Herman Lindqvist's book about Mannerheim says that when he joined the Russian Chevalier Guard in 1891, he had to wear "white, close-fitting elk-skin breeches that were so tight that they could only be pulled on when wet. The breeches were dampened slightly and soap powder was sprinkled on the inside, whereupon two men "shook in" the officer. When the breeches dried against the skin, they fitted perfectly."
(Sitting down was more of a problem due to the boots that extended above the knee)
But presumably the highwayman did not have access to the finest tailors of Imperial St Petersburg or run round the countryside with soap flakes and men to lower him into his trousers so I am not sure this helps.
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Date: 2022-07-04 02:20 pm (UTC)(Sitting down was more of a problem due to the boots that extended above the knee)
But presumably the highwayman did not have access to the finest tailors of Imperial St Petersburg or run round the countryside with soap flakes and men to lower him into his trousers so I am not sure this helps.