Civilian Trowser Lining

[23rdIllinoisIrish]

I hope I am addressing the correct forum as I am relatively new to the living history obsession and the A/C forum. My question is concerning civilian trowser linings. I have seen examples in various collections and in print with patterned linings ranging from wide in the back (4"-6") to smaller 1-3/4"-2-1/2") and in both patterned and unpatterned material. Can anyone direct me to sources which would declare the PEC of these options? Is/was it strictly a matter of preference/availability, or was it divided according to date, geographics, class, etc.

Any help is much appreciated.
Thank You

[Citizen_Soldier]

Re: Civilian Trowser Lining

Greetings,
Concerning the original lined citizen trousers I've encountered or heard about dating to the time of the Rebellion, it seems that just a plain fabric is the most common from my observations/communications. Examples would include cotton sheeting, light cotton twill, or brown polished cotton. It really seems as kind of a reenactorism for fellows to wear civilian trousers with the cuffs rolled up to show off "big-pimping" figured linings.

I'm not saying that figured trouser linings didn't exist, but rather that in the samples of extant garments myself and professional historians I know have examined it just doesn't seem that typical.

Darrek Orwig

[Adjutant]

Re: Civilian Trowser Lining

Mr. Shomaker,

I think that what you may be refering to is a back curtain for your trowsers. This was a popular feature in civilian trowsers, and is, in fact, mirrored on Charlie Childs Richmond Clothing Bureau trowsers pattern. These are often striped and seem to be made of cotton fabric. I am sorry I cannot provide any more detail, but I would think that any striped cotton matieral would be appopriate.

[Watchdog]

Re: Civilian Trowser Lining

The trouser linings on my originals and those I have examined were all plain cotton.

[23rdIllinoisIrish]

Re: Civilian Trowser Lining

Mr. Shomaker,

I think that what you may be refering to is a back curtain for your trowsers. This was a popular feature in civilian trowsers, and is, in fact, mirrored on Charlie Childs Richmond Clothing Bureau trowsers pattern. These are often striped and seem to be made of cotton fabric. I am sorry I cannot provide any more detail, but I would think that any striped cotton matieral would be appopriate.

Thank you Mr. Dangel for the information.
Is this 'curtain' attached along the waistband only or stitched around the seat of the trowsers? Perhaps Bill could also provide an answer for this?

Thank you again,
MS

[Adjutant]

Re: Civilian Trowser Lining

On Officer's trowsers I have examined (I have more expirence here than on purely civilian trowsers) the back curtain is set into the back of the waistband and the bottom is turned under and stiched into place. I'll try and post a couple of photos tonight.