Original 1940s British Khaki Drill Shorts - Size 38

An original pair of British military Khaki Drill Shorts dating from the 1940s which are a hard to find large size 38. 

This style of shorts was worn by officers of the British Army, RAF and Royal Navy during the Second World War and subsequent post-war period. They were also a popular style worn by civilians in the summer.

This particular pair of shorts are not an issue pair but instead would have been bought privately, most likely by a British officer. Made from the standard coloured khaki cotton drill used for topical military wear during this period, the shorts feature a twin pleated front, slash pockets to the hips and a separate waistband. There is a ticket pocket below the waistband which is a typical period feature and the front fastens with a button fly and two straps - a style first seen on the 1941 pattern shorts. The buttons and stitching are typical of 'theatre made' KD clothing which would suggest that they were made in somewhere such as North Africa or India. 

The shorts will suit someone of around a 38" waist depending on desired fit and when laid flat measure - 

Waist - 19 1/2"
Rise - 16 1/2"
Rear rise - 19 1/2"
Inside leg - 8 1/2"
Outside leg - 20 1/2"
Cuff - 15 1/2"

The shorts are in good condition for their age with some signs of wear and age. There is some limited staining and fading etc as is detailed in the pictures. Overall they display well but please bear in mind that these are a vintage pre-owned pair of shorts which may have small issues commensurate with age. 

A good original pair of WW2 period shorts which are a larger size.   

This is a vintage item which is 'sold as seen'