The appearance of trousers of this "eccentric" look is attributed to the French cavalry general, the Marquis Gaston Ghalifa. General Ghalifa went down in history as a participant in many military battles in Africa, America and Europe, including, he participated in the storming of Sevastopol in 1855, for which he was awarded the Order of the Legion of Honor. Also in 1857, as part of the 2nd Muslim Cavalry Regiment, he participated in expeditions to Algeria, during its French colonization. It is believed that the idea of creating a cut of such trousers was born there, when the general drew attention to the appearance of the natives, mercenaries who fought in the French colonial infantry.
Gaston Alexander Auguste de Gallifet.
The main problem with regard to military clothing in the cavalry was the difficulty of putting on boots, since boots were worn over wide trousers, they had to be refueled for some time. As an alternative at that time, some armies wore tight leggings, reminiscent of women's leggings, but not everyone liked this option. New uniform trousers "killed two birds with one stone."
French colonial cavalry, 1886
First, due to the strong expansion in the hips, they were comfortable for sitting and further, sometimes prolonged, horse riding during the redeployment of cavalry units. Secondly, the problem of quickly putting on high boots on trousers tight-fitting cavalrymen was solved. Moreover, in hot climates, for example, in Algeria, it was more practical - the rider was simply sweating less.
Another advantage was the wide pockets, in which it was possible to carry ammunition, while it was easy to get them in a sitting position, which was important for cavalrymen.
The Zouaves were the light infantry of the French colonial forces in the 19th century. Parts of the Zouaves were formed from the inhabitants of North Africa, as well as French volunteers. The trousers of the natives led Gallife to the idea of creating a new cut of trousers.
Gallife experienced the first use of such trousers on his cavalrymen, when in 1862 - 65. as part of the French expeditionary forces participated in the intervention in Mexico. Subsequently, being already a cavalry inspector, and later Minister of War, at the end of the 19th century, the general introduced trousers of a new style in all French cavalry. The name "breeches" in relation to such trousers took root in Russia, although in France they were called "culotte bouffante", literally harem pants, slouchy trousers.
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The practicality of such trousers was appreciated and they began to appear on the military in other branches of the military and in other states, including the Russian army. The breeches (trousers,) in the Russian, and then in the Red Army retained their proportions until 1969.
Breeches in the Soviet Army.
This year, the cut of the trousers was changed, the "baggy" in the hips was reduced. Trousers-breeches were used in the Soviet army until 1988, although for many years they were used for young recruits on call in the first six months of service. (in 1997, the author learned this on himself)