Uniform Requirements

The basic uniform consists of a jacket, trousers, shirt, shoes, socks, and hat. Each of these items must conform to a standard of authenticity outlined below.

Headgear

The most common headgear was a slouch hat; white, tan, brown, gray, or black. Kepis, forage caps, wheel hats, or any other style are acceptable also and can be Confederate, Union, or civilian.

Jacket

There are five basic styles of jacket authorized for use: Richmond Depot Style II, non-depot waist jacket, sack coat, frockcoat, and others. Details on each type jacket can be obtained from the commander. Note: Absolutely no butternut will be authorized to those obtaining their first jacket.

Trousers

Color may be butternut, sky (light)/dark blue, gray (any shade), or any typical color of trousers used during the War. Civilian colors should be made on the civilian pattern. See the commander if you have questions.

Shirt

Flannel, wool, cotton, muslin, etc. Must be period style. Three-button shirts were common.

Shoes

May be shoes, brogans, or boots of the period. NO cowboy boots or boots of obviously modern design or low-cut shoes that look modern. Due to insurance and event requirements, you may NOT go barefoot.

Socks

Cotton or wool. These may be long enough to tuck the trouser legs into as this was a common practice.

Suspenders

Leather, pillow-ticking, cotton or linen.

Vest

Was a common and desirable item, may be worn with or without the jacket. Must be period style; civilian or military.

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Go to the Equipment Requirements Page.

Go to Advice about Gathering your Gear.

Go to Pictorial Uniform Examples.

Return to the Main Uniform Requirements Page.