Google “Paris pickpockets” and you’ll receive nearly a million results. The city is famous for its landmarks and pastries, yes, but it’s also famous for something else: pickpocketing.
In the months leading up to our first trip to the City of Light in 2014, I spent hours online researching scams and pickpocketing techniques (it’s an absolutely fascinating rabbit hole to go down if you’re so inclined to lose a chunk of your day). I read about the petition girls, the ring scam, and the map scheme. I bought a new purse and chained my wallet to the zipper inside. I sewed pockets in my jacket and into my partner’s underwear (I’m so sorry, Michael) so we could keep extra cash tucked away. I was a woman obsessed.
So Michael and I went to Paris – and we were fine. I admit, my attitude in large crowds during our trip was probably somewhat militant, barking orders to my partner to stand by my side next to my purse (again, I’m so sorry) and refusing potentially kind-hearted people who offered to take our photo at the Eiffel Tower. But other than a lost passport followed by a missed train, we had no issues with theft or losing our belongings (oh – and that passport was found shortly after the train departed, hiding under a pair of pants in someone’s suitcase).
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In fact, we’ve been pretty fortunate on all of our travels – and I’m crossing my fingers as I type this to avoid jinxing myself, which makes typing pretty difficult – we’ve never been a victim of pickpocketing or petty theft. Dressing like a local really helps, as does being hyper-aware of your surroundings, especially on public transit and at very popular sights. I keep my hand on my purse and Michael places his hand over his wallet in his front pocket when we’re in large crowds, and we never place our belongings on tables or chairs while dining. We also try to avoid carrying more than a day’s-worth of cash on us and sometimes leave a card tucked away in our luggage at our hotel or Airbnb. On days when we are in transit, we like to divide up our valuables; if something goes missing, we don’t lose everything.
When I was doing my research for our trip in 2014, I only found one brand that sold items with hidden pockets, and the offerings were pretty slim (and though it’s almost a rite of passage, the thought of wearing a grimy money belt under my clothing did not appeal to me). These days the market for more-secure garments is growing, and the options finally look like real clothes. While I’ll always argue that being aware of your surroundings and protecting your belongings is the best way to guard against pickpockets, garments, and accessories with hidden pockets are a great second line of defense. The fifteen items below were chosen for both form and function – from the outside, none of these items overtly suggest that valuables could be found inside. In fact, since they all look like normal clothes and accessories, they have the potential to be real wardrobe workhorses:
Pickpocket-Proof Clothing and Accessories
Top Row
Travel Wrap Skirt | This skirt would be perfect for a business traveler who frequents larger cities, but it wouldn’t look out of place with a nice blouse for a dinner out or with a cool tee and sneakers for daytime exploring. It features five hidden zipper pockets (three on the sides for passport and phone) and two in the back for currency.
Pocketed Headband | This headband has a small pocket underneath the label for holding small items like a key or some cash. This may not be as practical on a city trip, but if you plan to spend time outdoors (say, hiking or hanging at the beach) or take a day excursion, this could certainly come in handy.
Stretch Travel Tunic Shirt | What an ideal beach cover-up! Not only is this tunic long enough to cover your swimsuit, but it has a hidden pocket in the side seam as well. In fact, the pocket is so hidden I’m unable to locate it in any of the retailer’s photos!
Second Row
Baseball Cap | This baseball cap is made from eco-friendly and breathable hemp. As a would-be pickpocket might not guess, it has a secret pocket in the front of the cap with a Velcro closure. Just be sure none of your activities are particularly windy ones, or you might lose your cap and your belongings!
Leather Money Cuff | Wallets are frequently snatched from back pockets and purses, but chances are they wouldn’t think to take an inexpensive-looking bracelet. This leather bracelet has a slot large enough to hold several credit cards, IDs, and cash, and also comes in vegan leather.
Stash Scrunchies | Scrunchies are back, believe it or not! These have a hidden opening where you can place a few bills or a key – and you don’t even have to wear your hair up! Keeping one on your wrist is a great way to keep your valuables close.
Third Row
Down Parka | Men’s coats nearly always have a pocket or two on the inside, but from personal experience, women’s coats rarely do. By carrying your valuables much closer to your body (where you’d likely notice if someone is invading your personal space!) you’ll reduce the risk of loss.
Stash Skinny Pant | Like most technical wear, these pants are made out of synthetic materials – great for moisture-wicking and wrinkle-resistance, but terrible for the environment. However, these pants are made using recycled nylon, reducing their footprint on our planet. And they have six pockets to boot (two front pockets, two discreet side pockets, and two zippered back pockets).
Women’s Bomber Jacket | This bomber is by far the most versatile and impressive item on this list, with tons of interior pockets and many other features. There is an inflatable neck pillow, a travel blanket, a pair of pull-down gloves, and an eye mask – all embedded in the jacket. With airlines charging more and more for baggage, this may not only be a practical security choice, but also a money-saving addition to your in-flight outfit.
Fourth Row
The Travel Bra | Bras have always been popular places to stash a little extra cash when you don’t have any pockets or a purse (but as a former food-service employee, please don’t pay using the cash from your bra – no one needs to know where that money has been), but this one holds even more than that. It has a place for your key and passport, in addition to cash. This would be an ideal replacement for a money belt, a way to carry things you don’t necessarily need access to while out and about, but need to carry just in case. Ideally, you’d carry enough for the day’s expenses in your purse or pocket, store your unneeded passport and larger sums of money here, and duck into a toilet if you needed to retrieve them.
Leather Belt with Hidden Pocket | What a great place to hide larger bills! This minimal leather belt has a zippered pocket on the inside that’s not detectable from the outside. Just make sure to keep an eye on it if you’re asked to remove it at a security checkpoint.
Passport Security Socks | So no, these won’t win you any style awards, but they will keep your passport safe so long as they are tucked underneath your pant leg. For added security, slip your passport into an RFID-blocking case.
Bottom Row
Hidden Pocket Infinity Scarf | Warm, stylish, and smart? Yes, please. This charming scarf features a hidden zipper pocket, so your valuables are always there with you.
Women’s Trench Coat | After the bomber jacket, I think this is probably the second-most versatile item on my list. With 18 pockets, this trench can carry small items like keys and coins as well as larger items like tablets and water bottles (take that, low-cost airlines!). Plus, you can save 25% when signing up through my referral link.
Pickpocket Proof T-shirt Dress | A cleverly hidden pocket just under each arm makes this dress a safe bet. Dresses with pockets can be tough to find, which is a shame as dresses take up so little room in a suitcase (I mean, a whole outfit in one garment!). Plastic zippers ensure the dress won’t trigger a metal detector (to avoid awkward screening, be sure to take everything out before proceeding through the detector).
Final Thoughts on Pickpocket-Proof Clothing
Our things are usually replaceable, yes, but I’d much rather spend my time enjoying the trip I worked so hard for rather than on the phone trying to replace my credit cards or passport. By making a few small adjustments to your day and what you’re wearing, you can ensure a trip that is free from the stress of losing both money and time.
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Have you ever had items stolen while traveling? Share your stories below!
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