Rhinegraves
Encyclopedia
Rhinegraves are a form of breeches
which were popular from the early 1660s until the mid 1670s in Western Europe. They are very full breeches gathered below the knee. Usually an overskirt was worn over them which was decorated with ribbon loops around the waist and around the knee. Where the knee was gathered, a large frill of lace and stocking tops added further decoration.
Rhinegraves replaced the petticoat breeches
in the early 1660s. During the 1670s as the longer coat and long waistcoat became popular, these very full breeches became less full and by the late 1670s and early 1680s they were replaced by more tight fitting breeches with the stockings worn over them.
Breeches
Breeches are an item of clothing covering the body from the waist down, with separate coverings for each leg, usually stopping just below the knee, though in some cases reaching to the ankles...
which were popular from the early 1660s until the mid 1670s in Western Europe. They are very full breeches gathered below the knee. Usually an overskirt was worn over them which was decorated with ribbon loops around the waist and around the knee. Where the knee was gathered, a large frill of lace and stocking tops added further decoration.
Rhinegraves replaced the petticoat breeches
Petticoat breeches
Petticoat breeches were voluminously wide, pleated pants, reminiscent of a skirt, worn by men in Western Europe during the 1650s and early 1660s. The very full loose breeches were usually decorated with loops of ribbons on the waist and around the knee. They were so loose and wide that they...
in the early 1660s. During the 1670s as the longer coat and long waistcoat became popular, these very full breeches became less full and by the late 1670s and early 1680s they were replaced by more tight fitting breeches with the stockings worn over them.