Trews are high waisted because they are cut in the style of the 19th C when they were introduced as military wear. Civilian and military fashions often mirror each other and trews reflect that. They are made to be worn with suspenders (braces) and a vest as well as were all the trousers from that period. The style is progression from the old fall front type. Modern day pants and slacks are cut to be worn at the hips whereas these are to worn higher, just about under the short ribs. It's too early to go into a long dissertation about mens fashions but it is a fascinating subject.

Here is a photo of my band with a member wearing trews as formal attire. They are modern military surplus but are right on for the 1850's. (He scored them for cheap money at a thrift store and we hate him for it!)


I don't remember the tartan but it is one of the "regiments".
Oh yeah, the well dressed couple in the center right are not part of the band!
Bob