Qweary: Carrying A Wallet in Women's Pants?
Kirsten asked: I need some advice about finding a more secure alternative to a wallet. I am a five foot nothing, curvy, queer female. I don't like to present feminine though, and I don't identify as a girl or a woman. Yesterday my wallet was stolen straight out my back pocket. My mom pointed out to me that a wallet in a back pocket, especially one that isn't deep like men's pockets isn't secure. I was crushed, but I knew she was right. I had just been so happy to finally have found pants that look nice, fit well, and are fairly gender neutral. I was also delighted to have a men's wallet that I could fit in my pockets (since I hate purses). It just seems so unfair that the only pants that fit me are women's pants, but that women's pants aren't made to accommodate holding items and so women are forced to use purses. It just feels like everything is pushing women into having be so constrained and not have any other options. So, I've been trying to look into more secure alternatives to the whole wallet in the back pocket situation, but that work for me both in terms of style and functionality. I've considered a utility belt but a lot of them are either ugly or bulky. Another commonly recommended option is fanny packs. I don't really know how I feel about them. I certainly don't like the fabric ones with all the zippers and stuff because I want something that is more versatile and I could use when I want to look nice and not like I'm a tourist or something. I just need to find something that is easily accessible and not a burden to use, is on the more masculine side of things, isn't too bulky, and looks nice.
I’m sorry your wallet got stolen!
You are not the only person complaining of women’s pants not having sizable pockets. It’s the fashion industry’s way of making more money, because as you discovered, when your pockets don’t have room, you end up spending more on bags. However, some designers are fighting against this.
This is just another example of why women’s pants need deeper, functional pockets. Fanny packs are popular right now, but that doesn’t mean you should wear one if you don’t like them. You can also wear a jacket and keep your wallet in your jacket pocket, but that only works in cold weather.
There are smaller flat men’s wallets like this Card Case. Of course, this comes with downside that they don’t hold as much stuff.
There are also these cool front pocket wallets:
A lot of small woman-owned or queer-owned clothing brands are going to have larger pants pockets, because they are designing them for actual people, not money signs. Of course, being small they are more expensive. A new company called Radian is making women’s jeans with pockets large enough to hold all your essentials, and they are accepting pre-orders. Our friend Angie Chuang at A/C Space makes beautiful wide-legged pants with pockets that are large enough. From what I can see on their website, Otherwild’s pants look to be large enough. There are also lots of custom suit brands like Jag & Co that will have pants pockets large enough, and they are made to fit your body!
I’m also going to push back on your assertion that women’s pants are the only pants that fit you. A lot of people who are curvy think that men’s pants won’t fit, but it’s not true! Since you are short, you can roll up the cuffs. Here’s a great video on the different styles of cuff rolling.
You can also take pants to your local tailor and get them hemmed for 10 or 15 dollars.
For pants suggestions, here’s a men’s pants guide we published for people with curves.
Hope that helps!
P.S. Check out another men's wallet from GearHungry.
