Breeches
Enlisted Breeches:
African American Doughboys were typically issued the Model 1917 breeches. Characteristics of the Model 1917 breeches include 2 front slit pockets, belt loops, a watch pocket on the right waist line, a 5-button fly, tapered laced leg and reinforced inner thigh. Like the service coats, the wool that was used in their manufacture varied in terms of weave, weight, color, quality and finish. Buttons used on the breeches were either the stamped zinc or tin US Army buttons or brown plastic, four hole buttons. The interior lining including the pocket bags was usually made of sturdy, undyed cotton drill or duck.
The M1917 Breeches
Officers Breeches:
Like other officer's clothing, officer's breeches were made by private tailors and men's clothing makers. Likewise, the quality of the breeches usually exceeded the quality of enlisted trousers. Many variations in fabric, pocket detail, tapered cuff detail, lining fabric and the addition of back adjusting belts can be seen in original examples. The variations were endless.
