Design Element NO.4: Pockets
Pocket evolution was non-negotiable when we set out to build TWELVEBORE. Much of the research that came back to us from the countless conversations with field goers was ladies pockets are either "not there" or "so small they were unusable".
The first opportunity we have had to ensure pocket details were a functional fit is with the Ladies Field Fit Sporting Vest.
The cartridge pocket came about for military use, it was in fact a pouch. The first pattern dates back to 1903 and is very different to what we use today. The modern shooting vest evolved from earlier garments like the Norfolk jacket in the 1860s, which provided unrestricted arm movement for shooters but did not have the padding or specialized features of today's vests.
The popularity of wildfowl hunting in the late 19th century drove demand for more specialized gear. Hunters needed apparel that could carry shotgun cartridges and game, leading to the creation of the first hunting jackets and vests with integrated pockets.
In the 20th century, military advancements influenced civilian gear and World War II saw the development of multi-pocketed vests for pilots and aircrews, such as the US Army Air Force's C-1 survival vest. In essence, the shooting vest as we know it today, with features like reinforced shoulders and ample cartridge pockets, is the result of a gradual evolution from earlier hunting jackets and waistcoats.
POCKETS ON THE TWELVEBORE FIELD FIT LADIES SPORTING VEST
We started with functionality and worked our way backwards through fit and refinement to ensure elegance in the field.
The name "bellows pocket" comes from the traditional hand bellows used to direct air into a fire. These bellows feature a similar pleated, expandable design that allows them to lay flat when not in use but expand when needed.
Oddly - and we can't fathom why - most sporting designs sew the rear bellow, closest to the hip, flat. This means the wear looses a great deal of room and, importantly, functionality. To be clear, ours are not sewn flat!
A bellows pockets is applied to the garment, meaning they are sewn on the outside, rather than built-in. They feature folds of excess fabric, on ours this is at the side and in the center, to create the bellows effect.
The bellow design on the pockets are capable of comfortably holding 75+ cartridges and allows the wearers hands in and out of the pocket opening with ease.
The openings of the pockets are lined with an extra layer of natural British pig suede, both on the lip of the pocket and the body of the vest. This was a decision we took having been passionately lobbied by a top game shot and coach regularly gracing the front page of the shooting times.