Cavalry and horse artillery used a short jacket, which was more practical for riding. Company officers wore an untrimmed single-breasted coat, with shoulder straps to signify rank and branch of service. Coat: In Prussian blue, tight fitting and almost knee length, trimmed in the arm of service piping along the collar edges and in the French-peak styled cuff trim, for all enlisted ranks.Forage caps were regulation for service and non-dress occasions, while the non-regulation kepi was also widely used.

Headgear: A black felt Hardee hat, the Model 1858 Dress Hat, with one brim being secured by means of an embroidered eagle for officers and a metallic eagle for enlisted men, after the U.S.The service and campaign uniform consisted of the following: As a result, almost any variation of the official uniform could be found as officers and men abandoned some items, adopted others and modified still others.ĭescribed in general terms this uniform consisted of: For example, shoulder straps began replacing epaulets in dress occasions. Uniforms were adapted to local conditions, the commander's preference, and what was available. It consisted of a Campaign Uniform, a Parade (Dress) Uniform, and a Fatigue Uniform.ĭuring the war, enforcement of uniform regulations was imperfect.

Army uniform at the outbreak of the war had acquired its definitive form in the 1858 regulations. War Secretary Jefferson Davis before the war he later became Confederate President. Ironically, several main pieces of gear had been created by order of the U.S. Officers uniforms tended to be highly customized and would stray from Army standard. Specific jobs, companies, and units had markedly different styles at times, often following European customs such as that of the Zouaves. Officer's ranks were denoted with increasing levels of golden decoration. The ideal uniform was prescribed as a dark blue coat with lighter pants, with a black hat. The military uniforms of the Union Army in the American Civil War were widely varied and, due to limitations on supply of wool and other materials, based on availability and cost of materials. Army first sergeant, circa 1858, influenced by the French army Please help improve this article by introducing citations to additional sources.įind sources: 'Uniforms of the Union Army' – news Ī plate showing the uniform of a U.S. Relevant discussion may be found on the talk page. This article relies largely or entirely on a single source.

Civil war navy ranks