These are motorcycle pants from the French army, circa the 1940s. The waist is cinched with a self-fabric belt, similar to Gurkha pants. The resulting presence around the waist, due to the fabric's characteristics, surpasses even British army Gurkhas. Also, due to the nature of overpants, the side pockets are pass-through. Some people attach fabric to the back or sew them closed, but if you wear thin shorts or spats underneath, you can actually use them as overpants in winter. Purchased in deadstock condition, they have been washed and worn a few times, so the condition is quite good for their age.