History of Clothing

There are so many things made in our world that we honestly have no idea how to properly use them, or what their original use was. This post will show you some things that may surprise you!

Do you know what the mini pockets on jeans were meant to be used for? Who were blue jeans invented for?

Jeans were invented during the gold rush, for miners to have durable work clothes! The mini pocket was a safe place to keep their pocket watch.

Do you know what the pompom was used for on beanie knit caps? Who invented them?

The Vikings invented beanies! Finding a need for protection from cold weather. The pompom was simply used to hold the pieces of cloth together and keep it from unravelling. Sometimes buttons were also used instead. It is thought that the name "Beanie" was derived from the button, because it looked like a bean on the head.

In times since, armies used the pompom on hats to signify what rank they had in the military.

The most recent use for the pompom beanie was for Sailors. They used the pompoms to help prevent hitting their heads when below deck on a ship.

Everyone thinks that the two side grommet holes on Converse sneakers are simply meant for extra ventilation, but they are wrong.

The holes are really used to create a tighter tie of the laces! Since Converse were invented for basketball players, they wanted an option for players to find the ultimate tight fit. After the third row is laced, you can run the lace through the extra holes to get that tight fit, and then continue on the next three as normal.

Everyone knows that the extra button that comes with your fancy garments is for common repair when you lose a button. Sometimes there is a swatch of fabric provided, do you know what THAT is used for?

Some people assume that they are used to repair holes in the garment, but in reality they are meant to be test cloth to see how it will hold up in your washing machine!

The small flap of fabric on the back of coats is called a "half belt." I adore the tailored look, but do you know what it was invented for?

The half belt was invented for soldiers. Their coats were made very over sized because they were also used as blankets. The half belt was added so that when the soldiers wore the coats, the belt could pull all of the excess fabric back and out of the way.

XO, Krista 💋