Throughout history, military

uniforms have set apart the people who wear them.

Traditionally, uniforms helped people distinguish between participants and observers of a specific conflict.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Western military forces often used color and pattern to increase visibility and assist commanders in making strategic troop movements as they oversaw battles from hilltops.

History of Uniforms

19th Century Naval Uniform – wool with brass buttons

As the nature of war

changed, the clothing worn by soldiers was adapted to new environments and tactics.

At the turn of the 20th century, camouflage began to take precedence.

Western armies encountered new climates and terrains, and utilitarian concerns became more prominent.

History of Uniforms

The American Doughboy uniform was

created after the U.S. Army’s 1917 study of European military equipment.

A number of theories exist as to the origin of the term “doughboy” but there is no consensus among scholars. (reference to baked goods, shape of their buttons like dumplings, color of uniforms, etc.

The grenade vest shown here was a government response to the need to carry more explosives.

Their perception was that running towards gunfire with explosives strapped to your chest was foolish.

Doughboy Uniform

Soldiers wore a wool shirt

with cotton lining, and a wool jacket and trousers.

Many of the doughboy uniform’s elements were in response to climate and geography.

Wool felt leg wraps kept out mud and provided additional insulation in cold weather.

A wool hat and metal helmet were also standard issue.

Doughboy Uniform

M1917 Service Uniform

Color

Primary: Red, Blue, Yellow Secondary: Orange, Purple, Green

Pattern Showing consistency with colors and lines

Design Making a plan for construction of an object

Utility (function) The quality or condition of being useful

Vocabulary

Describe the uniform.

What type of garment do you see?

What appears to be the purpose?

How might this garment affect movement?

Uniforms often symbolize rank. What might signify the rank of

the person wearing this uniform? Uniforms are either highly

detailed or functional. Is this uniform more elaborate or

utilitarian? How does this uniform reflect

warfare at the time it was made?

Looking at the Uniform

How might color and

pattern make a uniform different?

How does a modern Battle Dress Uniform differ from this 1918 Doughboy one?

Besides battle uniforms, what sort of uniforms do we see everyday?

How are these uniforms designed for the work that the person wearing them needs to do?

Looking at the Uniform

Uniform Examples Today

Pick any type of existing uniform, or create a

unique uniform that doesn’t currently exist. Pick out a male outline or female outline. Brainstorm what sort of things their uniform

should have, and what sorts of things should it be made out of.

Lightly sketch your uniform onto the outline you have chosen.

Today’s Activity: Design your own

Uniform

After you have your sketch, select fabric (or

paper) to cut your uniform pieces out of. Place their uniform pieces onto the outline,

glue them in place. Embellishments, can also be glued on. You can

also use a marker to draw on buttons, pocket flaps, etc.

If you finish early, you can draw in the face and hair of your “model.”

Label what their uniform is for (i.e. astronaut, skier) and please sign your name.

Today’s Activity: Design your own

Uniform

Example Uniform

Do No Forget to SIGN and DATE your

art