Enlisted men of the British Army were issued one set of clothing each year, often on the King's birthday. This incentive enticed some men to enlist. For some, the military uniform could be the nicest set of clothing they would own during their lifetime. The army maintained ownership of their equipment, but the clothing was paid for by stoppages out of their pay.
We portray the 7th Regiment of Foot, Royal Fusiliers from 1780-81, but the clothing guidelines listed below are relevant for the span of the American War of Independence...
Waistcoat
Buttons: 10-12 small regimental breast buttons (depending on length of individual’s torso). Front rank got 10, middle rank got 11, rear rank got 12, based on heights.
White wool front: Either Broadcloth or kersey. Two welted pocket flaps. Only the right pocket to be functional. Buttonholes sewn with white linen thread.
Back of waistcoat: Either of broadcloth or white serge wool. Can be made unlined, half-lined, or fully lined. If fully lined, should be lined in serge.
Gaitered Trousers
Summer (pictured left)
Unbleached Russia Drilling. Plain pewter buttons. Large for waist area, small for lower leg closures. Black leather or white cloth strip to secure gaitered trousers under shoes. Seams to be hand flat felled.
Winter (pictured right)
Brown Kersey wool trousers. Black Horn Buttons.
Cocked Hat
Hat Blank to be blocked round. Cut and cocked after the fashion of the HMS Pallas painting. Laced with White Worsted. Horse Hair Cockade. Large Regimental button and White mohair lacing to hold cockade. White mohair hat cord and worsted tuffs.
Linen Shirt
Natural white linen, with one or two thread buttons at collar. Single ruffle sewn in at the breast. Could be made to be removable. Sleeve bands instead of cuffs. Not to exceed 1 ½ inches. Closed at the wrist with a thread button.
Neck Stock and Roller
Black horsehair lined in linen. Brass neck stock clasp. Black Linen or Silk Roller.
Shoes and Socks
While we encourage our members to have custom reproductions of eighteenth century shoes made by a trained Cordwainer, we realize that this is not economically realistic for most members. Thus, rough-out eighteenth-century round-toe buckle shoes (with or without hobnails) will be accepted. Plain oval brass shoe buckle. Socks (for trousers). Grey hand-knitted wool socks.
For more information about regimental clothing for enlisted ranks, contact Carl Ivarson at Line of March.
Click here for resources on where to purchase materials.