20 Types of Pockets

While I have broken the types of pockets into 20 different categories, it is worth noting that a lot of designers combine styles to create individual and interesting looks.

1.      Patch Pockets

2.      The Patch Pocket with a Pleat

3.      Triangle Patch Pockets on Shirts

4.      Side Seam Pockets

5.      Flap Pockets

6.      Zippered Pockets

7.      Hidden Pockets

8.      Expanding Pockets and Cargo Pockets

9.      Kangaroo Pockets

10.  Draped Pockets

11.  Slit Pockets or Set in Pockets

12.  Slash Pockets

13.  Bias Bound Pocket

14.  Jeans Pockets

15.  Faux Pockets

16.  Welt Pockets

17.  Coin Pockets

18.  Pleated Pockets

19.  Gusseted Pockets

20. Cuff Pockets


1. Patch Pockets

The patch pocket is the basic pocket. It can be a contrasting color or just top-stitched to show it has some style. The patch pocket is seen on shirts and many other fashion styles. It is literally what its name suggests – a patch of fabric sewn to make a pocket. Using different techniques, the basic patch pocket can become more decorative and appealing.

2. The Patch Pocket with a Pleat

This design allows for a pleat in the center of the pocket. The pleat adds to the design and to the size of the pocket. Extra fabric is included in the pattern, and the pleat, an inverted or box pleat, is visible on the outside of the pocket.  Sometimes called a bellows pocket or a safari pocket, this pocket is a simple version of the normal patch pocket.

3. Triangle Patch Pockets on Shirts

The shirt patch pocket is made extra stylish by shaping the tip of the pocket into a triangle. Denim fabric pockets are stitched with a double needle to add strength and style.

4. Side Seam Pockets

This pocket is part of the side seam. It is often known as the ‘secret pocket’ because it does not show or have a decorative purpose. The pattern of the item to be sewn will have a pocket piece to cut and sew into the seam.

5. Flap Pockets

The flap pocket, as the name suggests, is made with a flap that covers the opening of the pocket. Flap pockets are part of suit jackets, and the flap is usually rectangular but can also have a pointed or curved bottom. Some flap pockets have a buttonhole and button fastening. Double flap pockets are used in some styles of shirts and jackets, but single is also popular. Flaps may be combined with a patch pocket underneath or a hidden pocket.

6. Zippered Pockets

Pockets with zippers to close the pocket at the top, or even the side, add a secure pocket closure and some decorative interest at the same time. The zipper can be inserted into the top or side of the normal patch pocket.

7. Hidden Pockets

These pockets are made intentionally to hide or conceal something of importance. Travelers often use concealed pockets for their documents and important travel items to keep them safe. Many men’s suit jackets have concealed inside pockets. 

8. Expanding Pockets and Cargo Pockets

Some pockets may have tucks or pleats, folds or gathers to add volume to their size and allow them to hold more. An accordion pocket is a well-known expanding pocket. The pleated sides give more space to the pocket. Cargo pockets are expandable pockets with a flap and may be layered with other types of pockets.

9.Kangaroo Pockets

Kangaroo pockets are a large pouch type of pocket found on the front of tracksuit tops or as a utility pouch with different divisions for carrying tools. Some jackets may use the kangaroo-style of pocket split in half as the zipper goes through the center of it.

10.Draped Pockets

The cowl pocket is a draped style of pocket. Different folds of fabric are draped around the opening of the pocket. The extra fabric for the draping would be part of the pattern cutting to allow for a draped effect around the opening of the pocket. 

11. Slit Pockets or Set in Pockets

The slit pocket shows no pocket on the outside and is usually placed vertically on the garment but can also be horizontal. The opening of the pocket is neatened by the fabric of the pocket that hangs on the inside of the garment. Welt pockets and jetted pockets are types of set-in pockets.

12.Slash Pockets

This pocket is found on the front of pants, jeans, or skirts. Slash pockets start at the waist and follow a diagonal line to the side seam. The line may be straight or curved, but will always be cut and sewn at a slant. It is also known as a cutaway pocket or a scoop pocket. 

13.Bias Bound Pocket

The bound pocket uses binding, cut on the bias, to form a secure edge to the opening of the pocket. This is usually part of the slit style of pocket, and the slit is bound to give a decorative edge.

14. Jeans Pockets

Jeans have a variety of different pockets. Different brands of jeans may have their own signature arrangement of pockets to show off their brand names. Most jeans have patch-style pockets, curved side pockets, flap pockets, and even a very tiny pocket called a ticket pocket. This was once used for holding a train ticket. Nowadays, it is more of a decorative tradition for a pair of jeans.

15.Faux Pockets

Faux pockets do not open, they are purely for decoration. They are false pockets in other words. 

16. Welt Pockets

These are a variation of slit pockets, usually with a reinforced edge, found on formal wear.

17.Coin Pockets

Coin pockets are small pockets often found in jeans or jackets. They will usually fit 1 or 2 coins.

18. Pleated Pockets

Pockets that have pleats, allowing for more space and used in utility garments.

19.Gusseted Pockets

These are 3D pockets with extra fabric for depth, seen in functional or outdoor clothing. The cargo pocket is a type of gusseted pocket. 

20. Cuff Pockets

Tiny pockets are located on the cuff of sleeves, sometimes found in outerwear.