Military Uniforms Through the Years

Armed forces have worn military uniforms for hundreds of years. These uniforms not only represent each culture but also represent the unique way that each culture looks at and approaches war. Here is explanation of how and why military uniforms have changed throughout the years.

The purpose of military uniforms

There are many reasons why the military elects to use uniforms. Initially, different warring cultures looked similar going into war since they often wore similar attire, but it did not take long for leaders to recognize the importance of real uniforms. The development of uniforms was necessary not only as a means for soldiers to quickly differentiate between their comrades and their enemies but also as a way to ensure that deserters would not go unnoticed. Some uniforms were designed with intimidation in mind while others were meant to inspire and unify forces. Modern uniforms serve all these purposes but are also more practical since they maximize comfort and utilize breathable fabrics.

How military uniforms have changed

The first uniforms were largely provided by the soldiers themselves. Armies would merely dictate that they wear clothing of a certain type and color. Later, as traveling armies grew wealthy off their successes, official uniforms were commissioned by their leaders for all of the reasons above. The first uniforms were simple but surprisingly colorful as enemies sought to intimidate each other. Over time, uniforms evolved to reflect evolving warfare. The heavy armor that was popular in the Middle Ages gave way to more formal uniforms as guns put distance between combatants. Then, when the desperate Revolutionary soldiers did away with war formalities, uniforms once again got a lot simpler and more practical in their design. Bright colors are now a thing of the past, as are dramatic embellishments or unnecessary formalities that are a hindrance to an active soldier.

These days, soldiers have dress uniforms for formal functions and standard, utility or active dress uniforms for the field. The difference between these two uniform types aptly reflects the way that war has changed and the way that the uniform has changed as a result.