Uniforms during the American Revolutionary War were anything but uniform.
Nonetheless, they served to inspire patriotism, esprit de corps and helped identify friend from foe.
Here's a look back at uniforms from 250 years ago during an important period of the nation's birth.
The Continental Army, Navy, Marine Corps and state militias wore all kinds of different colors and variety of uniforms. Unfortunately, the Continental Congress lacked the funding to outfit all of them, so many purchased or stitched together their own or went without one.
Funding priorities instead went to ammunition, rations and other essential supplies needed to fight and survive. It would take volumes of books to describe all the different uniforms, but there are some generalities.
For headgear, tricorn hats made of felt or leather were the most common, with many being black.
Wool or linen long-sleeved shirts served as undergarments and were worn against the skin. The outer layer, also known as hunting shirts, were considered a waistcoat. The most common colors of waistcoats were ash or light brown with blue later being the majority.
{{slideNumber}} of {{numSlides}}
{{slideNumber}}/{{numSlides}}
{{slideTitle}}
-
{{slideCaption}}
{{slideInfo.slideNumber}}/{{numSlides}}
{{slideInfo.slideTitle}}
-
{{slideInfo.slideCaption}}
But there were also other colors. For example, the Green Mountain Boys, a militia from Vermont, wore green. Today, Vermont is known as the Green Mountain State.
Leggings, or trousers were called breeches, which ended just below the knee. Socks were called wool stockings and extended under the lower breeches.
Shoes were made of leather and were custom fitted to each man. They were commonly secured with buckles, but some had laces. When shoes wore out, troops would wrap their feet in hide made from rabbits or deer that they hunted.
By contrast, the British had consistent uniforms. Their wool coats were bright red, earning them the nickname redcoats. The coats had light color facings, usually white or yellow. Their white breeches were made of wool, and their tricorn hats were usually black. Their black buckled shoes were made of leather.
Their redcoats made it easy to determine friend from foe.
Unlike knights from the Middle Ages, neither side wore armor.
Today's troops wear improved outer tactical vests with helmets and other gear for protection.
Each of the services today has their own uniforms, whether for the field or dress occasions.