Man's breeches of warp-frame knitted striped black silk, 1790s, British

Man’s breeches of black silk, warp-frame knitted with a wide stripe, cut and tailored like a woven fabric. Each leg is cut in 1 piece with the seam on the outside leg and the waistband is cut in 2 pieces. There is a pocket on each side of the fronts and a watch pocket in the right waistband. The breeches fasten with 3 buttonholes at centre front, 1 buttonhole on each corner of the fall front, 1 buttonhole on the corner of each pocket and 2 worked lacing holes on each side at centre back. On each leg are 4 buttonholes. The waistband has been later relined and all the buttons are later replacements.

Given by Messrs Harrods Ltd.

Talbot Hughes collection

By the end of the 18th century in Britain, men’s breeches were becoming more tightly fitted, in keeping with the streamlined cut of the coat and waistcoat. Breeches made of machine-knitted cotton and silk became popular, as a knitted fabric gave the ease required for sitting and standing.

T.745A-1913