= new reply since forum marked as read
Lately I'm finding pants that have these little, tiny, almost useless pockets. Can't wear men's pants, though... grr. 
At least that was how I've heard it explained. 
I wish that tops would button in a unisex manner. These days most of us don't have servants dressing us after all.
Office clothes other than power suits generally had either no pockets or ones only big enough for some loose change. Even power suits lacked pockets in the skirts.and the pants had shallow slash pockets. Drove me up the wall that I HAD to carry a bag for my stuff while the men just threw their wallets and keys in their suit pockets. I used a briefcase and kept a small bag for that stuff rather than carry a purse.
Even casual clothes often gave women the short shrift. Jeans had the best pockets and real sportswear (think L.L.Bean) tended to have enough functional pockets but most other items didn't have good pockets unless it was a fashion trend that year.
I like your anecdote about the bra fitting.
Dinosaurs roamed when I entered the workforce. I do remember gabardine, also lawn for the summer.
We had pockets but they were not as functional as the pockets in similar garments for men.
Gabardine IS French, LOL.
but they never fit me right, always either too loose in the waist or too tight in the hips.
I get whatever fits best at the thrift store from whatever department it's in. I hate spending $ on clothes.
"Fashion don't"s rule.
