Wedding dresses with pockets surge in popularity as women prioritise comfort on their big day

'Perfect for having your phone to whip out for selfies on the dance floor'

(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Pockets are quickly becoming an unlikely hot topic in conversations surrounding gender equality, after a recent report revealed vast disparities in pocket size in men’s and women’s jeans, with the latter being significantly smaller.

Now, the discussion has reached the bridal market, as bridal designers have noticed a rise in demand for gowns with pockets.

Speaking to The Independent, Hamish Shephard, founder of online wedding planner site Bridebook, explains that the trend reflects a shift in almost every area of contemporary weddings.

“The addition of pockets to wedding dresses has gained particular momentum this year and is sure to consider doing so over the next few years,” he says.

“From the very top bridal designers to high street bridal lines, we are seeing pockets in wedding dresses being embraced as both a stylish and practical addition.

“Perfect for having your phone to whip out for selfies on the dance floor.”

Robin Weil, founder and CEO of Weddingplanner.co.uk, agrees that the trend of pockets in gowns has risen as a direct result of brides prioritising comfort and practicality.

“We’ve noticed this trend now over the last few seasons,” he tells The Independent.

“I think they’re pretty practical and it looks like lots of brides agree, but they’re more useful for having a tissue rather than your phone.”

However, a bride might simply want pockets in their gown so as to have somewhere to rest their hands.

One bridal designer explains how traditionally, it would’ve been considered poor manners to stand in an expensive gown on your wedding day with your hands in your pockets.

Now, Maria Yiannikaris, co-owner of Mirror Mirror Couture, explains that it wouldn’t be a problem and she has designed a number of gowns with pockets for her clients.

“Society has changed and everything’s got a lot more casual,” she tells The Times.

A sales manager at London bridal boutique Sassi Holford has also noticed an increase in brides requesting pocketed gowns.

“Customers get very excited when they try on a dress with pockets,” Christine Sancha tells The Times.

“It tends to make them feel more comfortable.”

When it comes to style, it seems that comfort reigns supreme, even on your wedding day.