Where purchase "sewable pockets" online? (for passports, etc.)

A slight variation, but I think this works better:

Eagle Creek sells something they call the "UnderCover Hidden Pocket" (I think this site doesn't allow URLs, so just Google them). It's a small pocket/pouch with a short fabric "belt loop." You slip the loop on your belt, and then you can tuck the while thing inside your pants or shorts - it hangs inside your pants against your thigh, more or less where a front pocket sits. Only issue is you must wear a belt, but that's easy enough.

Disclaimer: I have one of these, have used it for at least 15 years of world travels and I swear by it. But I found the "loop" to be a little short, so I removed theirs and had a longer one sewn on (securely). That way, I can wear it one of two ways: Inside the pants, as originally intended, or if I'm not as worried about being robbed, I can wear it outside of the pants (more comfortable that way), with the thing hanging from the belt but in a front pocket. It works great either way, and for someone to steal anything from it, they would need to be pretty intimate with me.

I've had mine for years, maybe they have lengthened the loop now so it's the right length, but if not it's a simple matter to have someone add a loop using good, strong "web belt" material.

I swear by the thing, wouldn't travel without it. No sewing into my cloths (what a hassle that sounds like). It's comfortable, it doesn't make me look or feel any more like a fool than I already do, and it works great.

Hope that helps.

Anyone with basic sewing skills could make one from scratch. Just purchase some strong muslin cloth, cut it slightly larger than the passport and twice as long. Fold, seam, turn inside out, hem top, and attach to pants. You could double the cloth to make more durable.

Peter,

The suggestion from David is one good solution to the "Passport pocket".

You might also check the Tilley line of travel clothing, as many of their products (both pants and shirts) feature built-in "hidden pockets", which are secured with very tough Velcro.

Happy travels!

i think a even simpler solution is to buy clothing with hidden pockets. Sam's Club sells "Outerim" clothing which has variety of hidden and secure pockets. REI adventure clothing line has hidden pocket and I even have a pair of Docker dress pants with two hidden pockets.

I've also been debating just sewing a pocket into my jeans and into my shorts. Realistically, I somehow doubt I'll be wearing these clothes again after two months in them on the road. And the waistbelt thing does NOT work for me - I've never even worn a belt in my life. I would say grab some fabric and it would be easy enough to do.

Here may be a simpler solution...get one of the "hidden pockets" that hang from the belt.

Instead of hanging it from your belt, get a sturdy safety pin, put it through the loops meant for the belt, and pin it inside your pant leg at just below waist level. I know a few women who do this and they have had no problems.

Take a few extra safety pins....

Peter and Robyn,

It may be too late to get them for this year's trip but there is a business that sells patterns for travel clothing that has hidden pockets:

www.saf-t-pockets.com In one of the books they sell (which has all sorts of interesting things for travel in it) is a pocket that hangs under your arm from a strap. That would be easy to make even without a pattern. Many of the patterns also include this as one of the hidden pockets.

Or you could wear the neck pouch across the body under your cloths this time. It might work. I haven't tried it, so I don't know for sure. I plan to try it.

I hope this helps. But the idea of getting the Hidden Pocket type of money belt and pin it inside seems a good thing to try this trip.

Sharon

Peter,

You can make your own.
Another idea is to buy a jacket that has multi pockets taht close with buttons. I got one 2 years from Gap. It has 4 pockets outside and I put a small velcro under each pocket.To open those pockets would be very hard.
I also have some bermudas with large pockets. However I always wear a jean jacket with inbside pockets were I keep my valuable. I never put any valuable in an outside pocket because that can be cut.

Have a look at your local library. The sewing books there may have patterns for pockets.

I cut the elastic belt off a money belt and safety pin this "pocket" to the inside of my pants at the back, just at the bottom of the waist band.

I've been making my own for years. I cut up an old pair of khaki dockers for the material and sew a few pouches with velcro at the top. Then I sew one of these inside each pair of my shorts and pants in the vicinity of behind the right front pocket. I sew across the top of the pouch and the stitching is in the area hidden by my belt. Before the next trip, I "un-sew" the pouches out of my old pants and stitch them into my new ones. My daughters went to Europe and stayed in hostels, so I made pouchs for their PJ's too. These are easy things to make. Charlie Robinson, Lodi, California

I've purchased Columbia's "Lander Pant" and "Roc Pant", both of which have a large,secure, zippered pocket behind the right front pocket, to give you 6 pockets in total. It's easy to access( zipper runs along the side seam), well hidden when zippered closed, and can easily accommodate a passport and money, even a rail pass.

I am looking for Outerim jean shorts. Have asked at my Sams Club but they no longer carry them. Please notify if anyone knows if they are available anywhere else.

Your simplest solution is to take your pants and shorts to a local tailor and have him/her figure something out. It will be cheaper than purchasing something online and then shipping it, and it will be "tailor-made" for each item of clothing.

I also use the Eagle Creek 'Hidden Pocket'. I pin it to the inside of my pants (skirt/shorts).

This way, I can use it either vertically (as intended) or horizontally. I can pin it in front, on the side, anywhere you can think of.

It's like a 'removable sewable pocket'!

An idea for obtaining pre-sewn zipper pockets: Buy something cheap that already has a zippered pocket the size you need and cut it out. Places to shop include: purchase cheap clothing at a garage sale or thrift shop, and item in a dollar store, etc. You can eve purchase soft cloth cosmetic bags for the inside of a coat. Once you have removed the pocket (zipper intact), sew the extra pocket securely in your pants, in a jacket, a blouse, etc. and discard the item.

I think you've been given lots of good ideas, but as to your original question, I think that a fabric store will likely sell pre-sewn muslin pockets. I believe I've seen them at Hancock Fabrics, for example. (Isn't Hancock a nationwide chain store?)

The OP asked his question 4 years ago. He's probably not too interested any more.

And you're welcome ;-)