Why do men’s clothes come with spacious, functional pockets while women’s fashion so often skips them—or makes them too small to be useful? For centuries, the pocket has been at the center of fashion’s gender divide, and today it’s fueling a new online movement: #WeWantPockets.

The trend gained traction on TikTok, where women began posting videos of themselves attempting “the claw grip”—holding as many items as possible in their hands because their outfits lack pockets. What might look like another quirky internet fad is actually a Trojan horse for a deeper frustration: women want their clothing to be practical, not just stylish.

The Joy of Finding Pockets
It’s become a cultural meme: one woman compliments another’s dress, only to be met with the excited response, “It has pockets!” While jeans, T-shirts, and little black dresses are timeless staples, nothing brings women more joy—or relief—than discovering a hidden, functional pocket.

A Longstanding Gender Divide
Fashion historians point out that women’s clothing has historically prioritized form over function, often at the expense of practicality. By contrast, men’s clothing has consistently included large, durable pockets designed for carrying essentials.

The absence of pockets isn’t just a design choice—it’s been seen as a reflection of broader inequalities in fashion and society, where women were expected to carry handbags rather than enjoy the same utility as men’s garments.

From Meme to Movement
With the rise of #WeWantPockets, social media has turned a lighthearted joke into a genuine demand for change. The conversation highlights how small details in clothing design can symbolize much larger issues of gender inequality and consumer frustration.

As the movement grows, designers may finally face the challenge of rethinking women’s fashion—not just for aesthetics, but for functionality.