'I can't stop thinking about what the tiny pocket on jeans is actually for.'

Ever wondered about that teeny tiny pocket inside the right pocket of your jeans? You know the one – too small for your phone, barely big enough for a couple of coins, seemingly pointless in our modern lives?

Well, prepare to have your mind blown because that little fabric pouch has a fascinating history that dates back to the 1800s, and we can't believe we didn't know this sooner.

Watch: See Mia Freedman's recs for the top jeans you need. Be warned—these jeans do in fact have teeny tiny pockets. But still. Post continues below.

The pocket with a purpose.

That miniature pocket wasn't designed to frustrate you or store a single piece of gum – it was actually created to hold pocket watches.

Yes, really! Back in 1873, when Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis received the patent for riveted denim jeans, pocket watches were essential accessories for men. These timepieces needed protection from scratches, damage, and theft, so the clever duo included a small, secure pocket specifically designed for watches.

According to Levi Strauss & Co's official history, "The small pocket on the right front side is called a watch pocket, since it was intended to store a pocket watch — a typical possession during the late 1800s."

While we're frantically trying to cram our smartphones into skinny jean pockets today, our ancestors were casually slipping their pocket watches into that perfectly sized little pouch. How times change!

The pocket that outlived its purpose.

Even though most of us haven't carried pocket watches for, oh, about a century, this little design feature has stubbornly stuck around. It's like that random relative who shows up at family gatherings – no one quite remembers inviting them, but they're part of the tradition now.

During World War II, Levi's actually removed the rivets from the watch pocket to save metal for the war effort – a small sacrifice for a greater cause. But the pocket itself remained, becoming an iconic feature of jeans everywhere.

So what do we use it for now?

These days, the tiny pocket has found new purposes (or lack thereof) in our modern world:

• A perfectly-sized guitar pick holder 

• Emergency coin storage 

• A safe spot for an engagement ring when washing hands 

• USB drive sanctuary 

• The place where single AirPods go to hide 

• A temporary home for that random button you found and might need someday 

And, while we're on the topic of denim discoveries, did you know that the distinctive back pocket stitching on jeans has a name? It's called the 'Arcuate', and is trademarked by Levi's. 

ICYMI, the back left pocket was actually a latecomer. Although jeans now typically have five pockets, the back left pocket wasn't added until 1901 – nearly 30 years after the original design.

Plus, the metal rivets have purpose! They're there to strengthen the points most likely to tear.

Now if anyone asks about that mysterious mini-pocket, you can now impress them with your denim knowledge. Just try not to sound too smug about it.

Feature: Getty.