Civil War Hats

One of the most recognizable components of the Civil War soldier’s uniform to an avid historian or even a keen observer is the hat. The hats worn by those who fought in the Civil War are among the items of clothing most closely associated with the war in the minds of many. Hats were a standard part of the military uniform for both the Union and Confederate soldiers during the Civil War era. Most of the hats worn by these soldiers and officers were made of wool felt which was the standard material of fashion during the Victorian era. However, in the South it was not uncommon to see leather or even straw hats, which were better suited to the warmer climate which also became a tell-tale sign of which side a soldier belonged to. The hat also became an essential part of a man’s wardrobe during this era for it not only made a striking fashion statement in society but also protects one from the elements. Since the Victorian era coincided with the Civil War, it was a fact that a man rarely left home without a hat, both for fashion and practical reasons. So whether it’s the tall, brimmed hat worn by Civil War officers, the slouch caps of privates, or the unusual fez associated with the Zouave regiments, you can have it here at DungeonKnight.com.