M.1915 Tuchhosen (Trousers)

The trousers were made of the same field grey material as the tunic and cap. They were basically straight-legged, fairly narrow fitting, and were very slightly flared through the thighs. They had a fly front closed with horn buttons. Cut with a very high waist—they came almost to the bottom of the rib cage—there was a belt from side-seam to side-seam across the rear that permitted finer adjustment at the waist. On the front, inserted at an angle, there was an internal slash pocket on each side. Small horn buttons closed these. Additionally, there was a small slash watch pocket on the right waist. Beginning several inches below the top edge, a line of ponceau piping ran down the side seams of each leg. Trousers were lined at the waistband generally with materials similar to that used in tunics. Along the upper edge—which was usually unfinished (raw)—zinc dish buttons were spaced to provide attachment points for the suspenders; there were no belt loops. Bottoms were turned inward, and the hem was usually quite deep.

A Change

On 27 August 1914, the following changes to the field uniform were ordered: Trousers were in the future, to be made of steingrau (stone grey—an almost charcoal shade) material vs. feldgrau (field grey). This move had been in discussion before the war in that trousers and tunics presented a poor match since the trousers faded more rapidly from rougher wear and more frequent laundering. As such, a contrasting shade was chosen, removing the need to match existing garments. The pattern remained otherwise unaltered.

Note: Click on thumbnails below to view larger views of items.
Truchhosen rear View	Truchhosen front detail
Truchhosen front detail, open	Truchhosen rear detail view

Our Requirements

Trousers must be of either (preferably) steingrau (stone grey) or feldgrau (fieldgrey) material with red piping down the outside seam of the leg. The Hosen must be cut to the correct pattern. An adjusting belt in the rear, a watch pocket and slanting slash pockets in front are characteristics which should be present.

Also worn, were the privately-purchased „Cordhosen“ or „Manchesterhosen“ (corduroy trousers), these were both legal and popular among the Soldaten. Manchesterhosen were cut to the same pattern as the regular Hosen. Purchase a pair of Tuchhosen first, before you branch out to Manchesterhosen.