You will find two different types of headgear in the 19th U.S. The Hardee hat is the formal dress hat that is used with the dress uniform. The forage cap is the less formal utility hat and is used in the field. The forage cap, with its slanted top and leather brim, is the hat that is most associated with with the Civil War soldier.

The 19th U.S. wore dark blue pants with the formal dress uniform and the light blue pants in the field. The light blue pants were the most common among the Union soldiers throughout the War. Several different styles of suspenders were utilized, both canvass and cloth.

The 4-button sack coat was the utility coat of the time. This coat was a loose fitting garment that was used by the U.S. Regulars in the field after late 1862. NCOs wore their rank on the sleeves of this coat. Also notice the Signal Corps patches on the arms. Any solider who served with the Signal Corps and had completed the necessary training and duty was authorized to wear these patches.

The most common type of footwear during the Civil War were the brogans. These leather boots had layered leather soles that were wood pegged. A metal heel plate was nailed to the leather heel to keep it from splitting. Well made brogans only lasted about 30 days on the march. That is why the soldiers were always looking for new shoes.

Shirts of the Civil War time period were made of muslin or a cotton mix. They came in a mix of colors and patterns. As U.S. Regular soldiers, we would have been issued white shirts, but it would not have been uncommon to see the men running around in shirts they had purchased from a sutler or gotten from home.

A vest was worn in addition to or in place of a coat. The vest above shows a pocket watch, common for the time with officers and NCOs. Also a flask and matches can be seen in the picture.

The frock coat was the formal dress coat for the U.S. Regulars. This thigh length coat had 9 buttons down the front and was tighter fitting than the less formal sack coat. A soldiers service stripes would have been worn on the frock.

The frock was used as the battle dress for the U.S. Regulars through mid to late 1862. After that time, the frock was used only for the more formal duty of parades, color guards, and the like.

Looking at the coat above you will see polished brass shoulder scales. These scales were worn at formal events along with white gloves.

Cold weather gear during the Civil War consisted of several different clothing items. The most used items were the wool great coat and wool gloves.

Folding A Great Coat