Civil War Fashion
One of the hardest things for new recruits is finding clothing whether it be buying it or actually sewing your own clothing. You don’t want to show up wearing the wrong clothing, and appear as a farb reenactor at your first reenacting event. What I’ve done for all you newbies of reenacting is looked at a few of the organizations I know who have great lists of supplies you will need if you want to join their organization. Where to buy equipment???
Civil War Soldiers:
I. UNIFORM:
A: Sack Coat: Four button dark blue Federal Infantry version.
B: Trousers: Sky blue infantry pattern
C: Vest: Civilian or military Style
D: Hat: 1858 Forage Cap or bummer.
E: Brogans; Rough side out, Federal issue style.
F: Shirt: Muslin or cotton, Federal issue or civilian, pattern optional.
G: Socks: Wool or tobacco weave only.
II WEAPON:
A: Model 1861 Springfield Rifle Musket.
(Research at the National Archives indicate that the 7th MD carried
“Model 1855/’61” rifles, as at the time they were considered very similar rifles It is likely that the 7th
was a 1861 carrying unit (due to the fact that they were formed in 1862).
B: Bayonet and scabbard for Springfield rifle.
C: Sling: Brown leather with maker’s mark.
(No pistols or swords on the field for enlisted men.)
III. ACCOUTREMENTS:
A: Belt: Black leather with US Buckle.
B: Cartridge box: M1855 black leather with US box plate.
C: Shoulder sling for cartridge box with Federal eagle breastplate.
D: Cap Box: Shield front, black, not US stamped.
E: Haversack; Black tarred cotton with roller buckle.
F: Tin cup, large or small sizes available.
G: Canteen: Tin 1858 US issue, with brown jean cloth cover.
H: Ground cloth: Vulcanized rubber blanket.
I: Hat brass: “7” “A” and 2nd and 5th Corps badges. May have some, all or none.
J: Blanket: Blue or gray wool, or homemade quilt. (No olive drab.)
K: Tent: 9 foot “A” frame, or M1862/64 shelter half. May have either or none.
L: Eating utensils: Tin fork, knife, spoon and plate (No pie plates.)
IV OPTIONAL:
A: Overcoat: Light blue foot pattern.
B: Casey’s Rifle and Infantry Tactics manual.
C: Knapsack: Early war version of the double bag knapsack.
link: http://www.7thmaryland.com/
Civil War Civilians:
I. BASIC DRESS FOR CAMP —LADIES:
A: Camp Dress or day dress: Could be a one piece dress or a shirt and skirt. Keep in mind that the white shirt didn’t come into style until the end of the war.
B: Cotton stockings: White or black are the most common. (See below)
C: Shoes: For everyday the boot was worn. There are fancy shoes for dances.
D: Hat: You can spend as much as you like on this item. I’ve seen them from under $10 for the straw hat to over $100 for the really fancy ones. Some actually protect you from the sun and others are nothing more than something to make your hair look good.
E: Apron: Most were colored to help hide the dirt. They also covered most of the front of the dress so it would be kept clean.
II BASIC DRESS FOR CAMP —GENTLEMEN:
A: Waistcoat or period men’s topdress and vest.
B: Muslin, or cotton shirt, plain or patterned.
C: Trousers, period civilian.
D. Period shoes, bootees or brogans.
III. ACCOUTREMENTS AND ACCESSORIES:
A: Hoop: Used to hold the skirt out. this would make the waist look smaller. also good for hiding things in. Ladies that would spy would tie things to their hoops.
B: Corset: This is the Civil War-era bra. There are several different styles, some are actually comfortable. Some people say without a corset you cannot get the period look. However, there are photos of ladies that obviously did not have one on.
C: Stockings: White or colored. They were thigh high in height.
D: Drawers: they extended just below the knees with some embroidery or flattucks at the bottom. They should be open at the crotch, but you can sew that shut if you like
E: Chemise: These are loose fitting garments that are off the shoulder and reaching around the knee. They help with perspiration. They are tucked into the drawers. They can hide bra straps, which can kill the 1860’s look. A chemise is worn under the corset.
F: Petticoats: The first one is worn under the hoop for modesty. Remember the drawers are crotch-less. You can wear one or more over the hoop for fullness to the dress and also to hide the bone rings that will show if you don’t wear a petticoat over the hoop.
G: Period jewelry—French wire earrings —Ladies
H: Eating utensils—tin or steel fork, knife, spoon and plate (NO pie plates) —Ladies and Gentlemen
I: Tent: 9 foot “A” frame. —Ladies and Gentlemen
J: Period style chair or camp stool. —Ladies and Gentlemen
IV. AVOID THE FOLLOWING! :
A: Modern eyeglasses.
B: Wear hair confined, with no bangs. Very little if any at all makeup was worn.
C: Handbags, wristwatches, modern jewelry, fingernail polish, gold chains and bracelets.
