We all use certain items every day but do we really know their true purpose? As it turns out some of these ordinary products we have grown to love have hidden features we might not be exactly aware of.
For example, that little pocket on your favorite jeans. Why is it there? Do you know? Well, I’m about to tell you that and more.
1. That Small Jeans Pocket
So did you answer correctly? Let’s find out. This small pocket on your jeans once had a purpose. Back in the day, it was actually used to store a small pocket watch. Did you get it right?
2. That Loop On The Back Of A Shirt
Have you noticed this strange loop at the back of your button-down shirt? Well, sailors used it to hang their shirts while on the ships. Later, it was used by Ivy League men to hang shirts in the locker room. Huh, never knew that one!
3. That Tab On Your Car’s Front Mirror
I have to admit I only recently found out what the tab is for. If you flip it while driving at night you won’t get blinded by the lights coming from the driver behind you. So smart!
4. Those Silica Gel Packets
Have you ever wondered why your pill bottles or even purses come with these small silica gel packets? They’re there to help absorb moisture and keep the contents dry. They can come in handy should your phone ever get soaked in water.
5. That Black Grating On The Microwave Oven Window
Why is it there? Do you know? It’s actually a Faraday Shield, which prevents the radiation from coming out of the oven. The shield also ensures that your food gets properly heated.
6. The Pom-Pom On Your Beanie
Yes, the pom-pom on that beanie does look super cute, I must admit that. But that’s not the only purpose of it. It’s actually used to keep the seams of the hat together so they won’t come apart.
7. Those Grooves On Medicine Bottles
![Image credit: Reddit | u/[deleted]](https://static.diply.com/ABWuNg1SxQqHB9hXFxPd.png)
Nowadays most medicine bottles come with a child-proof feature. But if you flip the cap over you’ll see there are grooves on the lid. Now, try to put the lid back on upside down. The grooves will screw it on without the child-lock protection.
8. This Starbucks Coffee Cup
Why doesn’t Starbucks provide us with a coffee cup coaster? Well, it’s because their cups don’t need it. You can easily turn the coffee cup lid upside down and it becomes a perfect coaster and it fits within the ridges.
9. This iPhone Hole
Have you ever wondered about this tiny hole on your iPhone next to the camera lens? No, it isn’t broken. It has multiple features. It omits the noise from your surroundings, provides better audio quality, and reduces background noise.
10. The Grooves On Your Tires
Why do the tires on your car come with all these marks, ridges, and grooves? It’s not an aesthetic detail. They’re made that way for safety so your car won’t skid, and they help water drain after a rainfall.
11. The Two Sides Of Cotton Pads
Have you noticed that your cotton pads come with two sides? Are you using the correct side for its rightful purpose? The smooth side should be used to apply makeup and the stitched one is for removing it.
12. This Diamond Structure On Backpacks
Again, this isn’t just a fashion statement. This diamond feature really does have a purpose. It can be used to affix things that won’t fit into your backpack like shoes. Just loop the laces through the holes, tie them, and voilà!
13. That Small Hole In The Aircraft’s Window
If you’re an avid traveler, you might have noticed a small hole in the aircraft’s window. As it turns out it’s very important. First of all, it prevents fogging and frosting. Secondly, it equalizes the cabin pressure. It’s the little hole that can do it all!
14. The Notebook Margin
Do you know why typical school notebooks have such wide margins? No, it’s not for keeping notes. That’s a modern-day invention. Rats would chew on notebooks back in the day and this margin would protect the precious work inside from their teeth. Huh, never would have guessed that.
15. The Hole In Pasta Spoon
Do you own a pasta spoon? You know, the one with the hole inside of it? If you own one you probably never realized that the hole measures exactly one serving of noodles. No more guessing games!
16. This Pot Hole
Speaking of cooking, here’s another thing you might have not noticed. The small hole in your pot can actually accommodate a wooden spoon and keeps it off your counter. So, you don’t even need a spoon holder after all.
17. The Sneaker Hole
Here’s another fun fact about one particular hole — the one in your sneakers, that is. It was actually made so you can have some more variety in how you tie your shoelaces. So, try a different design today!
18. This Hairpin Fact
Hairpins — these were designed with a purpose in mind, right? And, that’s to hold our hair in place. We all know that. But do you know how to use them properly? Put the curvy side of the clip facedown so that it can grip the hair properly and won’t slide out.
19. This Utility Knife Feature
Why does your utility knife come with a plastic casing and a cap at the end? Ever thought of that? It’s actually a safety feature. When you open the lid, it will expose a sharper knife or razor beneath it, but the cap is there to protect your hands when you’re using the knife.
20. That Piece Of Cloth That Comes With Clothes
What do you do with that piece of cloth that comes with the clothing you buy? Do you just throw it out? I always thought it was for patching up holes, but you should keep it in case you want to make sure your detergent won’t harm the fabric. It’s a test swatch! Oh, that makes sense.
21. The Pen Cap
You must’ve noticed that your typical pen comes with a hole at the end of its cap, right? What is that hole exactly for? It’s also for safety. It prevents choking as the air can pass through it if someone (usually a child) ever gets it stuck in their windpipe.
22. That Small Hole In A Padlock
Isn’t that such a curious thing? Believe it or not, it’s used to get rid of water that may have accumulated inside the lock. You can also pour oil inside of it to keep the lock functioning better.
14. You Can Pierce Liquid Gel Capsules With A Pin
According to a hack shared online, you can use a pin to poke a hole in an Advil liquid capsule if you ever need to apply the medicine directly to an awkward spot, like a sore tooth.
From a dentist’s perspective , there is nothing wrong with applying the medicine this way for quick pain relief, but you should still see your dentist and have them check the tooth to ensure there isn’t a severe problem.
Now that you know the true purpose of these items’ features do you feel smarter than a fifth grader? Ha, ha!
I sure do. If you ever encounter trivia these fun facts may come in handy. Enjoy the rest of your day!
Last Updated on June 2, 2021 by Kasia Galifi
