Isabelle Leong, a Saratoga native, has launched Pocketease, a clothing company centered on her flagship product, ShortEase. The item consists of nylon spandex undershorts featuring zippered pockets located on the front and inner thigh.
Leong developed the garment while in her final year at West Valley College’s Cilker School of Art and Design. Her professor challenged students to create an original product not currently available on the market. Leong drew inspiration from her aunt, who has Type 1 diabetes and struggled to manage a tethered insulin pump while wearing dresses.
Leong noted that her aunt found it difficult to access the device without lifting her entire skirt. She observed that some women attempt to secure pumps in their bras, which can create visible bulges. Other solutions, such as waist belts or leg holsters, risk the pump falling off during physical activity.
Initially considering a dress with pockets, Leong opted for undershorts to avoid requiring customers to purchase an entirely new garment. The design allows users to place the pump in the pocket and route the tube through a hole so the cannula can reach the abdomen. The shorts accommodate the largest pumps currently on the market.
While the product targets a specific medical need, Leong said some customers use the pockets for phones and other items. She stated that the project evolved from a school assignment into a business, allowing her to pursue her passion professionally.