# How often do you use the small pocket of your 5 pocket jeans? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 8, 2019, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-you-use-the-small-pocket-of-your-5-pocket-jeans/841502 "2019-10-08T23:29:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Die\_Capacitrix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/die_capacitrix/32/9_2.png) [@Die\_Capacitrix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Die_Capacitrix)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2019, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-you-use-the-small-pocket-of-your-5-pocket-jeans/841502/21 "2019-10-09T04:59:15Z")
Guitar pick or pocket watch (husband). Special coins, for example, if I get a wheat penny I’ll put in the 5th pocket until I get home. Like the idea of putting a ring there while washing my hands (probably the entire bathroom visit). I have a number of pinky rings and they seem to want to drop into the sink when I wash my hands. ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2019, 10:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-you-use-the-small-pocket-of-your-5-pocket-jeans/841502/22 "2019-10-09T10:41:25Z")
I use it most weekdays. That’s where I put my flash drive so I can bring it to and from work. ---
**Author:** ![galen\_ubal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/galen_ubal/32/4440_2.png) [@galen\_ubal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/galen_ubal)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2019, 10:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-you-use-the-small-pocket-of-your-5-pocket-jeans/841502/23 "2019-10-09T10:45:07Z")
Anytime I’ve got change on me. ---
**Author:** ![DrFidelius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drfidelius/32/3447_2.png) [@DrFidelius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrFidelius)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2019, 11:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-you-use-the-small-pocket-of-your-5-pocket-jeans/841502/24 "2019-10-09T11:33:21Z")
When I carry a watch it is a pocketwatch, and that is exactly what that pocket is designed for. ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2019, 11:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-you-use-the-small-pocket-of-your-5-pocket-jeans/841502/25 "2019-10-09T11:39:58Z")
I use it infrequently for things that have been mentioned - a thumb drive, an individual key, guitar picks, sometimes coins because we have $1 and $2 coins here. I don’t carry change. So not very often, but certainly far more often than I use the back pockets. The most I ever carry in them is a few sheets of folded up printed material that I don’t feel like carrying, for instance say a form guide at the races. ---
**Author:** ![Meurglys](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/258eb7/32.png) [@Meurglys](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meurglys)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2019, 11:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-you-use-the-small-pocket-of-your-5-pocket-jeans/841502/26 "2019-10-09T11:53:57Z")
I used to use it regularly to keep money for the bus separate. They needed the exact fare so knowing I had just the right combination for a couple of journeys was very useful. I have a pass now. But I still use it every day for keeping the keyring with my work keys on it. They’re in and out of the pocket several times every day. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2019, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-you-use-the-small-pocket-of-your-5-pocket-jeans/841502/27 "2019-10-09T12:04:28Z")
I have RX pills in that pocket as I type this. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2019, 12:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-you-use-the-small-pocket-of-your-5-pocket-jeans/841502/28 "2019-10-09T12:38:10Z")
Very rarely. I might stick my wedding ring in there if I’m doing a particularly dirty job, like working in the garden or mixing ground meat by hand. Or I might stick a coin in there. But mostly I don’t even remember it exists. ---
**Author:** ![Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/marvin_the_martian/32/2898_2.png) [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2019, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-you-use-the-small-pocket-of-your-5-pocket-jeans/841502/29 "2019-10-09T12:46:21Z")
> [@FairyChatMom](#): > > But mostly I don’t even remember it exists. This. I just checked to make sure the jeans I am wearing still have one (they do). I need to try using it, but I am worried that anything in there will dig into my thigh when I sit down. I’m kind of tactilely defensive… ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2019, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-you-use-the-small-pocket-of-your-5-pocket-jeans/841502/30 "2019-10-09T15:53:59Z")
Another vote for key fob. As long as I have the fob in my pocket my car will unlock and start for me with no traditional key needed. ---
**Author:** ![74westy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/74westy/32/3950_2.png) [@74westy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/74westy)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2019, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-you-use-the-small-pocket-of-your-5-pocket-jeans/841502/31 "2019-10-09T16:23:53Z")
When I was young and asked what that pocket was for, I was told it was a watch pocket. Don’t know if that was true\* but it’s what I was told. Later, when I affected a pocket watch, naturally, I kept it in the watch pocket. Other than that, nothing. Had to check and see if today’s pair of jeans even had one and it does but it contains nothing but lint. \*On preview, no less an authority than DrFidelius agrees. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2019, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-you-use-the-small-pocket-of-your-5-pocket-jeans/841502/32 "2019-10-09T16:27:13Z")
> [@snfaulkner](#): > > Back when I did drugs, drugs. Probably not before or since. My drugs are too big for the little pocket. ☹ Lately I’ve been wearing shirts with a pocket for my vape pen, though. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2019, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-you-use-the-small-pocket-of-your-5-pocket-jeans/841502/33 "2019-10-09T17:16:30Z")
I used it for my lighter when I was a smoker. But I quit smoking (yay!) in January after 20 years. ---
**Author:** ![wolf\_meister](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolf_meister/32/15202_2.png) [@wolf\_meister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolf_meister)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2019, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-you-use-the-small-pocket-of-your-5-pocket-jeans/841502/34 "2019-10-09T17:45:24Z")
As Dr Fidelius stated, (reply # 24) it is called a “watch pocket”. Wikipedia says "A watch pocket or fob pocket is a small pocket designed to hold a pocket watch, sometimes found in men’s trousers and waistcoats and in traditional blue jeans. However, due to the decline in popularity of pocket watches, these pockets are rarely used for their original intended purpose. > **[Pocket | Types](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pocket#Types)** > > A watch pocket or fob pocket is a small pocket designed to hold a pocket watch, sometimes found in men's trousers and waistcoats and in traditional blue jeans. However, due to the decline in popularity of pocket watches, these pockets are rarely used for their original intended purpose. > A besom pocket or slit pocket is a pocket cut into a garment instead of being sewn on. These pockets often have reinforced piping along the slit of the pocket, appearing perhaps as an extra piece of fabric or sti... ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2019, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-you-use-the-small-pocket-of-your-5-pocket-jeans/841502/35 "2019-10-09T17:54:16Z")
I used to keep a series of small pocket watches in there. Note the plural. Very easy to forget to take them out, they go thru the wash, time for a new one. Gave up on that and started carrying a cheap $12 Timex watch in my left pocket instead. Surprisingly, those seem to last and last and last. On the scale of 10-20 years. Very good value. Once in a while I’ll put something small in it that would be hard to retrieve among the keys and coins. ---
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2019, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-you-use-the-small-pocket-of-your-5-pocket-jeans/841502/36 "2019-10-09T17:59:17Z")
Nothing. I don’t trust it. I would only put something in there if I desperately wanted to lose it. > [@ftg](#): > > Gave up on that and started carrying a cheap $12 Timex watch in my left pocket instead. Surprisingly, those seem to last and last and last. On the scale of 10-20 years. Very good value. I seem to recall hearing you can lick them seemingly forever with no ill effect to the watch. ---
**Author:** ![Kropotkin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kropotkin/32/18045_2.png) [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2019, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-you-use-the-small-pocket-of-your-5-pocket-jeans/841502/37 "2019-10-09T18:08:06Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > My drugs are too big for the little pocket. ☹ > > Lately I’ve been wearing shirts with a pocket for my vape pen, though. I hope they aren’t suppositories. ---
**Author:** ![eschrodinger](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschrodinger/32/122_2.png) [@eschrodinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschrodinger)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2019, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-you-use-the-small-pocket-of-your-5-pocket-jeans/841502/38 "2019-10-09T18:14:38Z")
I never use it intentionally, because I think things will fall out. I have a couple of pairs of chinos that have a similar small pocket, but it is entirely within the right pocket – kind of a small flat pocket on the inside lining of the main pocket. I like those, because then I can keep something in that pocket without it damaging my phone, which is in the main right pocket. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2019, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-you-use-the-small-pocket-of-your-5-pocket-jeans/841502/39 "2019-10-09T18:40:58Z")
When I’m visiting my mother in New York, I keep the front door key there. When I’m home in Panama, my key ring has apartment and car keys and they are too big to fit. If I know I may need a specific amount of change for tolls or a tip I might put it there. > [@74westy](#): > > When I was young and asked what that pocket was for, I was told it was a watch pocket. Don’t know if that was true\* but it’s what I was told. Later, when I affected a pocket watch, naturally, I kept it in the watch pocket. I used to do that in college, with a watch chain attached to my belt. (Ah, the affectations of undergraduates!:)) ---
**Author:** ![74westy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/74westy/32/3950_2.png) [@74westy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/74westy)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2019, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-you-use-the-small-pocket-of-your-5-pocket-jeans/841502/40 "2019-10-09T18:56:24Z")
> [@Colibri](#): > > When I’m visiting my mother in New York, I keep the front door key there. When I’m home in Panama, my key ring has apartment and car keys and they are too big to fit. If I know I may need a specific amount of change for tolls or a tip I might put it there. > > I used to do that in college, with a watch chain attached to my belt. (Ah, the affectations of undergraduates!:)) Yes, I had a chain too. Youth is wasted on the young. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-you-use-the-small-pocket-of-your-5-pocket-jeans/841502.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-you-use-the-small-pocket-of-your-5-pocket-jeans/841502.md?page=3)