Reticules and Pockets

Covent Garden Market was a haven for shopping and reticules

     could be found here as well as ready-made pockets. 

When the large hoop dresses of the 18^th century were discarded and the high-waisted gowns of the Regency era became fashionable, reticules (small purses) came into fashion.

Unfortunately some of the most fashionable reticules could only carry a handkerchief and a coin.

Before reticules, women wore pockets that they tied underneath their gowns, in between their chemise and petticoat. But with the straight skirt of the empire waist, pockets would ruin the line of the gown. Pockets were accessed through a slit in the side of the gown. These pockets could be quite deep and a woman might be able to put her hand into the pocket all the way up to her elbow. Often these pockets were ornately embroidered. 

It was where you could carry a pincushion, a pair of scissors, a snuff box, smelling salts, thimble, pencil, knife, a coin and maybe a biscuit.  

Some made the transition easily not wanting the pockets of their grandmothers. The working class wore pockets to keep their valuables safe even during the Regency era. Some even put their pockets below their pillows when they slept for safekeeping.

In the country, one could wear pockets. But once you entered London you would need to adopt the fashion of a reticule, a decorative pocket with fringe and a tie to close it at the top.