And there are...Broadfalls

Four pairs broadfalls
custom-made in July 2011
by Rachels' Seamstress Services



In the mid 1800's, broadfall trousers came into use and have a fall that is from hip to hip...thus the name broadfall.

Broadfall trousers were worn by the general population (of men) during the late 1700's through the mid 1800's.

Before the invention of the zipper, the buttoned fly front had been used in the early 1700's, by the later part of the century all breeches, pantaloons, trousers and overalls used the narrow fall closure...the first broadfall option in trousers. Narrow fall broadfalls are now made mostly for historical period re-enactments.

Later on, after pantaloons were invented, the fly front came about. The broadfall remained as a sporting attire option, and is now not worn by the general population, only seen uniformly in the Amish, some Mennonite, Conservative Quaker and other Anabaptist groups.




Small Boys' Broadfall Trousers with
added 'front flaps'.
Can be purchased in Rachels' 'Etsy Shop'.

 Suspenders

Presently, most trousers are held up with the use of a belt which is passed through the belt loops on the waistband of trousers. However, this was traditionally a style acceptable only for casual trousers and work trousers; suit trousers and formal trousers were suspended by the use of braces (called suspenders in American English) attached to buttons located on the interior or exterior of the waistband. Today, this remains the preferred method of trouser support amongst classical British tailoring and those who wear broadfall trousers. Many men claim this method is more effective and more comfortable because there is no cinching of the waist or periodic adjustment.