Tartan shorts / underwear ? (MacGregor tartan - 1920s/40s) Rare?

[tpa]

It's my understanding it's mostly itch-less.

It is not only the itch that is and was the the problem, it is the lack of stretchability if there is such a word, especially if you have a rear end worth mentioning. I don't know whether PV would be any better than the wool ones I was supplied with with my first kilt, but uncomfortable was something of an understatement, especially when one sat down.

[Mike M.]

Make them in printed cotton.

[RectaPete]

It's a shame kilt pants have fallen out of fashion. You can still get tartan boxers or knickers but they're not originally designed for underkilt wear and they'd only coordinate if you were wearing Royal Stewart or Black Watch!

[Lady Grey]

It is not only the itch that is and was the the problem, it is the lack of stretchability if there is such a word, especially if you have a rear end worth mentioning. I don't know whether PV would be any better than the wool ones I was supplied with with my first kilt, but uncomfortable was something of an understatement, especially when one sat down.

That's what surprised me.... The lack of bagginess - front & back- all the patterns and styles I've seen up until the late 1950's were for woven fabric (until stretch became more available) they had the bagginess in the front and back to allow for movement
The only other similar garments I've displayed and handled from that era was swimwear and it was knitted.... Some machine knitted but often hand knitted - with a very spiffy belt- we tried to recreate a pattern once but it was a nightmare and we gave up. (We had much more success with 1940's womens bathers)
Anyway I'm off topic....
I wonder if the the underwear was for a young person who hadn't 'developed' into manhood yet?

I can't wait to see more pictures.

[neloon]

The Scottish National Dictionary gives as a secondary meaning for trews "short tartan trunks worn under the kilt" though many people called then "undertrews" to make the distinction. They became standard official wear for army officers around 1800 and were also automatically supplied by civilian kiltmakers until about 1960 and to order for some years after that. Here is an 1875 photograph of competitors at the Aboyne Games - three of them to the left will have removed their kilts for the pole vault or high jump
http://www.electricscotland.com/gath...ings_pic25.jpg
Even in daily life in my young day (1940s/50s), it was not uncommon for boys and even men to remove their kilts in public if the occasion demanded. The undertrews were so standard that the "question" was never asked.
Here are another couple of links
http://www.corbisimages.com/stock-ph...ng-out-of-kilt
Ed Anderson throwing in the 1930s
http://www.electricscotland.com/gath...ings_pic22.jpg
I suspect that the trews in the OP's picture are pre-1930 since, after that date, the waist was normally elasticated
Alan

[tpa]

I suspect that the trews in the OP's picture are pre-1930 since, after that date, the waist was normally elasticatedAlan

In 1955 mine weren't, strictly button up only, made by Forsyth's of Edinburgh.

[neloon]

For those in need of a pattern (but you will need to be very rich!), I believe this book can provide
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Great-Wa.../dp/0914046268
Alan

[neloon]

Of course, they were not very hygienic since they could not be washed vary frequently but I believe the lack of stretch was more of a complaint from young lads who would have had the same kilt from, say, 6 years until 12 - the hem being let down as required but nothing could be done about outgrown trews other than persuading Mother to purchase a new pair.
Alan

[neloon]

Looks like bidding has ended! For those who want detail pictures, click on "see original listing" and scroll down
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1930s-vint...wAAOSwYHxWP3Ek
Alan

[LaidlawBell]

Looks like bidding has ended! For those who want detail pictures, click on "see original listing" and scroll down
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1930s-vint...wAAOSwYHxWP3Ek
Alan

They look to be a lot later than the ones I have on display - note, elastic waist. - Cheap enough though!

I shall get the kilt uploaded for you all to see.

Thanks again for all the comment. Great advice by all.