In fashion, a kangaroo pocket refers to a certain kind of pocket sewn onto a garment of clothing. The pocket itself is typically much larger than most pant, coat, or blouse pockets. Big enough for both hands to fit into, this type of pocket is also called a muff pocket or hoodie pocket. It sits on the front, lower portion of the shirt or dress, much like a kangaroo’s marsupium, or pouch. Stylistically, these kinds of pockets are typically associated with casual clothing choices, such as sweatshirts (or hoodies) or simple cotton dresses.
While the kangaroo pocket itself may be considered an accent piece, it also proves to be useful. It is long and wide enough to carry a few things in, such as a wallet or other personal belongings that might typically go in a rear pocket or purse. Consumers should be careful, however, because the pocket typically has very wide openings on either side, through which belongings may fall out of.
Much like a fleece muff, which is a an old-fashioned alternative to mittens, a kangaroo pocket keeps hands warm on a cold day. Because the pocket is open on either side without a wall sewn into the middle of it, hands can keep warm by both the heat of the fabric as well as the other hand. Additionally, the pocket offers easy access for hands to go in and out of in a moment’s notice, unlike cumbersome mittens, gloves or more restrictive pockets.
In North America, kangaroo pockets are generally called “hoodie pockets,” as they are characteristic of a hoodie. Generally, this type of sweatshirt is made out of cotton. A hoodie, or a hooded sweatshirt, is a very popular piece of casual wear, which may or may not have a zipper. If it does have a zipper, the zipper restricts access for a single pocket, so it has two pockets. Most hoodies without zippers, however, come with a kangaroo pocket. The hoodie’s other telltale feature is its hood, which can be loosened or tightened with a drawstring.
In many countries — more specifically in Europe — hoodies complemented by a kangaroo pocket have been highly criticized. Such large pockets have made it easy for shoplifters to stealthily conceal and steal goods. Likewise, the hoods can easily hide a shoplifter’s face from a video camera.
Many popular clothing brands have started marketing hoodies adorned with these pockets to different kinds of social communities. Skateboarders are known to wear hoodies, for example, and skateboard brands have begun marketing their own hoodies with kangaroo pockets. Hoodies with such large frontal pockets are also popular for students and campers.