For example, these dapper outfits:
(Credit History Bunker)
What purpose does the extra volume down to the knee serve? Why don't modern pilots wear similar jodhpurs?
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9$\begingroup$ Are you sure they're not just the style of the day? More specifically, the military style, and that many pilots may have been serving or ex-military? $\endgroup$ – Jamiec♦ May 17 '19 at 9:55
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5$\begingroup$ Because you can't touch this. $\endgroup$ – Strawberry May 17 '19 at 16:45
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1$\begingroup$ @Jamiec Clearly OP is not sure .... I assume that's why they're asking ;) $\endgroup$ – user91988 May 17 '19 at 17:16
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$\begingroup$ Classy looking pants. $\endgroup$ – PJNoes May 17 '19 at 23:46
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$\begingroup$ "It's called fashion, look it up" - fashion blogger Nicky Ottav, $\endgroup$ – Criggie May 18 '19 at 1:18
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It's not too hard to figure out. Wikipedia says Jodhpurs originated from India where they were part fashion and part practicality (the loose fit in the upper half for horse riding comfort) and evolved into the uniform of most western cavalry officers by the turn of the century.
And, in WWI, where did most, or at least a lot, of the pilots come from in the early days? Cavalry.
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$\begingroup$ Jodpurs are tight-fitting. Those in the question are "plus-fours", I think. $\endgroup$ – pjc50 May 17 '19 at 15:11
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2$\begingroup$ @pjc50 Modern jodhpurs are tight fitting, but unlike the original design they are made of stretch fabric. $\endgroup$ – alephzero May 17 '19 at 16:28
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2$\begingroup$ The fact that you spend a lot of time sitting with knees bent both on a horse and in a plane may be relevant $\endgroup$ – quiet flyer May 17 '19 at 19:09
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3$\begingroup$ @pjc50: Those are not plus-fours. Plus-fours are breeches or trousers that extend 4 inches below the knee. $\endgroup$ – TonyK May 17 '19 at 19:31
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$\begingroup$ Convincing but condescending. Accepted. Never change, StackExchange. $\endgroup$ – user7645895 May 18 '19 at 18:48
