Breeches
Date1740-1755
OriginEngland or Europe
MediumSilk uncut and voided velvet, cream tabby linen, brown linen tape, metallic knee garters, sixteen buttons (fabric and metal covered to match), metal bullion, metal strips, metallic thread, linen thread.
DimensionsWaist: 32"
Inseam (including gartering): 17 3/4"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1954-277
DescriptionButton front breeches of cream colored silk velvet, with repeat of small pink and green flower. Breeches with fly front and buttoned pockets. Self-covered buttons, those at knee embroidered with metallic silver thread. Silver galloon strap at knee. Linen lining. Buttoned side pockets and rear pockets reached through side seams. An original iron buckle is found in the back.Construction Details: The breeches were constructed out of a cream, patterned silk velvet. The seams were felled, with unfinished edges finished with an overcast stitch. Strips of dark brown linen tape were then secured over the inseams with a running stitch, providing extra reinforcement to these areas. On the outseams, the selvage was folded over to create support for the buttons by the knee, and the raw edges were overcast to finish. Openings, such as those at the knee, were lined with cream linen. There are five pockets present; front, side, and a fob pocket. All of these were lined with cream linen that was felled to the silk velvet. Linen reinforcement is also found outside the pockets themselves to stabilize. Decorative knee gartering was added, lined with cream linen, felled to the silk velvet, and secured with a running stitch at the hem. The waistband was also lined with cream linen and buckram, which was felled to the fabric. Piecing of the silk velver can be found at the waistband.
