Winter clothing mid 1870's - early 1880's

[Doc Jackson]

I read that soldiers would sometimes wear two blouses during the winter; I distinctly remember reading this but I cannot remember the source. Can anybody tell me why they would have done this? Was it a mobility issue? The overcoats do look bulky.

I got a new size 4 M1858 blouse, which is very roomy and I could wear it over a smaller blouse. My true size would be a size 2. I've seen some good used blouses in my size, what do you guys think? Is it an acceptable option for winter wear?

Im have a scarf made and I have a set of PC mittens.

[St. George]

It was an issue of keeping warm - just as simple as that.

'Mobility' as we view it today wasn't an issue - keeping warm was, and underneath the two shirts, there may very well have been long underwear and two pairs of socks.

Think 'Guard Duty' on the prairie in winter - not doing cheetah flips like some half-assed IPSC shooter.

Scouts Out!

[Grenadier]

Civil War era mounted overcoats were still being issued in the mid-70's. Added wool fabric to the cape was the common method to increase the insulating value. I suggest you haunt the Civil War re-enactment forums and see if you can snag one cheap to modify