APPAREL POCKET SYSTEM

An apparel item (100) for a lower torso of a wearer, the apparel item (100) comprising: an outer panel of material (110); an inner panel of material (116), wherein the outer panel of material (110) and the inner panel of material (116) form at least a torso portion of the apparel item (100); wherein a waistband (118) comprising a first layer (310) and a second layer (312), wherein at least one opening (120) is formed in the first layer (310) of the waistband, and wherein a top edge (330) of the outer panel of material (110) is affixed to the first layer (310) of the waistband (118) and a top edge (334) of the inner panel of material (116) is affixed to the second layer (312) of the waistband (118); and at least one pocket panel (131) positioned between the outer panel of material (110) and the inner panel of material (116), the pocket panel (131) comprising at least a top edge (324), a bottom edge (326), and opposing side edges, wherein the top edge (324) of the pocket panel (131) is affixed to the first layer (310) of the waistband (118), and the bottom edge (326) of the pocket panel (131) is affixed to the inner panel of material (116) so as to define a space (322) between the pocket panel (131) and at least the inner panel (116) of material, and wherein the opening (120) in the first layer (310) of the waistband (118) is in communication with the space (322) between the pocket panel (131) and the inner panel of material (116).