Prior to World War II, catalogs of riding attire usually offered men's breeches in brown, tan, and sometimes gray or green.  Black was rarely seen.  However, in the late '40s and early '50s black became popular along with the switch from brown to black boots.  Here are some black breeches from my collection.  With them I am wearing my Dehner dress boots.

First, some German police breeches in heavy wool.  These are cut on the same pattern as the German police leather breeches on the previous page.  With the weight you sure need breces to keep 'em up!

Here is a pair of classic riding breeches from the 1950s.  They are a mediun weight wool, with polo pockets, zipper fly, and 8 buttons on each leg closure.  I bought them from a great store in Boston called Beckwith's.  Does anyone remember that shop down on Essex Street?  I haunted the place for years!

Here are some black breeches cut from a rather unusual fabric - corduroy.  I think they have a nice shape to the flare, and when you walk, there is a delightful "swish-swish-swish" sound which comes from the corduroy rubbing against itself.  Nothing different here except the legs are closed with ONE button, a great time saver!  I thought you might like a closeup.

Last in this group are some black breeches made for me by the shop that made the blue Seattle Motorcycle Police breeches seen on a previous page.  They are heavy wool and have leather trimmed pockets and double seat and knees.  The high, sharp flare is called a "chopped peg".  There is a label inside showing that they were made expressly for me on August 14, 1964.  Think they will ever become a collector's item?