History

Following the outbreak of the Second world War in 1939, enlisted ranks of the Wehrmacht and armed SS units were issued trousers that had originally been designed for members of the Reichswehr in 1922.

SS Officers were responsible for procuring their own uniforms and often purchased high-waisted grey riding breeches. As the breeches were privately manufactured to meet the preferences of the Officer, there is a great deal of variety.

The breeches were generally manufactured out of grey gabardine and the calves feature zipper, button, or lace closures. Some of the breeches featured rear and inner leg reinforcement because they were intended for wear by mounted units.