Braccae were woollen trousers of a Roman legionary. Their length depended on the climate in which the soldier served. The longer ones (up to the ankles) were used in the north and the shorter ones (below the knees) in the southern provinces.
The wearing of longer trousers by Roman soldiers was borrowed from the Gallic peoples in the process of gradual expansion beyond the Apennine Peninsula. The harsh Gallic winter encouraged the Romans to further warm their legs.
Braccae, which were created using the “download” method, were very popular, especially in the northern part of Italy.