A Heritage Costumes Exclusive.

Breeches were the only acceptable type of trousers or pants during the 1700s. Also referred to as colonial knickers, breeches were the fashionable choice in the 18th century. A pair of knickers covered the body from the waist down to the knees. Breeches typically button or fasten beneath the knee.

All colonial men, from famed revolutionaries like the Founding Fathers to renowned historical men such as Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, wore breeches as the very base of their formal and casual attire. Men and young boys alike wore colonial knickers, and it was an important rite of passage for a boy to graduate from infant’s clothing to a pair of breeches. Once a boy reached age six or seven, he was presented with his first pair of breeches, signaling his move towards adulthood. In turn, colonial pants became a symbol of America’s growth and evolution in its earliest years. Men followed George Washington, America’s first president and a revolutionary war hero, who wore colonial breeches when he took to the political stage and the battlefield.

An exclusive piece in our Heritage Costumes collection of historical clothing, these colonial knickers, or knee breeches, are authentic to the boys’ attire of 18th century America. Your costume includes a single pair of sand, or gold, satin brocade breeches. These historically accurate trousers feature an adjustable elastic waistband to complete the traditional colonial look while still allowing children to easily slip on these pants and fit comfortably with no need for zippers or buttons. Pair these colonial knickers with our wide selection of colonial clothing pieces, accessories, and added details to create your very own personalized colonial period costume.

This high-quality costume pair of breeches can be used for colonial-themed school events, a history lesson, or simply a fun day of experiencing life as a colonial boy during the 1700s. Made with pride and care right in the United States, these colonial breeches are built to last.