Our reproduction of the summer-weight sharovary breeches is an almost perfect copy of the standard trousers issued to enlisted soldiers of the Imperial Russian Army during the First World War. Our copy and the originals are designed for practicality and comfort in hot weather campaigns, these breeches are cut in the distinctive Russian sharovary style: loose and baggy at the thighs with a sharp taper from knee to ankle, allowing them to be secured neatly with puttees or tucked into boots.
Made of khaki or sand-colored cotton cloth (same as the tunic – 100% lightweight cotton with no synthetic fibers, less than 12 oz. weight, mill – not vat – dyed khaki), the summer sharovary were lighter than their woolen winter counterparts, giving soldiers greater comfort during long marches and summer field duty. Our breeches and the originals reflect both military tradition and practicality: high waist with button fly closure, suspender buttons for braces, side slash pockets, and a small watch pocket. Reinforced stitching around the seat and inner thigh gives added durability.
These trousers became an iconic part of the Imperial Russian soldier’s kit when paired with the gymnasterka blouse, leather belt, and ankle boots with puttees Also available on this page) Their distinctive silhouette — roomy upper legs tapering tightly at the calves — was instantly recognizable and endured into later Red Army uniforms.
