Deep Pockets

In the business world when I hear the words 'deep pockets' I think of someone or some organization with a lot of money.

But lately I've been thinking about those words in a very different context.

Since it is January, the month of bone-chilling winds, I've had occasion to pull out my winter coats. One of my favorite coats is a simple black wool coat.

I like the fabric, I like the weight, I like the fit of this particular coat. But the thing about the coat that I most enjoy is that it has deep pockets...... deep, cozy, luxurious pockets.

I have several coats and jackets that have shallow pockets. When I try to warm up my hands in these pockets, I feel cheated, literally left out in the cold. Why would anyone put shallow pockets in a winter garment?

I've read that during times of tight economies (i.e. during the depression and during the rationing of World War II) the difficult times were reflected in women's fashions. In other words, during these times, lapels would get narrow or disappear, trouser legs get narrower and have no cuffs, skirts get straighter, and pockets disappear. The idea is to be as efficient with costly fabric as possible.

Maybe that idea lurking in the back of my head is what causes me to associate deep pockets with luxury. Knowing that doing without pockets has been associated with times of poverty or deprivation makes pockets seem like such an extravagance.

And it isn't just about winter coats. It's also about jeans and skirts and house robes. Deep, comfortable pockets are simply one of life's great joys!

May all your clothes be blessed with great pockets.