the seroual formed part of the standard uniform for the mameluke squadrons of napoleon's imperial guard, and for the zouave and other north african regiments of the french army from 1830 to 1962. the french army version of the seroual was notable for being cut so widely that it did not require two separate trouser legs. during the american civil war a number of volunteer regiments, designated as zouaves, also wore seroual breeches, though these were usually of "chasseur" design, being simply baggier versions of conventional trousers.