I have a thing for cycling breeches and plus fours (aka knickers). When UK outdoor custom clothier Hebden Cord closed shop, I bought up ten pairs of breeks in assorted fabrics (cord, tweed, ventile) on eBay.

True confession: I admire these garments more than I like to wear them. In practice, on my bike, I prefer the more tech-fabric-y versions sold by Rene Herse. These work brilliantly as a light, wind-blocking layer over my (less scenic) cycling shorts during winter months (and during bike check at Paris-Brest-Paris).

I just spotted these CCP knickers on the Grand Bois site. I want these but I’m not sure if these will fall into the category of loved-but-not-worn or super functional, more trad looking versions of the Herse knickers. Thoughts?