When Did Suit Pants Get Back Pockets?

[Daniel]

Hi everyone -- I bought a vintage suit that I absolutely LOVE, and it appears to be late-thirties, tailor-made. The pants don't have back pockets. Was this an option, or a standard, or just a matter of style? When did back pockets become common?

Thanks!

 

[GBR]

If they were tailor made then they may well not have back pockets - entirely the choice of the person who bespoke them. The same remains true to this day - one, two or none, button/hole, button/ tab, button/flap or not fastened at all is all at the discretion of the person ordering them.


RTW a different picture much the same variation applies here but the cost consciousness of the maker rules. Fashion has a role here - one only was common (left US, right UK) but two is normal in the US now and is rapidly becoming the norm in the UK thank goodness.