The UnionCivil War Union uniforms were usually made of wool and included a blue shirt with at least four brass buttons. Union soldiers also wore a forage cap with a leather visor. The wool material was good for the winter because it kept them warm. However, in the summer the material became itchy and irritating. Up until 1862, the soldiers' pants were a dark blue and then it was switched to lighter sky blue. They also wore navy blue coats.
|
The ConfederacyThe Confederate States didn't produce uniforms in large quantities which resulted in Confederate soldiers looking different from each other. Southern soldiers would often wear captured items such as clothing and weapons because of how poor they were. Only since 1863 did Confederate soldiers started to wear similar uniforms. They would typically wear a grey coat that were made of cotton or wool. Enlisted soldiers would wear light blue pants while higher ranked soldiers would wear navy blue pants. Usually soldiers' clothing varied on their rankings.
|
Accessories such as buttons, caps and badges were important because they symbolized their rankings and branches of service.