Information on Civil War Uniforms

The American Civil War that was waged from 1861 to 1865 and was an important event in American history. Both the Union and the Confederate states fought for their own beliefs in response to President Lincoln's election. The uniforms of the time had much symbolism for both the Union and Confederate soldiers.

Union Uniforms

The Union’s designated color was blue to announce a type of freedom from the harsh bearing Confederates. The Union also had a bit more freedom to their clothing and could wear whatever they wanted as long as it was a signature blue color. Union soldiers were proud of where they came from, with many of them being Scottish and Irish. The Scotsman chose to wear kilts to announce their nationality. Officers wore long blue pleated coats to signify their rank. Lieutenants and colonels wore double breasted coats with a beret hat and lower officers wore shorter versions of the coat.

Confederate Uniforms

The Confederate uniform had gotten confused for a Union one on the battlefield many a time. They wore a darker blue color and the higher officers wore similar double breasted coats. They did not have as much freedom with their uniforms and had to wear a tailored buttoned top with matching slacks. They also wore two belt straps, one at the shoulder and one at the hip with Confederate badges on them. These uniforms had more British influence than anything else, as the colonels wore gold decorated shoulder pads with embroidery. The sleeves were also decorated with a leaf printed pattern that was sewn on.