Wear The Correct Reenactment Clothing | Lifestyle

by AlistairHammell

Locating the proper reenactment clothing can be very difficult for the history buff who wants to live out history. Every one who takes part in a historical reenactment should try to be as authentic as humanly possible with their re-enactor attire.

Many times when we prepare our gear we get carried away with too much bling. Usually the more plain or common your reenactment attire is the more authentic it is. For example, during the Civil War the fancy brass emblems worn by the Union soldiers were not standard issue they were purchased by the individual soldier. Most did not wear them.

I remember in the late 1960's early 1970's that the hip hugger pants were the fad of the day. So unless you are acting out that time period wear your pants a little higher than you do even today. A Civil War soldier would wear his belt with all his ammo and other sundries a lot higher for fear of it swinging and hurting his hip or other areas of his body.

Just like the bling do not overload yourself with the gear. Having a few missing pieces will be more original since no one had all the gear they could carry. Especially during the Civil War but also in other time periods. Lets face it we do not have all the stuff we want today either. My son is in the Marines and even he does not carry all the gear that is available even if he thinks he is overloaded.

Nothing worse than all of a sudden noticing that your shirt was made on a modern day sewing machine with the stitches showing. Okay if it is hidden, but stitching that is seen should resemble the seams of the day. Some may be even hand stitched such as a buffalo skinner or Indian would wear. Make sure you double check your moccasins, shoes and boots too. There were not many Nikes around even 50 years ago.

If you are part of the military or other fighting groups your weapon will most likely be the most expensive part of you reenactment clothing and attire. The correct period rifle, cannon or sword can run a little pricey. Fortunately there are some great replicas being made that can save a dollar or two.

When you get as bunch of soldiers living in tents and sleeping on the ground all the time in close quarters like they did during the Civil War lice and other problems with long hair were prevalent. Therefore most of the standard ranked men wore their hair very short to combat the problems. And of course the Confederate soldiers would be more rag tagged than the Union soldiers. Personal appearance and care was certainly different.

You should try to match up your reenactment clothing or costume as clsoe as you can to the time period you are a re-enactor in. Make a trip to your local library and search throgh some old documents looking for picture from the day. An old painting or photograph of a Rebel camp could give some great insight on how they dressed.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.

Check out Alistair's web site at reenactmentattire.com is a great place to find your reenactment clothing and accessories.