History

The uniforms, headgear, and insignia of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei or NSDAP) went through several design changes from 1933 until the end of the Second World War. Dr. Ley, originally the Gauleiter of Rheinland and later promoted to the position of chief of staff of Party Organization and Reich Organization Leader, was largely responsible for the NSDAP rank system and uniforms.

The standardized production and circulation of all NSDAP uniform garments, headgear, and insignia were overseen by the National Material Control Office (RZM or Reichszeugmeisterei). The RZM was created in July 1934, and it was located in Munich. From 1935 onward, all NSDAP uniform garments and insignia were legally required to feature an RZM control mark or tag, as well as a number mark on metal insignia or belt buckles. These marks indicate the authenticity of the object, the type of insignia or garment, and identify the manufacturer.

The style of the NSDAP uniforms was initially based upon the castoffs of the tropical uniform that were used by the German Army during the First World War. While these brown shirts and trousers were worn by NSDAP members prior to the standardization of the NSDAP uniform, their general design was mirrored in the final NSDAP uniform designs.

The breeches were worn by all ranks of personnel within the NSDAP. They are composed light-weight tan/khaki coloured materials.

The front fly closure features approximately five to six plastic buttons.

The waistband features exterior buttons that facilitate the addition of suspenders. The exterior back of the waistband may feature a slash with buttons and adjustable straps on either hip for sizing.

Each pair of breeches features two horizontal “slash” pockets cut into the lining, one at hip level on either leg. There is also a fob pocket on the upper right leg and one “slash” pocket on the back right leg. Except for the fob pocket, these pockets are closed by a single plastic or horn button.

There is a vertical slash on each leg that starts right below the wearer's knee and extends to the bottom of the leg. These slashes may be closed by buttons, by a cord passed through eyelets, or by a combination of the two.