Unsplash | Laura Chouette

14 Common Products That Had Hidden Features This Whole Time

Is everyone ready to learn something new?

We take a lot in life for granted, and often don't spare a thought for the things we've become used to seeing. The small pocket on your jeans or the black dot on your phone's camera are just there, right?

Maybe not. Maybe they actually serve a purpose you don't know about. Let's check them out!

What's with that tiny pocket in your jeans?

Unsplash | Anne Nygård

Back when jeans were less about fashion and more about old-timey durability, that small pocket was for a watch! Miners kept pocket watches in that tiny pocket. I keep change in mine.

Your takeout box is a secret plate.

If your food arrives in a cardboard carton, odds are it might be able to fold out! Pop the sides open and lay it flat to make yourself a to-go plate.

That drawer under your oven isn't for pans.

Well, not all the time, anyway. That drawer could be a warming drawer, and it's designed to keep your food, well, warm while you cook the rest of it.

Did you know your Christmas lights might have this?

If your lights stop working, don't throw them out — check the plug and see if there's some replaceable fuses in there! I gotta go check my lights for these, brb.

Why do pen caps have holes?

Unsplash | Kelly Sikkema

It seems odd to have a hole in a lid, right? It dries the ink out. Well, it serves a purpose — if a child swallows the lid, the hole prevents them from cutting airflow off.

Saran wrap has a hidden tab.

The holes in Converse All Stars aren't just for air flow.

Unsplash | Camila Damásio

The shoes — which originally started out as basketball shoes — were definitely designed with air flow in mind. However, the holes are also so you can get weird with how you lace your shoes!

Well, more like 2021.

So, I had no idea oatmeal came with a handy guide for where to fill the water to. I don't quite know how you'd manage to measure it, but this sure is helpful.

Your gas indicator.

See the arrow next to the indicator? It's to indicate which side of the car your gas tank is on. If you knew this, good for you! If you didn't, you're welcome — your life is forever changed now.

Your aluminum foil box has secret tabs.

See those tabs on the side of your box? They serve a purpose! punch them inward and they'll serve as a stabilizer for your aluminum roll. You're welcome.

Keyboards are laid out the way they are for a good reason.

Unsplash | Clay Banks

Ever wonder why your keyboard is arranged the way it is? It's to maximize how fast you type! Keeping the most-used keys farther apart encourages alternation between hands and keeps your fingers from getting tangled in the same spot.

This is crucial to all makeup and beauty products.

See that little compact with the number? That's the product's expiration date from the day you open it. Things like mascara and lipstick expire, so keep an eye on that!

The hooks on your cart are for your bags.

Unsplash | Markus Spiske

I know, big shock. Stay with me, though. The hooks are for lighter items! Hang lighter, more delicate items (think bread) on the hooks to stop them from getting crushed by the other grocery bags.

The black dot on your phone's camera has an important purpose.

Unsplash | Matthias Oberholzer

Ever wonder what that black dot is that sits next to your phone's camera? It's a microphone! I had no idea what it was until right now. My bad.