Images(2)

Breeches

Original OwnerOriginally owned by Reverend Thomas Robbins (American, 1777 - 1856)

Dateabout 1820-1835

MediumHand-stitched silk and cotton, with self-covered bone buttons, dyed bone buttons, wool plush, wool tape, and linen tape

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length along side x width across waist): 15 1/2 x 31 1/4in. (39.4 x 79.4cm)

ClassificationsCostume

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Carl Stoeckel

Object number1934.20.2

DescriptionMan's breeches of black twill-woven silk. The waist is very high, in keeping with the fashion for men's pantaloons (which were much more fashionable than breeches by this time). The fall is 9 1/2 inches across the center front. It fastens with self-covered buttons at the corners and in the center (the center buttonhole is covered by a new lining). Pockets on each side are covered by L-shaped flaps, buttoning at the corners. Underneath the fall, the front and waistband of the breeches fasten with three small (1/2-inch) buttons and three larger (5/8-inch) buttons. A watch pocket is set into the waistband on the right side. The front of the breeches are smooth, and the back is also set smoothly into the waistband. However, they are cut very wide in the back and have a gusset set into the back seam, and linen lacings through the eyelets adjust the fit at the waistband and six inches into the seat area. Dyed bone buttons stitched around the waistband attached to suspenders. The legs are open along the side seams for about five inches and fasten with four small, self-covered buttons. The kneeband is narrow; its button is missing on both sides. It has been extended with wool tape. Wool plush is sewn in a strip along the linen lining of the kneeband. The waistband lining and pocket bags are made of plain-woven linen.

NotesOwner Note: Reverend Thomas Robbins (1777-1856) was the first librarian of the Connecticut Historical Society.

Historical Note: Suspenders (also called "braces" in the period) were not generally worn with breeches, but because these very late (and old-fashioned) examples have a cut similar to contemporary pantaloons, suspenders were needed. (Bassett 7/08/2002)

Status

Not on view