While the American Revolution conjures images of ragtag colonial militias in varied attire, the British Army, in stark contrast, presented a picture of disciplined uniformity. For the British, appearance was paramount. Royal decrees dictated clothing regulations, meticulously enforced to ensure soldiers looked every part the professional fighting force. Especially at the war’s outset, British troops enjoyed superior supply lines for their uniforms compared to their Continental counterparts.
This exploration delves into the details of what British soldiers and officers wore during the Revolutionary War, shedding light on the iconic “Redcoat” and the practicalities behind their battlefield attire.
British Soldier Uniform
Imagine a British soldier of the Revolutionary War era:
British soldier wearing the typical Redcoat uniform.
Headwear
The standard headwear for a British soldier was the black felt tricorn hat. Often adorned with a black cockade, a ribbon knot indicating nationality or regiment, the tricorn was a recognizable symbol. Grenadiers, however, sported bearskin mitre caps. Resembling a smaller version of the towering hats worn by the King’s Guard today, these caps added to the grenadiers’ imposing stature.
Officers, and particularly high-ranking officers, enjoyed more stylistic freedom in their headwear. Lord Rawdon, a lieutenant in the 5th Regiment of Foot, famously wore a cap crafted from cat fur, showcasing the personal touches some officers incorporated. It’s a common misconception that British soldiers wore shakos during this period; the shako wasn’t adopted until 1797, after the Revolutionary War.
Shirt
Beneath the layers, soldiers wore a long-sleeved shirt of cotton or linen. These shirts featured thick, stiff collars, designed to enforce a rigid posture deemed proper for soldiers. A waistcoat, typically red or white, was then layered over the shirt, adding warmth and another layer of formality.
Coat
The scarlet red coat, or “redcoat,” is arguably the most enduring symbol of the British soldier of this era. Constructed from wool, these coats were substantial garments. Regimental distinctions were displayed through the “facings”—the lapels, cuffs, and lining of the coat—which were colored differently depending on the regiment.
For instance, the 3rd Regiment of Foot, famously known as “The Buffs,” wore buff-colored facings, a light yellow hue as seen in the image above. Blue, green, and other colors were also common facing colors. “Lace,” colored decorative trim, indicated a soldier’s rank, while epaulettes or wings distinguished officers’ uniforms. A white leather crossbelt, worn over the coat, served as a means to carry the soldier’s ammunition box, keeping essential supplies readily accessible.
Lower Body
British soldiers wore breeches, white or cream-colored pants that ended just below the knee. To protect the lower legs and keep debris out of their shoes, soldiers wore gaiters. These coverings, made of stiff canvas, could be black or white and extended from the ankle to the knee. Leggings were sometimes added over the calves, especially for added warmth in colder weather conditions.
Footwear
Infantry soldiers were issued low-cut black leather shoes, secured with buckles or laces. Cavalry soldiers, however, required more robust footwear. They wore knee-high leather boots to protect their legs while riding, a crucial distinction reflecting the different demands of their roles.
Why the Red Coats?
A modern perspective might question the practicality of bright red uniforms in warfare, where camouflage is paramount. Modern armies favor browns and greens for concealment. So why did the British Army choose such a conspicuous color?
Several factors contributed to the enduring use of red:
- Morale and Blood: Some historians suggest red was chosen to boost soldier morale. The color red was thought to be less likely to show bloodstains, potentially maintaining a more intimidating appearance and reducing the psychological impact of visible wounds on fellow soldiers.
- Cost-Effectiveness of Dyes: Red and crimson dyes were cheaper to produce in large quantities compared to many other colors. Red dyes were also simpler to manufacture in bulk, requiring less complex mixing processes, a logistical advantage for a large army.
- Battlefield Identification: In the 16th and 17th centuries, when red uniforms were first adopted, distinguishing friend from foe on the battlefield was as crucial as concealment. Bright red could have been seen as an advantage in the smoky chaos of battle, helping to prevent friendly fire incidents. Furthermore, in the era of muskets, battlefields were often obscured by thick smoke, negating the benefits of camouflage to a large extent.
The Practicality of Wearing the Uniform
British uniforms, while visually impressive, were not designed for comfort, especially in the American climate.
By the time a British soldier was fully uniformed, they were encased in multiple layers, including the heavy woolen redcoat. Adding to this burden, they carried a musket, ammunition, a knapsack, a water canteen, and officers even carried swords.
This heavy and layered uniform, particularly the woolen coat, made soldiers susceptible to heat exhaustion, especially during marches in warmer months.
Even in cooler weather, comfort was not a priority. Breeches and gaiters were tightly fitted, and the stiff collars, intended for posture, were notoriously uncomfortable for extended wear. The wool used in the coat and waistcoat was also itchy, adding to the overall discomfort.
Officers and higher ranks enjoyed a slight advantage. They could afford custom-tailored uniforms, allowing for looser fits and greater comfort over long periods, a privilege not afforded to the rank and file soldiers.
Uniform Adaptations During the War
Despite the iconic red coats remaining a constant throughout the Revolutionary War, some modifications were implemented to improve soldier performance in the American environment.
- Lighter Fabrics: Particularly in the southern theater of the war, some units adopted lighter fabrics when possible, aiming to mitigate the effects of the heat and improve ventilation.
- Simplification: British uniforms gradually became less ornate as the war progressed. Supply shortages played a role, but the shift also reflected a growing need to prioritize combat effectiveness, especially after key defeats like the Battle of Saratoga.
- Limited Camouflage: While red remained dominant, a small number of units experimented with colors like green and brown for better camouflage in the forests and fields of America. However, these were exceptions rather than widespread changes.
Ultimately, nationalistic pride and tradition largely dictated uniform policy. British high command believed that maintaining soldier morale through striking uniforms and intimidating the enemy visually was more important than soldier comfort or battlefield agility.
Logistical challenges in supplying units across the Atlantic as the war dragged on also hindered significant uniform changes. Even if a radical shift away from tradition had been desired at the highest levels, implementing such a change logistically would have been a monumental undertaking. Thus, the Redcoat remained a fixture of the Revolutionary War, a symbol of British military power, for better or for worse, in the American theater.
