It is also called a trouser role ( British ) or pants role ( U.S. ) or travesti role ( the Italian word ) . It is called a breeches role because breeches are tight-fitting , knee-length trousers . A breeches role ( also pants role or trouser role , travesti or `` hosenrolle '' ) is a role in which an actress appears in male clothing ( breeches being tight-fitting knee-length pants , the standard male garment at the time breeches roles were introduced ) .