THE BASICS
An everyday, average Continental soldier, militia member, or Minuteman would typically wear what he already had on. This was mostly caused by insufficient funds and materials, which made it difficult for their leaders to provide pre-made, "official" uniforrms. Sometimes, this was caused due to how quickly some men had to spring into action when the time arrived. If you were to see any Continental soldiers, no two would look identical. They were disorganized in their looks, with no concrete, required attire set. Thankfully, some friends and neighbors would occasionally attempt to synchronize their looks among their militia, but economic problems usually made this difficult.
The basic color scheme among soldiers went according to the common colors worn in that time, including dark blue shades, grays, and browns. Unfortunately, this form of dress added yet another obstacle in battle. Due to the heavy amount of smoke produced by the weapons if that time, the battlefields would almost always become clouded with a thick layer of smoke, making it difficult for soldiers to see who was friend and who was foe. Unlike the bright, scarlet hues of the British, which was easy to disitinguish among the black smoke, the darker colors of the Continentals caused them to blend into the scenery. Thankfully, in October of 1779, Continental Congress combats this issue by providing the troops with new uniforms (see picture to the left), which consisted of a bright blue coat faced with red collars, cuffs, and lapels.
As for the actual clothing involved in an everyday Continental soldier, some common items would include a hat (usually turned up on one or three sides), a shirt made of linen/cotton (hunting shirt), a wool coat for warmth, a waistcoat or vest, a pair of wool/linen/cotton trousers (either breeches or overalls), stockings, and leather shoes. These items were very essential in the event of battle, ecspecially when shortages made these common articles hard to locate. For example, wool coats helped keep the soldiers warm during the harsh, long winters of the coast. Another exceedingly important item was the "hunting shirt", which was favored by nearly all Continentals. This shirt was typically made of homespun linen cut in a long overshirt or wraparound style, allowing for easy movement in battle. There were also rows of fringe around the edges of the shirt, for both style and warmth. Most importantly, this shirt was convenient to make and cheap to provide to the troops. All of these factors were in the favor of many Continental leaders, including the great General George Washington. Wahington once reviewed the shirt, stating-
"No dress can be cheaper nor more convenient, as the wearer may be cool in warm weather and warm in cold weather by putting on
(additional clothes)..."
Considering this favorable statement, along with its heavy usage in uniforming the soldiers, the hunting shirt was obviously a huge part in the average soldier's life.
Although the disorganization of early uniforms truly set back the Continental troops, after Congress finally made an official uniform in 1779, things began to look much better for these Continental soldiers, ecspecially when they were uo against the skilled, beautifully and strategicallly outfitted British.
The basic color scheme among soldiers went according to the common colors worn in that time, including dark blue shades, grays, and browns. Unfortunately, this form of dress added yet another obstacle in battle. Due to the heavy amount of smoke produced by the weapons if that time, the battlefields would almost always become clouded with a thick layer of smoke, making it difficult for soldiers to see who was friend and who was foe. Unlike the bright, scarlet hues of the British, which was easy to disitinguish among the black smoke, the darker colors of the Continentals caused them to blend into the scenery. Thankfully, in October of 1779, Continental Congress combats this issue by providing the troops with new uniforms (see picture to the left), which consisted of a bright blue coat faced with red collars, cuffs, and lapels.
As for the actual clothing involved in an everyday Continental soldier, some common items would include a hat (usually turned up on one or three sides), a shirt made of linen/cotton (hunting shirt), a wool coat for warmth, a waistcoat or vest, a pair of wool/linen/cotton trousers (either breeches or overalls), stockings, and leather shoes. These items were very essential in the event of battle, ecspecially when shortages made these common articles hard to locate. For example, wool coats helped keep the soldiers warm during the harsh, long winters of the coast. Another exceedingly important item was the "hunting shirt", which was favored by nearly all Continentals. This shirt was typically made of homespun linen cut in a long overshirt or wraparound style, allowing for easy movement in battle. There were also rows of fringe around the edges of the shirt, for both style and warmth. Most importantly, this shirt was convenient to make and cheap to provide to the troops. All of these factors were in the favor of many Continental leaders, including the great General George Washington. Wahington once reviewed the shirt, stating-
"No dress can be cheaper nor more convenient, as the wearer may be cool in warm weather and warm in cold weather by putting on
(additional clothes)..."
Considering this favorable statement, along with its heavy usage in uniforming the soldiers, the hunting shirt was obviously a huge part in the average soldier's life.
Although the disorganization of early uniforms truly set back the Continental troops, after Congress finally made an official uniform in 1779, things began to look much better for these Continental soldiers, ecspecially when they were uo against the skilled, beautifully and strategicallly outfitted British.