How to Add Pockets to Shorts When They Don’t Have Any

Shorts without pockets can be frustrating when you need somewhere to keep keys, cards, earbuds or a phone. The good news is that adding a pocket is a manageable sewing project, even if you have limited experience with a needle and thread. You can use fabric from an old shirt, a scrap of cotton or a matching offcut to create a useful pocket without changing the fit of the shorts.

The best method depends on the fabric, the style of the garment and how much weight the pocket will carry. A lightweight phone pocket for a walk around Melbourne needs less reinforcement than a utility pocket for workwear, sport or a day outdoors near Brisbane. Choose the design first, then measure carefully before cutting.

Choose The Right Pocket Style

A patch pocket is the simplest option because it sits on top of the shorts. It works well on denim, canvas and sturdy cotton, and it can be sewn onto the front, back or side. A side-seam pocket looks neater and is more comfortable for carrying a phone, although it requires opening part of the existing seam.

A hidden pocket inside the waistband is useful for cash or a key, while a cargo-style pocket provides extra space for larger items. Compare the options before getting started:

For Australian summer clothing, a breathable cotton patch pocket is often practical. If the shorts are worn in humid Darwin or during an active day in Sydney, avoid thick layers that trap heat. A small pocket with a secure flap can be more comfortable than a deep, loose pouch.

Gather Fabric And Tools

You will need fabric, paper, a pencil or fabric marker, scissors, pins or clips, a needle and thread. A sewing machine will make the work faster, but hand sewing is perfectly suitable for a small pocket. Select thread that matches the shorts for a subtle result, or use contrasting thread if you want a visible sportswear detail.

Wash and dry the spare fabric before cutting. This prevents the pocket from shrinking after it has been attached. When matching fabric is unavailable, choose a similar weight rather than focusing only on colour. A lightweight lining fabric may sag when holding a phone, while heavy denim can make soft jersey shorts uncomfortable.

A small iron is also useful for pressing hems and creating sharp folds. If you are working with stretch shorts, use a fabric with a little give and avoid pulling the material while sewing. For customisable clothing, a piece of a retired team jersey can create a distinctive pocket, though the printed section should be supported with interfacing if it is thin.

Measure And Make A Template

Place the item you expect to carry on a sheet of paper. Trace around it, then add at least 2 centimetres of extra width and 3 centimetres of extra height. This allowance gives your phone or wallet room to slide in and out and leaves space for seam allowances. Add more room if the pocket will hold sunglasses, a small notebook or work tools.

Round the lower corners of the template to reduce wear and make the pocket easier to sew. For a flap, draw a second piece that overlaps the opening by 3 to 4 centimetres. A button, press stud or strip of hook-and-loop tape can keep the contents secure when bending, cycling or moving around.

Pin the paper template to the shorts and check the position while wearing them. A front pocket should not interfere with sitting, and a back pocket should not sit directly beneath a belt loop. Australian sizing varies between brands, so judging the placement on your own body is more reliable than copying a standard measurement.

Prepare The Pocket Piece

Cut the fabric using the template and mark the seam allowance clearly. Fold the top edge towards the wrong side by about 1 centimetre, press it flat, then fold it again to hide the raw edge. Stitch this hem first. If the fabric frays easily, finish the remaining edges with a zigzag stitch or an overlocked edge.

For a shaped pocket, press the side and bottom edges inward before attaching it. Clip small notches around curved corners so the fabric lies flat when turned. Do not cut through the stitching line. Pressing at each stage makes the finished pocket look cleaner and reduces the chance of uneven edges.

If the shorts are made from stretch fabric, stabilise the pocket opening with a narrow strip of fusible interfacing. This keeps the edge from becoming wavy. It is a similar principle to choosing adjustable mask loops: small fit and support details can make an everyday item much more practical.

Attach A Patch Pocket

Position the prepared pocket on the shorts and secure it with pins or clips. Try the shorts on once more before sewing, especially if the pocket will carry a phone. Mark the top corners and stitch around the sides and bottom, leaving the hemmed opening free.

Use a straight stitch with short, even stitches. Sew a second line over the top corners or add a triangular reinforcement at each corner. These points receive the most strain when a full pocket is pulled open. If sewing by hand, use a backstitch rather than a simple running stitch.

For sports shorts, leave enough flexibility around the pocket so the fabric can move naturally. Avoid placing a rigid patch over a side split or a curved hem. A slightly smaller pocket that sits securely is usually more comfortable than a large pocket that swings while walking.

Add A Side-Seam Pocket

A side-seam pocket gives shorts a more original, shop-bought appearance. Begin by unpicking 12 to 16 centimetres of the side seam where your hand naturally rests. Work slowly so you do not damage the fabric beyond the opening.

Cut two pocket-bag pieces using your template, with one piece for each side of the opening. Place them right sides together with the shorts, sew around the opening, then turn the pocket pieces inward. Stitch the pocket bags together around their curved edge and close the original side seam below the pocket.

This technique is best for experienced beginners because the seam must remain strong and aligned. Test the pocket with a phone or keys before trimming loose threads. If the shorts have a drawstring or elastic side construction, a patch pocket may be safer and less disruptive.

Reinforce And Use The New Pocket

Before wearing the shorts, check every edge for loose threads and run your fingers along the inside for rough seams. Bar-tack the top corners of a patch pocket, particularly if it will hold a heavy phone. A small flap, zip or press stud can prevent items from falling out when you sit down.

Wash the shorts according to the care label and inspect the pocket afterwards. If the fabric pulls away from the stitching, sew a second reinforcement line rather than simply adding more thread to the damaged area. Keep the pocket proportionate to the garment so it does not drag down one side.

For an easier starting point, choose shorts with a sturdy waistband and fabric that can tolerate repeated washing. TBL Store also offers apparel and accessories in several regional categories and currencies, making it useful to compare styles before choosing a pair to customise. Add suitable shorts to your cart, check the care and shipping information, and contact customer service if you need help with sizing or availability. A practical pocket can turn a good pair into one you reach for throughout the Australian year.