dressed to intimidate
Similiar to their fighting style, the British army dressed their soldiers in a disciplined, strategic metter; a matter that would aide them both in battle and merely for a "fear factor". The British had much funds and material as well, allowing them to purchase and maintain the materials necessary for these iconic uniforms. Unfortunately, as you know, strategic and organized uniforms is not the key to winning a war. Nonetheless, although they did eventually lose, their attire did play a huge, vital role in battle.
From pictures of British soldiers, it is very obvious to understand why they were nicknamed "Redcoats" or "Lobsterbacks"-they dressed in the color red. However, this was not a random choice; in fact, it was probably the most important part of their uniforms. First of all, the bright, scarlet coats the soldiers war made it easy for them to recognize each other through the thick smoke produced by their muskets and cannons. Unlike thee dark colors of the Continentals, these easy to see reds shone through the smoke, causing less casualties and confusion on their part. The color red was also worn in a symbolic fashion. British soldiers dressed in this flamboyant, outgoing color to actually intimidate their enemies in battles. Red is normally viewed as powerful and chaotic, and the British definitely acknowledged that...despite the ridiculous names conjoured up pertaining to this would be "intimidating" form of dress.
Clothing for the British troops was very planned and precise as well. As seen in the image above this text, every soldier looks nearly identical. This is because they were required to wear and maintain the same articles of clothing during their time in battle. Any regular, British soldier you'd run into during this time period would normally be wearing the same things. Some of these clothes would include a cocked black hat (fashionable with nearly everyone during the time), the obvious scarlet coat, linen or cotton trousers, a white vest and cotton shirt, and durable, leather boots. All of these items were not just made to impress and intimidate; they usually lasted much longer than Continental clothing, due to the easy access and availability of uniform materials. Plus, these uniforms were usually provided by their superior officers, showing the wealth, prestige, and strength of the British army even more.
From pictures of British soldiers, it is very obvious to understand why they were nicknamed "Redcoats" or "Lobsterbacks"-they dressed in the color red. However, this was not a random choice; in fact, it was probably the most important part of their uniforms. First of all, the bright, scarlet coats the soldiers war made it easy for them to recognize each other through the thick smoke produced by their muskets and cannons. Unlike thee dark colors of the Continentals, these easy to see reds shone through the smoke, causing less casualties and confusion on their part. The color red was also worn in a symbolic fashion. British soldiers dressed in this flamboyant, outgoing color to actually intimidate their enemies in battles. Red is normally viewed as powerful and chaotic, and the British definitely acknowledged that...despite the ridiculous names conjoured up pertaining to this would be "intimidating" form of dress.
Clothing for the British troops was very planned and precise as well. As seen in the image above this text, every soldier looks nearly identical. This is because they were required to wear and maintain the same articles of clothing during their time in battle. Any regular, British soldier you'd run into during this time period would normally be wearing the same things. Some of these clothes would include a cocked black hat (fashionable with nearly everyone during the time), the obvious scarlet coat, linen or cotton trousers, a white vest and cotton shirt, and durable, leather boots. All of these items were not just made to impress and intimidate; they usually lasted much longer than Continental clothing, due to the easy access and availability of uniform materials. Plus, these uniforms were usually provided by their superior officers, showing the wealth, prestige, and strength of the British army even more.