Breeches
The breeches shown below are an example of the summer
breeches that were sometimes issued to the men of the British Army. Typically, these breeches were made of
unbleached “osnaburg” linen. Although
there are no surviving original breeches with a history of use by a British
private soldier of this period, a good idea of the design features may be
obtained from several sources. The
general snug fit of the breeches is visible in nearly all contemporary illustrations,
and the fall front is seen in a 1753 sketch of Corporal Jones of the 13th
of Foot, done by Lieutenant William Baillie of that regiment. Bennet Cuthbertson’s writings state that
three large buttons should be used for the waistband, two large buttons for the
fall, and five small buttons for the knee closures. Although his treatise slightly post-dates the period and the
recommendations that he made weren’t official, they are at least a hint into
what might have been used. Surviving
civilian breeches from the period confirm other details and show what sewing
techniques were commonly used.
Summer Breeches – front view Summer Breeches – side view
