Fit of trousers

[jmbyrnes]

I have recently decided to get into the federal side of the hobby. I've purchased a pair of ********* JT Martin Trousers. They are a military size 3, and have a little extra room in the waist. They are also slightly long, so I rolled them up. In comparing the fit of these trousers to that of my CS trousers I've noticed that the federal trousers are noticably wider(looser) at the bottom. Obviously, they aren't made from the same pattern, so I was hoping some of you federal guys could tell me is this normal or should I get the next size down? Personally, I don't like the wider looser fit but if that's the way this pattern trouser fits then I can grow to like it.

Thanks ahead of time for your insight

[Brian Baird]

Re: Fit of trousers

It sounds like they are correctly made. Federal trousers were cut full throughout the legs. Keep in mind, that they were issued in 4 sizes so if they are too big, that's what the quartermaster issued to you.
Brian Baird

[JustRob]

Re: Fit of trousers

Congratulations, you now have a museum quality 19th century standard Army issue crappy fit.

This meshes well with the museum quality 19th century P.O.S. quality of other reenacting itmes, like a correct shelter half. If it doesn't leak water like a sieve, it's too good.

[rake]

Re: Fit of trousers

Loose in the seat is the correct fit - that allows you to bend over and sit down without having the braces buttons suddenly "fly away".

[HOG.EYE.MAN]

Re: Fit of trousers

They are a military size 3, and have a little extra room in the waist. They are also slightly long, so I rolled them up.

Supposed to be long..... no need to roll them up.

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Fit of trousers

Hallo!

In brief and to over-generalize...

Yes, Federal trousers were based upon a preWar pattern with what might be described as a loose butt and wider stovepipe type straightish legs. On the other hand, often times, typically Confederate trouser patterns such as Richmond Depot issue were "done new" and reflect the shift in current civilian trouser wear.

In brief and to over-generalize...

Curt

[Johnny Lloyd]

Re: Fit of trousers

There are two sizes in the Army...

... too big and too small.

-Johnny Lloyd

[PieBoy96]

Re: Fit of trousers

A nice photo showing lots of trousers on Feds in the field.... "Falmouth, Va. Men and wagons of the Engineer Corps ambulance train"

small version:

http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/cwpb/00200/00216v.jpg

TIFF version (10 megs):

http://memory.loc.gov/master/pnp/cwpb/00200/00216u.tif

[fedcampaigner]

Re: Fit of trousers

This is a bit off topic but it appears the soldiers playing cards have smiles on their faces. Although the smiles are not very pronounced they appear different than the stares from the rest of the group. Just my 2 cents.

[toptimlrd]

Re: Fit of trousers

Confederate trousers often resemble civilian patterns more so than the military pattern of the Federal side. The JT Martin's you referenced are made to the exact pattern of the originals and do fit looser in the seat and legs than a civilian pattern pair of trousers. We have to remember that the Federal Army was more concerned with outfitting an army with the fewest variations in clothing as possible. As to the waist, it may be you puchased a size bigger than necessary, but remember the fit should be at the circumference of your natural waist (at the navel). One mistake I see many reenactors make is wearing their trousers like a modern pair with the waist band just above their hips instead of around their natural waist.

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Fit of trousers

Hallo!

"One mistake I see many reenactors make is wearing their trousers like a modern pair with the waist band just above their hips instead of around their natural waist."



Just a-funnin'...

Seriously, IMHO much of that is do to the first "repro" trowsers in the
1970's being essentially modern in cut and fit, and generations of Run-of-the-Mill vendors simply copying them (instead of originals) to the point they are entrenched in Reenacting Culture in some segments of the Civil War Community.

Plus, the shorter styles of Confederate jackets worn with "low ride" trowsers leave a "draught." ;) :) :(

Curt