Pockets in loungewear and why they matter
Short answer: Pockets often decide which pair of trousers gets worn most. Without pockets your phone has to sit somewhere, and it is small things like that which decide what you reach for in the morning.
The practical difference
With pockets you can walk around the house without your hands full of phone, keys and remote. Without pockets you put things down and look for them later. That is why trousers without pockets often get worn less, even if they are just as soft and comfortable.
Side pockets rather than back pockets
Back pockets press when you sit down, and a phone in a back pocket is easy to sit on. With loungewear it is the side pockets that get used. They sit where your hands naturally are and work both standing and sitting without getting in the way.
Depth
A pocket your phone falls out of when you sit down is not a pocket. Check the depth if you can, and choose pockets deep enough to hold a phone even when you lie on the sofa. A little extra depth makes a big difference day to day.
Weight in the pocket
Heavy items in a soft pocket pull the trousers out of shape over time. Sweat fabric is soft and gives, so a phone in the same pocket every day can make one side hang. Switch sides now and then, and empty your pockets when you settle down.
Where to find them
Most sweatpants have side pockets, because they are made to be worn all day. See the styles in bamboo sweatpants for men and bamboo sweatpants for women, and check the product description if pockets matter to you.
Pyjama bottoms with pockets
Pockets in pyjama bottoms mean the set can also be worn in the morning while you make coffee and check your phone. It is a small detail, but it makes the trousers useful beyond bedtime. See bamboo pyjama bottoms for women.
Pockets and fit
Pockets add a little fabric at the hips, and in thin fabrics they can show through. That is rarely a problem with loungewear, but in a close fitting style the pockets may stick out. A slightly looser fit lets the pockets lie flatter.
Zipped or open
Zipped pockets hold keys and phone better when you go out, but they are rare on loungewear. Open pockets are easier to use and feel softer. If the trousers will also be worn on walks, a style with deep pockets can be an advantage.
Washing
Empty the pockets before washing. A forgotten tissue fills the whole machine with fluff, and a forgotten pen can stain everything. Turn the trousers inside out so the pocket bags are rinsed properly too. The other care rules are in the washing guide.
When a pocket wears
The pocket bag is often the first part to wear, as keys and phone rub against the fabric. Watch for small holes at the bottom, so you do not lose anything. A small hole can be closed with a few stitches before it grows and the pocket becomes useless.
Frequently asked questions
Do pockets matter in loungewear?
For many people, yes. They often decide which trousers get worn, because you can keep your phone on you without having to put it down.
Do pockets pull the trousers out of shape?
Heavy items can pull a soft pocket down over time. Switch sides now and then and empty your pockets when you sit on the sofa.
Should pockets be emptied before washing?
Yes. A forgotten tissue leaves fluff all over the machine, and a pen can cause stains. Turn the trousers inside out as well, so the pockets get rinsed.
