Breeches facts for kids

A man wearing breeches

Breeches are a type of clothing worn by males. They cover the body from the waist down, with separate parts for each leg. Breeches usually stop just below the knee, but sometimes they can reach the ankles. In the past, when a young boy, usually between six and eight years old, started wearing breeches, it was a special moment. It meant he was growing up and finishing his early childhood.

What Are Breeches?

Breeches are a historical type of trousers or pants. They were very popular in Western countries from the late 1500s until the early 1800s. Unlike modern pants that go all the way to the ankles, breeches typically ended around the knee. They were often fastened with buttons, buckles, or ties just below the knee.

How Were Breeches Worn?

Breeches were usually worn with stockings (long socks) that covered the lower leg. People often wore a coat or a waistcoat (a type of vest) over their shirt along with breeches. The style and fit of breeches changed a lot over the centuries, depending on fashion trends.

History of Breeches

Breeches have a long and interesting history. They developed from earlier forms of leg coverings.

When Were Breeches Popular?

Breeches were a common part of men's fashion for about 250 years.

• 16th and 17th Centuries: Early breeches were often quite full and baggy, sometimes decorated with ribbons or lace.
• 18th Century: Breeches became tighter and more fitted, especially for formal wear. They were often made of fine materials like silk or velvet.
• Early 19th Century: Towards the end of their popularity, breeches were still worn for formal events. However, longer trousers started to become more fashionable for everyday wear.

Why Did People Stop Wearing Breeches?

By the early 1800s, longer trousers became more common. This change was partly due to new fashion trends and a shift towards more practical clothing. Trousers were often seen as more comfortable and suitable for a wider range of activities. However, breeches continued to be worn for specific purposes, like riding or certain uniforms.

Breeches Today

Even though breeches are not common everyday wear anymore, you can still see them in certain situations.

Where Are Breeches Still Used?

• Horse Riding: Special types of breeches, often called jodhpurs or riding breeches, are still worn by people who ride horses. They are designed to be comfortable and flexible for riding.
• Uniforms and Ceremonies: In some countries, breeches are part of traditional uniforms for coachmen, soldiers, or royal guards during special ceremonies.
• Historical Reenactments: People involved in historical reenactments often wear breeches to accurately represent clothing from past centuries.

Images for kids

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  Breeches are still worn as livery for special occasions in several European courts. Here, a coachman in the Netherlands wears them during Prinsjesdag, 2013.

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  Breeches as worn in the United States in the late 18th century: Elijah Boardman by Ralph Earl, 1789.

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  A pair of buckles for dress breeches. The T-hook of the buckle is inserted into a buttonhole located on the strap at the bottoms of the leg of the breeches. The end of the strap is slipped through, the prongs lowered and then the end slipped through the other side of the buckle.

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  Equestrian portrait of Prince Henry, Duke of Cumberland and Strathearn by David Morier around 1765.

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  2005 Melbourne show competitor in jodhpurs.

See also

In Spanish: Calzón para niños