Uniform
Written by Searle Patton   
Tuesday, 22 December 2009

 

 

 

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Shell Jacket
The preferred uniform jacket is a "shell jacket" ( left ).  Dark blue, 100-percent wool. The jacket will come to roughly around your waist, depending on size and how tall you are.  You want it to cover the top few buttons on your pants. 

The jacket has an 8 button front, stand-up collar. 

When purchasing a uniform jacket, it is always a good idea to purchase it at an event where you can try it on.

But, if you must purchase online, most sutlers ( vendors ) have websites with printable measurement charts. To ensure a good fit, it is a good idea to have a tailor or someone with like knowledge to measure you. The jacket should fit loose, but not be baggy. You should be able to lift your arms without the jacket feeling tight. Remember, you will have your field gear over your jacket, and the straps can be binding.

Also, if it is a warm event, you don't want the jacket too tight, you want there to be some air circulation. 

The pants ( also called Kerseys ) are also wool, sky-blue, button fly. Do not buy the same waist size you wear in modern pants, buy at least one size bigger if not two, depending on your comfort. They should come to above your waist.  You will be moving around, bending and perhaps crawling, so you want them to be loose and comfortable

Again, try and buy them in person. They should be loose fitting, not tight. Most pairs have a drawstring in the back for adjusting the size.

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Brogans
At left, is a pair of Civil War military shoes ( brogans ) They are made of leather. You will also need to get "heel plates", the horseshoe shaped plate nailed to the heel of the bottom shoe ( most sutlers will install these for you, for a minimal charge ).  Hobnails ( little metal cleats to improve traction, like on the bottom shoe  ) are optional and can be installed by a sutler. Brogans don't have much grip, so hobnails are a good idea. Shoes can be a little expensive for the good ones, but nothing will ruin a weekend like aching feet.  When you buy your shoes, oil them with Neatsfoot oil periodically and wear them around the house, they will break in faster. We will accept gray wool hiking socks, as long as they are solid color.

Underwear ( drawers  ) are cotton, long legs,  with a drawstring. 

Shirts come in different varieties, from the woolen "issue" shirts, to shirts of different patterns that were sent to troops from home.  What kind of shirt you have is up to you. Again, we ask that you show a member what shirt you are looking at, as there are some for sale that are not correct.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 20 April 2010 )