Knickers and breeches

Every fashion will eventually become modern again

Pants cuts such as knickerbockers have been known since the beginning of the 19th century. Knickerbockers probably originally come from Europe. It is said that Dutch settlers liked to wear these trousers, also called raiding trousers, and brought them to the United States of America. The fabric was cut unusually wide on the thigh and therefore fell over the knee - similar to the so-called bloomers at the ankle.

The heyday of knickerbockers in clothing was the 1920s and 1930s. The Knickerbocker was considered a sporty pair of trousers for men. In the golf sport of that time, Bobby Jones is one example of this. In the comic world, it's Tintin from Tintin. Until the 1960s, the knickerbocker was a very popular item of clothing for men. This is how Heinz Erhardt can be seen in the 1958 film 'Widower with 5 Daughters' in knickerbockers. In the 1960s, the knickerbocker went out of fashion as streetwear.

In America, of course, the wearers of these pants attracted attention with their fashion and so the pants got their name after a fictional character called Knickerbocker. This character, according to her description in the novel, is said to have worn such trousers. The connection to the Dutch is unknown, but it can be assumed that the real wearers of these trousers were made fun of.

Why were there such trousers?

These trousers were originally designed and tailored as athletic wear, with roomy thighs and tight-fitting fabric at the lower leg. They were sewn entirely from leather, which made the pants hard-wearing and why they were initially mainly worn by mountaineers and hikers. Over time, the cut of these sports pants has changed so that the fabric no longer falls above the knee.

In this way, a much more sporty form of wide trousers was created, the material of which was firmer. The riders in particular quickly found out that these trousers were very practical for riding, as the tight-fitting fabric on the lower leg - to this day - fits perfectly into the tight-fitting riding boots.

Sportswear became fashion

Since these trousers now had a sporty image, it is no wonder that both variants of these wide trousers were not only worn as leisure trousers in the Roaring Twenties of the 20th century. Knickerbockers were also part of the current fashion for men as suit pants. Knee socks of the right color were usually pulled over the lower leg and sturdy shoes were worn.

Women's fashion preferred the shape of breeches without the fabric falling over the knee, because women also liked to hike, ride horses - and cycle. Motorcyclists and airplane pilots also liked to wear these practical and comfortable pants, as many photo and film documents from this time show.

Every fad comes back eventually

Treat yourself to the pleasure of traveling back a century through fashion. The trousers suit both men and women. They are also made in Germany from high-quality materials.

Retronia from Berlin has brought this back to life - and not only the pants fashion, but also the attitude to life through many other articles from this time. Take a look around the website and immerse yourself in the time that is 100 years ago for us. 'Fashion and accessories for yesterday' is the motto of the company. On their website you will find an ample selection of these trouser fashions in fabrics and colors as they were originally worn in the respective decades. 

I already reported in my on events that are held in the style of the roaring twenties. Not only fashion plays a role, but also all other objects such as cars, bicycles, motorcycles and gramophones with old music and furniture from that time. A very fun and entertaining way to travel back 100 years in time and experience the lifestyle of that time.