The fashions of 'Downton Abbey'

"Matthew, as an officer, would have his uniform made by his own tailor. In full dress, he wears a shirt with a soft collar and tie, breeches, a service tunic that has buttons embossed with his cavalry regiment crest, field boots with laces and a Sam Browne belt, which is worn across the chest and around the waist. If a soldier was fighting in the trenches, he migiht wear puttees instead of his long boots - these were leg bindings worn over ankle boots, which made it easier to run around and also meant you saved your leather boots from being ruined in the mud."

-- "The World of Downton Abbey"