Jean Details & Hardware
The small features of a pair of jeans carry a lot of heritage and tell you about the make. This hub explains the main denim details and hardware, so you can spot the features that matter. Browse men's jeans (/collections/mens-jeans-denim).
Pockets
Five-Pocket Design
The classic denim pocket layout.
What defines it
The five-pocket design is the denim standard: two front, two back and a small coin pocket, the template for almost all jeans.
Who it suits
It suits classic and everyday jeans. Browse men's jeans (/collections/mens-jeans-denim).
Coin Pocket
The small pocket inside the right front pocket.
What defines it
The coin, or watch pocket is the tiny fifth pocket, originally made to hold a pocket watch and now a denim signature.
Who it suits
It suits all traditional jeans.
Back Pockets
The two rear pockets and their placement.
What defines it
Back pocket size and placement shape the seat; higher, smaller pockets lift and flatter, lower ones read more casual.
Who it suits
It suits well-cut jeans. Browse BOSS jeans (/collections/mens-boss-black-jeans).
Hardware
Rivets
Metal studs that reinforce stress points.
What defines it
Rivets are the small metal studs at the pocket corners, added historically to stop the denim tearing at high-strain points.
Who it suits
It suits durable, heritage jeans. Browse men's jeans (/collections/mens-jeans-denim).
Button Fly
A fly that fastens with buttons not a zip.
What defines it
A button fly uses a row of buttons instead of a zip, a traditional detail on raw and heritage denim.
Who it suits
It suits classic, characterful jeans.
Shank Button
The main waistband fastening.
What defines it
A quality shank button is set on a firm base that stays secure and turns easily, a small mark of a well-made jean.
Who it suits
It suits durable everyday jeans.
Marks and trims
Arcuate Stitching
The decorative stitch design on back pockets.
What defines it
The arcuate is the curved or angled stitch pattern on the back pockets, one of denim's oldest identifying marks.
Who it suits
It suits classic branded jeans.
Leather Patch
The brand patch at the back waistband.
What defines it
The patch at the top-right of the waistband, in leather or jacron, carries the brand and often the size and style.
Who it suits
It suits premium, branded denim. Browse Jacob Cohen jeans (/collections/mens-jacob-cohen-jeans).
Frequently asked questions
Why do jeans have a small extra pocket?
The small pocket inside the right front pocket is the coin, or watch pocket. It dates from the 1870s when it was designed to protect a pocket watch, and although few people carry a watch there now, it has stayed as one of the defining details of a classic five-pocket jean.
What are the rivets on jeans for?
Rivets are the small metal studs at the corners of the pockets. They were added in the 19th century to reinforce the points where denim is put under the most strain, stopping the pockets from tearing away, and they remain a signature of durable, heritage-style jeans.
What is the arcuate on jeans?
The arcuate is the decorative stitch pattern on the back pockets of jeans, usually a curved or angled design. It is one of the oldest ways brands mark their denim, and many houses have their own distinctive arcuate that helps identify the maker at a glance.