If you are out on the field or watching a soccer game, you may notice something quite strange about the players’ shorts: soccer shorts do not have pockets.
Not like your gym shorts, running shorts, or even those you wear around the house. And if you have ever made an observation as to why that is, well, you are not alone.
It’s a minor detail that slips away from most; yet, it begets some very interesting questions when one thinks over it a bit deeply.
Let’s get in.
A Look Back Soccer Shorts History
To understand why soccer shorts lack pockets, it’s helpful to look at how they’ve evolved over time. Early soccer jerseys were far from the streamlined kits we see today.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, players wore baggy, knee-length shorts made of heavy materials like wool. These early designs often prioritized durability over comfort or performance.
As the sport gained more prominence and technology advanced, so did the jerseys.
Lighter fabrics, allowing more breathing, became common by the mid-20th century, while shorts turned shorter and firmer.
That wasn’t all about looks; it was also to give the player freedom in movement on the field and perform in the best possible manner.
Pockets, which served no functional purpose on the field, were out of this evolution too.
Why Don’t Soccer Shorts Have Pockets?
To answer such a question-one that seems inarguable-soccer shorts are made the way they are for a few very specific reasons involving functionality and safety.
Functionality
Soccer players do not have much reason to have pockets on during a soccer game.
Just think about this: what would they carry? A wallet? A phone? Keys? Not only are these completely needless on the soccer field, but also they would make the player very heavy.
Soccer deals with speed, agility, and precision.
So, anything that takes away the effectiveness of a player’s movement-no matter how negligible-can be the thin line separating them from triumph or defeat.
Pockets could also interfere with the smooth motion of a player’s stride. Imagine running at full speed with loose items in your pockets bouncing around. At best, it’s distracting; at worst, it’s just plain annoying.
Safety Concerns
Soccer is a contact sport. Players come in contact with each other and slide tackle and even fall on the ground many times.
Pockets in such situations can turn out to be a liability. If, while tackling, any player’s finger gets stuck in some other player’s pocket, it could invite injuries.
Objects in the pocket may jab or bruise the players in case of falls or tackles.
By removing pockets, these hazards are minimized, and the game can stay as safe as possible for everyone involved.
SEE ALSO | Do You Need Shin Guards for Indoor Soccer?
The Role of Team Jerseys
Another aspect to take into consideration is the uniformity of soccer kits. Soccer teams are proud of representing a unified image, and standardized jerseys are big in that aspect.
Pockets would introduce variation into this otherwise clean, streamlined look. In a sport where tradition and appearance carry so much weight, this detail means more than one might think.
Another reason is that this jersey is designed to be extremely lightweight and breathable to keep the players cool during intense matches.
Adding pockets would require extra fabric and stitching and thus will make the shorts heavier, which compromises comfort and functionality.
The Fan Perspective
Let’s step off the field for a second and consider soccer shorts from the fan’s perspective: if you have ever purchased a pair of soccer shorts to wear casually, you’ve probably pulled them on and thought, “Where am I supposed to put my phone, keys, or wallet?”
It’s a valid frustration, especially if you’re used to wearing gym shorts or other athletic wear that normally includes pockets.
Some brands have picked up on this issue and now offer “lifestyle” soccer shorts.
These are for fans and casual wear, with added pockets but still sporty. If you like the look and feel of soccer shorts but need somewhere to put your stuff, then maybe it’s time to opt for these options.
Innovations and Alternatives
In recent times, the last couple of years or so, sportswear companies have tried finding their way out of the pocket dilemma without necessarily affecting performance.
Other designs have hidden or zippered pockets, which lie flat against the body to reduce any chance of a snag. These are more common in training shorts or warm-up gear, not match jerseys but they provide a window into how the industry is moving.
The other popular solution has been the introduction of compression shorts with sewn-on pockets. Most professional soccer players wear compression shorts or tights under their jerseys for extra support and muscle recovery.
Some of these undergarments have hidden pockets in which players can carry small items during practice sessions or training.
SEE ALSO | How Do You Wear a Soccer Jersey With Jeans?
The Inconvenience of No Pockets
If you have ever walked out of the door on your way to soccer practice or a casual pickup game, you most likely will feel this lack of pockets quite acutely.
Where do you put your phone, keys, wallet, or even a small snack? This can be frustrating if you’re someone who’s used to activewear with pockets.
In addition, it makes life much harder for the parents. If you are one of those parents who just cheer from the sidelines, you almost wish your child’s soccer shorts came with pockets so they could wipe their noses, take a small snack, or carry their good-luck charm.
Unfortunately, in this regard, practicality must take a backseat to tradition, functionality, and safety.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Yes, there are a few exceptions to the no-pocket rule in soccer shorts:
Training Shorts
When you’re not playing in an official game, pockets can be a lot more forgiving. Training shorts, often used during practice sessions or casual games, sometimes come with pockets.
These pockets are usually small and designed to hold lightweight items like a whistle, but they’re not made to store anything bulky.
Lifestyle Soccer Shorts
Some brands manufacture lifestyle soccer shorts. These are more related to style and comfort than performance.
Think of these as the soccer version of athleisure wear. They might also feature pockets for everyday use so you can appear sporty running errands or lounging at home.
Custom-Made Shorts
If you’re absolutely insistent on pockets, there are places that do custom jobs. There are companies or specific tailors that could modify sportswear according to specific needs.
Remember, they might not work in official plays, though.
What Are Your Alternatives?
If you cannot live without them, then worry not because there are some loopholes. Following are a few common alternatives that athletes use:
Athletic Waist Packs
A slim, lightweight waist pack can hold your essentials without getting in the way. These packs are designed for athletes and won’t bounce around while you’re running.
Plus, they’re often water-resistant, so your items stay safe even if the weather takes a turn.
Arm Bands for Phones
If the only true thing you ever wish you could carry is your phone, well, you’re in luck:
An armband is your best option. These tight accessories keep your device secure and at your fingertips, whether on the field or in training.
Locker Rooms and Sidelines
Most soccer fields have locker rooms or other areas where you can leave your stuff.
It may not be as easy as having everything on your person, but it’s the tried-and-true method that works just as well for innumerable players.
SEE ALSO | How To Iron A Soccer Jersey Without Damaging The Fabric
Comparing to Other Sports
You might wonder why other sports like basketball or tennis-feature shorts with pockets. The answer lies in the unique demands of each sport.
For instance, in basketball, players who are playing casually or practicing wear shorts with pockets, but professional uniforms lack pockets due to the same concerns about safety and functionality as soccer.
In tennis, pockets are a necessity since players must have a place to carry extra balls. The speed of tennis is such that brief pauses are possible, during which time players can reach into their pockets for balls without interrupting the play.
Soccer is a continuous game. There are no timeouts to get things from your pocket, and there is also no need for players to carry anything with them during play.
This makes pockets quite unnecessary and even counterproductive in this continuous game.
Should Soccer Shorts Have Pockets?
All in all, it depends on for whom and how they are used. Professional players definitely don’t need them, and it’s even a problem somehow.
The design of soccer shorts reflects the demands of the game, and that is performance, safety, and tradition over convenience.
For casual wearers, though, having no pockets can be a disadvantage. Fortunately, lifestyle soccer apparel, on the rise these days, can be a happy medium, giving the best of both worlds to its fans.
Next time you pull on a pair of soccer shorts, you should also spare a word of appreciation for how they were thought about and their history.
It’s a small thing, molded by decades of evolution, thousands of hours of playing, and the particular spirit of the beautiful game.
