Have you ever wondered why your jeans have that tiny pocket, or what that random loop on the back of your shirt is for? Many clothing features we take for granted actually had very practical, even ingenious, origins. Over time, these small details may have become purely decorative, but they were once essential to function, durability, or everyday convenience. From secret pockets to reinforced seams, fashion is full of hidden histories and clever solutions. Here are 10 surprising clothing features you probably didn’t know had a purpose.
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1. The Tiny Pocket in Jeans
Often mistaken for a coin or useless mini-pocket, this tiny pouch inside the front right pocket of jeans was originally designed to hold a pocket watch. In the 1800s, Levi’s introduced this feature for cowboys and miners who carried watches but didn’t wear vests. Today, it remains mostly decorative, a nod to denim’s rugged history. While it no longer serves its original purpose, some people use it for coins, rings, or tiny trinkets. It’s a great example of how functional design can become iconic even if outdated.
2. The Loop on the Back of Shirts (Locker Loop)
Commonly seen on the back of button-down shirts, this loop was created so shirts could be hung on hooks without wrinkling. Popularized by Ivy League students in the mid-20th century, the “locker loop” made changing for gym class or sports easy. Interestingly, it also became a dating signal, if a guy cut off his loop, it meant he was “taken.” Though more fashion than function today, the loop remains a curious relic of prep-school style and utility.
3. Rivets on Jeans
Those little copper studs on your jeans aren’t just for decoration, they serve a vital structural role. Invented by Jacob Davis and patented with Levi Strauss in 1873, rivets reinforce stress points, especially on pockets and seams that endure the most tension. Originally designed for laborers, they helped jeans last longer under harsh working conditions. Today, they’re a signature detail of durable denim, still providing strength while adding a classic look to jeans.
4. The Extra Shoelace Hole on Sneakers
That top extra eyelet on running shoes isn’t there for show. It’s intended to create a “heel lock” or “lace lock,” helping to secure your heel and prevent blisters during activity. By looping your laces through it and crossing them, you create extra friction and stability, great for runners or hikers. Many people don’t use it, but stylists and athletes know it makes a big difference in performance and comfort. It’s a small detail with a big impact.
5. The Triangle Stitch on Sweatshirts
The triangle of fabric or stitching at the collar of crewneck sweatshirts might look purely decorative, but it once served a purpose. Originally made of ribbed cotton, it was added to provide stretch and absorb sweat. Over time, manufacturers stopped using functional fabric in this spot, but the triangle design remains as a nostalgic detail, especially in vintage or retro-inspired sweatshirts. It’s a subtle throwback to the golden age of athletic wear.
6. The Fabric Swatch That Comes with New Clothes
That tiny square of fabric often attached to clothing tags isn’t just for patching holes. While you can use it for mending, it’s mainly included to test how the material reacts to washing, ironing, and cleaning products. Instead of risking damage to your new garment, test detergents or stain removers on this swatch first. It’s especially handy for delicate fabrics like silk or wool, where washing errors can be costly.
7. The Extra Button That Comes with Clothes
Alongside the fabric swatch, you’ll often find a tiny extra button sewn into a tag or hidden pocket. This isn’t just thoughtful, it’s practical. Manufacturers provide it in case you lose a button so you can make repairs and extend the life of your garment. Even if you don’t sew, tailors and dry cleaners can use it for quick fixes. Pro tip: keep a small jar of these spares so you’re never caught off guard.
8. The “Gusset” in Underwear and Leggings
That diamond or triangle-shaped panel in the crotch area of underwear and leggings is called a gusset, and it’s there for a reason. It provides extra breathability, reduces seam stress, and improves comfort during movement. Often made from cotton, it helps wick moisture and prevent chafing. In athletic wear, gussets also allow for better range of motion and reduce the chance of tears. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in wearability.
9. Shoulder Epaulettes on Coats
Those flaps with buttons on the shoulders of trench coats or military-style jackets are known as epaulettes. Originally, they were functional, used to hold items like bags, gloves, or straps in place, especially for soldiers or cyclists. Some versions even had military rank insignia. Today, they’re more decorative, lending a structured, utilitarian look to outerwear. Still, they nod to the garment’s heritage and offer a stylish, historical edge.
10. Holes in the Top of Converse Sneakers
Besides ventilation, the two holes on the sides of classic Converse Chuck Taylors are there to allow for alternative lacing methods. Athletes could thread laces through them for a snugger fit during sports or skating. The extra lacing option helps customize the shoe’s tightness and performance. While most people don’t use them, sneaker enthusiasts and stylists appreciate their functional origin, and their quirky design appeal.
