Trouser pockets, as we know them to be, were virtually unknown before the 18th century and were not common until the 19th century. Men generally wore leather purses hung from their waist. With the introduction of the kilt in Scotland in the 16th century the wearing of the purse (or sporran in Gaelic) continued, with the design evolving over the years. Generally speaking 17th century (and earlier) sporrans are very similar to the purses worn in other parts of Europe, leading one to the conclusion that form and function were universally united in this handy carry all.