My new pair of jeans (has/have) pockets

[Flogger]

Hello.

My question is about the usage of has/had for the following sentence. My grammar book suggests that “has” is correct, however, an American responded to my question that both are ok. What do you think?

My new pair of jeans (have/has) pockets on the side of the legs.

 

[Tarheel]

Like a pair of glasses, a pair of jeans is one thing. I would use has.

 

[Barque]

I agree.

My new pair of jeans has pockets.
All my new jeans have pockets.

 

[Tarheel]

It's an oddity, I suppose, but with jeans I would use have.

Bob: Those jeans have pockets on the sides of the legs.
Ted: Why?
Bob: I don't know.

 

[Barque]

but with jeans I would use have.

Me too. Without "a pair", they become plural. Especially with "Those" or "These".

 

[5jj]

It's an oddity, I suppose, but with jeans I would use have.

There are several pluralia tantum like 'jeans' in English.