EM pants, the placement of the pockets is almost always one of the first things you'll notice. And just like pants, there's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to pockets.

Depending on the overall shape and fit of the pant, the angle of pocket placement is a key consideration, because we want it to add function, while note detracting from the silhouette of the final piece. We take into consideration other details of the garment like pleating, fastening and belt loops, and how these features may affect the placement and functionality of the pockets.

We never want to add excess material and therefore bulk at the hips. So pockets are positioned slightly forward so as not to interfere with the silhouette and create a smooth, streamlined fit. This positioning also creates a more natural and ergonomic position for slipping your hands in.

CLEVER CONSTRUCTION

What’s on the inside counts too, and by that we meet pocket linings. The linings for our side pockets are cleverly designed so they’re anchored within the garment, meaning they lay flat against the figure and can’t be accidentally pulled inside out when you remove something from them.

Back pockets are designed with extra-short pocket bags, which eliminate excess bulk over the bum, while also preventing the dreaded bunched-up look.

SERIOUSLY SHAPED

Serious thought goes into creating pockets of a practical size and shape, while also considering how it looks on the final piece. There's a time and a place for statement oversized pockets, just like sometimes it's better to know they're there, but not see them.

For example, we know that people often put their phone in their back pocket when they want their hands free. So on our denim styles, the patch pockets are more oversized on the back to fit the largest phones. Larger back pockets also have the added benefit of giving more coverage, which means less chance of VPL on fitted styles.

We want to be hands free, not hands full. So when it comes to coats and outerwear, pockets are intentionally designed to work as a handbag replacement. We offer diverse and sizable options for carrying the essentials, so if you're going out to run errands or on a quick trip, you don't always need to take a bag. Internal pockets are size-tested to make sure they can comfortably fit a phone. Outer pockets usually have more than one point of entry and patch pockets are generally placed on the front, so that anything you choose to store in there is positioned downward and there’s less chance of it falling out.

END USE

Creating great clothing designed with a specific end use in mind is always the backbone of our collections; however, when it comes to pockets, it’s almost the opposite. For many items, we create pockets regardless of end use.

For example, you’re just as likely to find functional pockets on our black tie tailoring as you are on our lightweight cotton cheesecloth summer dresses. Even though we know it’s unlikely that those pockets will be loaded up with items to carry around all day, it’s all about having the option. Not to mention the joy we still feel from finding clothing you love, and then finding out, ‘it has pockets!’