To keep items from turning sideways in the pocket, run a line of stitches up the pocket vertically to divide the pocket into compartments for each item. To prevent a short item from falling too deeply into the narrow pocket division, stitch across the bottom to hold it at the correct height, or use a pocket clip (like those on most modern pocket knives). Nite-Ize sells several versions of a pocket clip that can be attached to items that don't come with one. I put them on my OC spray. POM has a pocket clip model, and a key-chain model, so yours may or may not already have a clip.
Example: to stitch a pocket for a spare magazine, with the trousers off, put the magazine in the pocket and position it where you want to carry it. Press the fabric down on the sides of the magazine (or other item, flashlight, OC can, kubotan, etc.) Mark the location for the stitches with a pencil. Recognize the stitch-divider will need to be wider than the item because the fabric will need to go across the item and around the sides according to the thickness of the item. Give it a little extra so it won't be a very tight fit that will just result in pulling on the trousers when you go to extract the item from the pocket. The stitching can be done by hand with a needle and thread, or with a sewing machine. The machine takes a few minutes to set up but will complete stitches in a couple seconds. It's well worth setting up to do a half-dozen trousers.
With this method, you can divide large hip pockets to hold a flashlight, spare magazine, an Opinel, a Zippo, a handkerchief, and your wallet, money-clip, or card case. Not only does it keep all the items at your fingertips instead of in a jumbled mess in the bottom of the pocket, but it also retains the items better. Even a slippery Zippo won't continue to fall out every time you're tipped over.
Putting hard items in your pockets tends to wear them out faster -- the "skoal ring" effect. A leather liner might help but a lot of the wear is to the outside of the pocket from sitting and a bit of leather might only soften the hardest corners.
If you're carrying a lot of weight in EDC items, suspenders beat a belt. They will support the weight without restricting the diaphragm. While you have the sewing machine out, sew some buttons. Alternatively, get the "jeans buttons" that hammer on. Either is better than the clip-ons which are about like clip-on ties.
