I use six working pockets between jackets and trousers. It has always been that way. There are two on the trousers and, excluding the breast pocket for my square, four or five on the jacket. It is a practice that has served me well - I never lose items like my keys. They are always in my right-hand trouser pocket.
But today we are grumbling about pockets and how change is not necessarily for the better. You see, I have begun exercising first thing in the morning at a new-to-me facility about six blocks away from my home and it has seemed silly to wear a jacket and trousers to get over there. So I began dressing in sweat pants and a sweat shirt, and that is when it all fell apart. There are two front pockets in my sweat pants but instead of the customary four jacket pockets I have been trying to make things work with just one interior pocket on a casual coat, and two hand warmers on that coat's sides.
As you probably already suspect dear reader, last week my perfect no loss track record came to an end. A pair of much loved tortoise shell reading glasses and their case, normally secured in my left hand jacket pocket, fell out of one of the hand warmer pockets and has not been seen since. Thus began my grumbling.
Then yesterday I put my heart rate monitor in one of the trouser pockets where I also keep a money clip. When the heart monitor strap came out of the pocket so apparently did the money clip, joyously for whoever found it but less so for me. And my grumbling increased to a new level.
So, live and learn. It is now shirt jacket and chinos with the customary six pockets on the way to and from the gym and I remove them to work out in the shorts and tee that I wear underneath. And my inventory of coats with only one useable pocket is headed for the resale shop. It is just too disruptive losing things.
Let my grumbling be a lesson for you.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Grumbles About Pockets
Photo: Ben Silver
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15 comments:
Well said, sir. It doesn't pay to dress below a certain standard. I use my pockets, and try to find jackets that have non-vestigial pockets. I also have a small collection of pocket-sized books that used to be made for jacket pockets. It creates a bit of a silhouette in the drape of the jacket, but it's well within the bounds of functional elegance.
Oh No! Sorry to hear about your troubles. However, I would suggest you use a gym bag. That way you can carry all your gear (shoes, deodorant, towels, keys, money, i, water-bottle,....) all in one place as you head to the gym. Unless you are coming in on you lunch our from the office (or other formal engagement) it sound like there is no need to dress up just to walk over to the gym. I wish you luck.
Cheers
Hmm. Now that I've taken to (nearly) always wearing a proper jacket when I go out, I wonder how I'm going to solve the problem of carrying stuff when I take my children to amusement parks in the summer. Will I fall back on a fanny pack tossed into the stroller? Will I turn my belt into Batman's utility belt? Will I use a sportsman's vest to hold everything? Or, will I be able to find a lightweight jacket that can take sun & sweat?
Maybe I need a seersucker or linen shirt jacket....
Carry a bag!!
I find that there's also a certain sensation of having your standard gear in their usual pockets. The sense of being "off balance" on the way out the door helps me realize when I've forgotten to put my phone or keys in my pocket.
I have a couple of sport coats which have replaced the standard left-inner pocket with a dreadful pocket with a vertical zipper, designed to accommodate an iPod. It doesn't work for that purpose or holding my phone. It might actually cause me to part with them.
Not to jump on the bandwagon but I've also controlled the loss of my items in gym attire with a bag. Since my favorite pair of athletic pants for the gym have a tendency to empty their contents as one is seated.
Here was my solution … a full leather bag was a too much for me.
http://www.filson.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2092382&cp=2069836.2065001.2075128&parentPage=family
Best of luck
I arm sorry to hear of you tribulation, Will. One reason why I always (travels in the Sahara excepted) wear a proper jacket - not perfect, but I am losing less things.
A bag! Of course.
It's not just gym clothes. In my case I was
wearing a "proper jacket" when dining with
my wife at one of San Francisco's better
restaurants. I do not wear glasses, but use
reading glasses which help with menus in
the low light. Like Will, it was a pair of treasured reading glasses. In my case, a pair of Persol
folding glasses. I realized that they were missing almost immediately on leaving. Called the restaurant and they were not turned in. They
were unique and undoubtedly interesting to
whomever found them. I have since replaced
them with a similar model. The original being
no longer available.
Who needs a gym bag or all those extra pockets?
Why don't you have your valet carry your keys and reading glasses?
First, congratulations on the fitness program. The Filson bag is a wonderful suggestion. Their products are about the best of their kind.
On a side note, after many years of martial arts, I am amused by the fact that many of my kung fu buddies have never seen me in a suit and tie and certainly not sipping a martini.
A bit Andy Rooney this time, no?
How about San Francisco's own Timbuk2 messenger bag. I find that a size small holds all the usual stuff and can be ordered in any color. Good quality and inexpensive.
I solve the pockets and gym issue by using one of ScotteVest excellent fleece jackets. It contains 19 pockets, with dedicated pockets for reading/sunglasses, cellphone, iPod, wallet/moneyclip, etc. Excellent overall fit.
I wish, and have asked Scott to consider making a merino wool pullover with 2-4 pockets so that when I travel for business I can keep moneyclip, cell and headphones close to hand after my jacket is hung.
Take a look at Scott's stuff, it's very good
(I have no financial or other interest in their products)
Cheers
I agree with LichMD's suggestion. I dislike bags as I work out outside. I have a good jacket/technical shell with any number of pockets and pit zips to keep me cool, and allow me to carry my kit. In my case waterproof and breathable are key selling points.
Just a thought, If you've a locker at the gym though, a bag will serve you well.
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