WHAT TO GET AND WHERE TO GET IT
PART VI (6) - CIVILIAN CLOTHING - CHILDREN (BOYS)
Many of those in the hobby have gotten interested when they were very young, and eagerly waited until they could take part. Unfortunately for younger folks and their parents there are few guides to help them know what is appropriate to wear, what to get or where to get it from. The tendency in most when they start to buy clothing for children is to get them smaller versions of the military uniform. While some children did wear variations of the uniform, these were not issued clothing items from the Army but were home-made uniforms or uniforms from a military school, and as such should be used sparingly. Properly made civilian children's clothing is far more accurate than military clothing. An exception to this rule is the Military Kepi that frequently appears in period images of young children.
Due to growth spurts, younger folks' clothing is quickly outgrown and needs to be replaced with newer equipment - with that in mind this list has been assembled with both cost and authenticity in mind. While there are vendors out there who sell cheaper made items, which may be appealing to purchase as a cost saving measure, these items are not encouraged as when the younger person outgrows the coat, pants, shirt, etc., these poor-quality reproductions will be more difficult to sell. As opposed to purchasing a better-quality item that once outgrown, they will be able to sell to another younger reenactor getting into the hobby, and then take those funds and invest them in a newer item.
As you review this guide if you have any questions about the verification of prints, types of fabrics, or other questions, Contact Us for more information.
| Trousers. A variety of different materials are available for trousers, the two main suggestions by us are either dark blue or natural jean wool. Jean wool is recommended as being more durable than the standard wool or cotton trousers, and the dark blue or natural color would have been common in both the North and South.
Approved Vendors
South Union Mills - Boys Trousers
C&C Sutlery - Foot Trousers (Acceptable)
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| Unknown Child, 1863(Historical Boys Clothing) |
Thomas Speake of TX(Texas Civil War Museum) |
Unknown, Richmond, VA, 1865(Library of Congress) |
Suspenders. Rather than a belt to assist in keeping the trousers up, the most common item used would have been suspenders. A variety of options for these are available, everything from a readymade pair to just a piece of twine; the good thing is that the adjustable suspenders as your child grows, they will be to adjust them and continue to use them as they grow.
Approved Vendors
C&C Sutlery - Civilian Suspenders (Acceptable)
| There are a variety of styles of shirts available; our suggestion is a good sturdy muslin/osnaburg shirt which will be able to get dirty and take some rough housing without wearing out quickly. We encourage two shirts for all participants, and after the first, we recommend a good civilian pattern shirt that can be used for more formal occasions, or as a good extra shirt.
Approved Vendors
South Union Mills - 19th Century Shirt
C&C Sutlery - Natural Shirt (Acceptable)
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| Thomas Speake of TX(Texas Civil War Museum) |
Sam of St. Paul, MINN(Earthly Angels) |
| Period footwear for children is not always an easy thing to obtain; this is for a variety of reasons, among them is the issue of a growing child - where a pair of brogans (shoes) may fit one year and then not the next. While we always encourage period footwear for all participants, if you have any questions about a suitable pair of shoes/footwear be sure and contact us for more information.
Approved Vendors
Blockade Runner - #275 Brograns
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Unknown Child, 1863(Historical Boys Clothing) |
Boys shoes, 1845-1865 & 1880-1850(The Metropolitan Museum of Art) |
The most common form of headwear used by the children of the 1860's would be the brim 'slouch' style hat in various forms, followed by the Mechanics or Wheel style cap and then by the military cap (kepi). For young boys starting out, we suggest the common black slouch (brim) hat which will be useable for either a Northern or Southern impression and saves the cost of having to buy multiple hats. Additionally this style of hat provides better shade from the sun than the mechanics or military style caps. When choosing a hat for a child, let them look through several options and pick out 2 styles that they like, then check with a member of the company to make sure that they are appropriate and who will help you pick the best option. Approved Vendors
Goober Grabber Headwear
Dirty Billy
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| Unknown, Washington, DC, 1864(Library of Congress) |
Hat of Zachary Frank of NC(Texas Civil War Museum) |
Unknown Childs Kepi(The Horse Soldier) |
Child in Military Cap, Richmond, VA, 1865(Library of Congress |
Most children starting to reenact want to obtain a military coat, however, it is recommended to purchase for them a civilian pattern jacket instead, these coats were common and would have been seen in both North and South throughout the war. This allows the child to take part in more events, with appropriate attire, and blend in when in camp, as opposed to a military style jacket that will connect them with a specific side. When ordering the jacket, the standard Civilian sack coat is the preferred and versatile option, made in natural/unbleached or navy blue, other colors are available; as with other sections have then select 2 options and then check with a member of the company.
Approved Vendors
| READY MADE ITEMS | MAKE IT YOURSELF |
| C&C Sutlery - Southern Pattern Civilian Cotton Sack Coat | x |
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| Richard Wood in Frock Coat, 1862(Historical Boys Clothing) |
Unknown in Sack Coat, 1864(Historical Boys Clothing) |
Boys coat 1855-1865(The Metropolitan Museum of Art) |
Original Shell Jacket(Augusta Auctions) |
Unknown in Shell Jacket, VA, 1865(Library of Congress) |
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