image courtesy of denimology.co.uk

Basic Definition

Picture this: A woman walks by and almost immediately, without even catching yourself doing it, you turn around and look at her butt. This action is simply formed out of habit, as we know. You think to yourself, “What brand of jeans is she wearing?” If you don’t know this by now, the back pocket of the jeans happens to reveal a lot about the jeans. The back pockets were originally used for functional purposes but after the boom of premium denim labels, back pockets are meant to be a strategic marketing tool that expresses the brand’s image with illustrations, bright colors, embroidery, lace, rhinestones, etc.
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History

During the 1960s and 1970s, consumers began exploring denim personalization, adding panels at the hems to make bell bottoms or painting statements and images directly onto the garments.  Manufacturers also played with the idea of customization, experimenting with bright colors, embroidery, lace, rhinestones, and other details. With the birth of premium denim in the 2000s, the back pocket embroidery is a way for denim designers to brand their jeans and give them a distinct style.
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Style Advice

To minimize the seat, avoid curved pockets.  The simple, basic pocket looks good on everybody.
*If you want flaps?  Go with the asymmetrical flap pocket for a look that will get noticed.
*If you want embroidery?  Keep it simple or match the color of the thread to the jean if you can.
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See Also

Coin pockets
flap pockets
piece pockets
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