Vintage 20s Knickers Men's Short Pants Button Fly Tweed M/L Money-Back Smith VFG
These pants date to the 1920s, and are commonly known as knickers or knickerbockers. However, this pair would more correctly be called Plus Fours". They were designed to be strapped fairly tight about 4 inches below the knee, creating a 4 inch overlap of material. They have a pleated front, and are wonderfully baggy.
SIZE: No size label. The rear seam has enough seam allowance to add up to 1.5" to the waist.
| Measurements | Inches | Cm |
| Waist | 37.5" | 95 |
| Hips | 50.5" | 128.5 |
| Front rise | 11.5" | 29 |
| Inseam | 21.5" | 54.5 |
| Outer side seam | 31" | 78.5 |
| Pantcuff circumference | 14 to 16" | 35.5 to 49.5 |
FABRIC/COLORS: Wool in a subtle herringbone tweed using cream and cafe au lait with scattered flecks of turquoise and rust. The multiple pockets and facings are done in unbleached polished cotton.
TAGS: Money-Back Smith, 12th and Washington, Oakland Cal.
CLOSURES: Button front fly with two small buttons at the waistband, and another four in a hidden placket. The knicker bottoms have adjustable slide buckles - look like brass - beautifully embossed and including a date (11-15-12) and the words Adjust, Pat. Pend
CONDITION: Several small holes, the largest 1/4" - see closeup of left front near waist where two of the largest holes are. I also see multiple partial thickness "divots", presumably due to moths - they look like tiny holes when held up to the light but are easy to miss when you look straight on. I saw no evidence of active insects, but I put the knickers through a double freeze of a week each time which should prevent further problems.
I measure the outside of garments, unless stated otherwise.
For menswear, the chest is measured at armpit level.
For womenswear, the bust is measured a little below armpit level, including the room created by darts or gathers.
Waist will be measured if there is one, and hips are measured about 9" below waist level. Sleeves are measured from shoulder seam or an approximation in the absence of a shoulder seam. Garment length is measured from the back of the neck, unless otherwise stated.
The measurement numbers refer to the garment, not the body inside. For best fit, measure a similar type of garment which fits you well and compare.
If the garment is shown on Josephine, my mannequin, her measurements are 31/24.5/34". Sometimes she wears a padded bra. My live models measurements vary depending on the day and year, and I don't ask them to share that.