WWI Imperial German Army M1910 Trousers (Tuchhose)
The M1910 Tuchhose formed part of the regulation field uniform of the Imperial German Army at the outbreak of the First World War. Designed to complement the M1910 Feldrock tunic, these trousers were both practical for campaign wear and consistent with the army’s emphasis on uniformity and tradition.
Design & Appearance
Our trousers are tailored from feldgrau (field grey) wool cloth, matching the M1910 tunic in material and color. The cut was relatively loose to allow for ease of marching and mounted movement, tapering slightly toward the ankle.
Key features included:
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Side-seam piping (Waffenfarbe) in branch colors: red for infantry, yellow for cavalry, black-and-white for artillery, and others for specialist troops (please email for order – not given in menu section).
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Side pockets with simple straight flaps for utility.
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A button fly front with reinforced waistband and suspender buttons for secure wear.
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Strengthened seat and inner leg panels for durability under campaign conditions.
The trousers were generally worn tucked into leather jackboots or secured with puttees, depending on availability and branch of service.
Field Use
The M1910 trousers, like the tunic, reflected a blend of traditional tailoring and modern practicality. Their feldgrau tone provided better concealment than earlier peacetime uniforms, while the colored piping retained a regimental and parade identity.
By 1915, as the war dragged on, the trousers (like the tunic) were simplified into plainer versions without branch-colored piping, to speed up production and improve camouflage. Nevertheless, the M1910 Tuchhose remained in service throughout the early campaigns of 1914–15 and often appeared later in reserve units.
Legacy
The M1910 trousers stand as a hallmark of the Imperial German Army’s transition from 19th-century decorative style to 20th-century functional military clothing. They remain a sought-after piece for historians, collectors, and reenactors who want an authentic early-war German impression.