Anyone who is interested in the history of fashion has at least once wondered where the military uniform in our country comes from. Undoubtedly, depending on the time, the fashion of people's clothing varies greatly. If we highlight the military uniform, with all the variety of colors and models, it should always be based on functional safety, rigor and beauty. History reveals a certain sequence of changes and modernization of military clothing.
Stages of development of military style
The identity of the military uniform did not exist in our country for a long time, since there were no troops operating on a regular basis. For a long time, individual units, serving as security squads for princes and nobility, preferred a free style of clothing, no different from ordinary citizens. In the case of a military campaign, the difference was that the warriors wore a helmet and armor, which were the only protection during the battle. Only after a while did specific changes towards the establishment of a unique military uniform emerge.
Streletsky caftan
Only in the 17th century were the first identical military suits developed, which were provided for the royal archers. These were caftans, and their color scheme was determined by their belonging to a specific military unit. The ceremonial version of the Streltsy uniform was complemented by a headdress decorated with fur, as well as expensive boots. In art, Streltsy were depicted in all their glory by such famous masters as Vasily Surikov in the film “The Morning of the Streltsy Execution” and Sergei Ivanov in the work “Streltsy”.
Military uniform of the regular army of Peter the Great's time
The next stage was the emergence of an army, which was supposed to operate on a regular basis. Having suppressed the Streltsy riots, Russian Emperor Peter the Great decided to take the responsible step of creating a combat-ready and trained army that would be able to respond to any aggression from both the internal aggressor and Russia’s foreign enemies. Therefore, the appearance of the soldiers was one of the conditions for creating an army that would protect the peace of the common people. The military uniform consisted of the following parts:
- camisole;
- tight pants;
- stockings with shoes;
- cocked hat - a triangular-shaped headdress, which received its name in connection with this;
- epancha - cape with a hood;
- a neckerchief or scarf in the colors of the national flag (for officers).
The color palette was quite restrained, the uniform was green, scarlet and blue. It should also be noted that it was under Peter I that shoulder straps appeared in the army as a sign of distinction between military units and fighters.
For events dedicated to the war, you can buy military uniforms for children. For example, a children's military uniform from the time of Peter I.
Military uniform of the post-Petrine period
During the time of Catherine the Great, it was decided that it was necessary to change the form of Peter's time due to the inconvenience that the soldiers experienced. For example, wigs and tight pants were no longer considered the standard, but they decided to start by sewing wide camisoles and trousers for soldiers. It was also decided to use helmets for protection. However, the advent of Paul I's reign was again marked by a return to Peter's uniform in the army. Again the soldiers were dressed in uncomfortable clothes, given skinny trousers and shoes shiny with varnish. There was no end to the suffering of the soldiers, but the severity and discipline in the troops provided for severe punishments for violating the regulations in clothing, including being sent to Siberia.
Changes for the better occurred during the reign of Alexander II. The modernized military uniform expanded in size, which made it possible to put things under it to keep warm in the cold. Overcoats with a high collar were also introduced. However, after a crisis occurred, which was reflected with the arrival of Alexander the Third in the appearance of ugly and cheap, but comfortable and warm clothes in the army. The savings resulted in an order according to which soldiers' clothing costs were deducted from their salaries.
Military uniform of the first half of the 20th century
At the beginning of the twentieth century, the French coat was introduced into use for the military of our army. It was a green tunic with a high collar, a clasp and chest pockets.
After the October Revolution, the emerging Red Army was equipped as necessary. In order to see one's own people, it was prescribed to wear red ribbons on the cap and sleeves as a sign of distinction. Further changes were applied to the abolition of insignia, the production of variegated uniforms began, and the famous cloth headdresses - budenovki - appeared.
Only towards the middle of the Patriotic War was the decision made to return to the roots. All types of troops were given back their shoulder straps and introduced full dress uniforms. Now you can buy a military uniform for Victory Day of this period.
Post-war stages
In the post-war period, there was no radical modification of clothing for the military. One of the most significant innovations is the appearance of a tunic instead of the famous tunic. During the war in Afghanistan, a common noun came to the masses called “Afghan”, which was a military uniform used during hostilities.
After Russia received the status of a separate state, the military uniforms of the Soviet era were abolished at the legislative level. The Russian army received a new, olive color, coats became the successors to overcoats, and jackets began to be used instead of tunics. With the advent of stripes and chevrons on military clothing, it became possible to identify the type and branch of troops.
Under the current president, hats have again begun to be used as headwear for senior military personnel. Also, according to the law, a person who is not a military man does not have the right to put on a uniform. It is worth noting some innovations of modern times and fashion trends that were reflected in the new military uniform. Seasonal jackets, trousers, and boots appeared in service. Modern unique technologies are used in the production of military uniforms. Breathable fabric, special treatment, membrane materials.
In any weather, the protective equipment of the Russian Army allows you to carry out combat patrol with dignity and serve the Fatherland. Having passed the tests, the military uniform became perfect, incorporating both external gloss and practicality.
A military uniform is a set of clothing, and in some cases equipment, established by special decrees, orders and rules, mandatory to be worn by all military personnel of the army and navy. Military uniforms are being introduced into the troops with the aim of better organizing them, increasing military discipline and order, and distinguishing military personnel by branch of the armed forces (weapons), by service position and military ranks. The military uniform determines whether military personnel belong to the armed forces of a particular state, contains the heraldic elements of the state or the reigning house, and performs the function of preserving the combat traditions of the armed forces as a whole, as well as parts, and sometimes a separate unit. In addition, the uniform also has purely military functions: camouflage personnel on the ground by making it from fabrics of protective colors, introducing into military clothing devices for carrying weapons and equipment, creating comfortable conditions during military operations in various climatic conditions. Some elements of uniforms have a protective purpose. The uniform military uniform in the modern sense arose in the second half of the 17th century in European armies, however, attempts to introduce common elements into the clothing and equipment of soldiers in order to distinguish them from soldiers of the opposing side were made throughout almost the entire European military history. The army of ancient Rome came closest to the introduction of uniform uniforms at the beginning of the new era, traditionally dressing its legionnaires in red woolen cloaks and white clothes. By the way, it should be said that it was from the Roman legions that the principles of organization, internal order, subordination and military heraldry were transferred to modern armies. From the Middle Ages, one can recall the distinctive sign of the participants in the crusades - a cloth cross sewn onto clothes and the further development of this emblem - attributes of various knightly orders. Subsequently, as military affairs developed, the organizational structure of troops became more complex, and the concept of battle formations emerged, an urgent need arose to visually distinguish one’s troops on the battlefield in order to provide military leaders with the opportunity to quickly control troops during the battle. The problem was solved by introducing, for the duration of a campaign and even a separate battle, elements of military clothing common to the entire army: distinctive decorations on hats, scarves, ribbons of the same color, etc. etc. The introduction of uniforms, completely unified in cut, colors and insignia, uniform for all armed forces, became possible with the advent of mass armies and the development of manufacturing industries that could meet the needs of the troops in uniform fabrics and leather products, i.e. was determined primarily by state economic factors. During the Thirty Years' War in Europe (1618-1648), units began to appear in the armies of opposing states wearing clothes of the same color, but of different cuts and designs. Often, the production of such clothing took place on the initiative of the chiefs and commanders of a particular unit; wearing it was not regulated at the state level and therefore was not mandatory, however, in units that glorified their banners on the battlefield, wearing clothes of certain colors began to turn into a stable military tradition. Around the same period in Russia, according to reports from foreign authors (Kemfer, Palmquist), uniform uniforms appeared in the Moscow Streltsy regiments. For the first time, a regulated uniform military uniform was introduced by royal decree in the French army in 1672, and the royal guard received blue caftans with red applied cloth, army infantry - gray, cavalry - red. Until the end of the 17th century, all the most advanced armies of European states received uniforms. In Russia, the introduction of regulated military uniforms is associated with the military reforms of Peter the Great. Beginning in 1699, military uniforms and the rules for wearing them were established initially for the guards (amusement) regiments, and subsequently for the newly formed infantry and dragoon regiments. In 1712, artillerymen also received their own uniforms. By the end of the Northern War, the general style of Russian military uniforms had finally emerged. Guards and army infantry wore dark green caftans, dragoons wore blue, and artillery wore red. From this period, the military uniform of the Russian army developed and improved in the tradition of pan-European trends. In subsequent reigns under Anna Ioannovna, a uniform was approved for the equestrian life regiment (horse guards) and the newly formed cuirassier regiments. Under Elizaveta Petrovna, in connection with the formation of light cavalry units - hussar regiments, a special uniform was approved for them, differing by regiment in color. At the beginning of the reign of Catherine the Great, the military uniform did not undergo significant changes. Only the innovations introduced during the short reign of her husband Peter III were canceled. In 1786, as part of the military reform carried out by Field Marshal G. Potemkin, a military uniform was introduced that was fundamentally different from the pan-European models of that time. It was of the same cut for all types of weapons and differed only in color. A comfortable short jacket was introduced as a uniform, narrow trousers were replaced by loose trousers trimmed with leather up to the middle of the shin, instead of a felt hat, which was uncomfortable on campaigns and in battle, the soldiers received a spherical helmet of the same material with a transverse plume. The new uniform was introduced only in army regiments. The guard wore the same uniforms. The innovation was certainly progressive and was several decades ahead of its time. With the accession of Catherine the Great's son, Paul I, a military uniform was urgently introduced into the army, basically copying the uniform of the army of the Kingdom of Prussia. The colors of the uniforms retained the traditional shades of the Russian army, with the exception of the artillery, which received dark green infantry-style uniforms with black cloth and red piping, which have since become traditional for this type of troops. Each infantry and cavalry regiment received its own instrument colors. Historians unanimously condemned Paul for introducing a new, supposedly “inconvenient” uniform, although it was fully consistent with modern European trends, while forgetting that it was under him that the army received a new type of uniform - the overcoat, instead of the winter woolen raincoat - the epancha. After the tragic death of Paul I during a coup d'etat, the throne was inherited by his son Alexander I. Under his leadership and personal participation, a new military uniform and field equipment was developed and introduced. The army received a tails-type uniform in traditional colors. A shako was adopted as a combat headdress, heavy cavalry and horse artillery received a leather helmet. A uniform was developed for a new type of light cavalry - the Uhlan regiments. For the first time, military uniforms were established for the Cossacks of the Don, Ural and Black Sea troops. The famous cap was introduced as a non-combatant headdress. In different variations, this form existed for more than fifty years. During the reign of Nicholas I in 1844, a leather helmet was introduced as a combat headdress instead of a shako. The infantry of the Caucasian corps receives a special “Caucasian” uniform. Military ranks of military personnel began to be designated on epaulettes and shoulder straps. After the end of the Crimean War during the reign of Alexander II, the need for general military reform was acutely felt. She also touched upon military uniforms. The tailcoat type uniform has replaced the so-called. semi-caftan Instead of a helmet, a new type of shako was introduced, and subsequently a cap. When wearing a marching uniform, it was prescribed to wear high boots and a white shirt. In general, the reign is characterized by almost continuous changes in the form of clothing and requires separate study. Under Alexander III in 1882, another reform began. This time it is aimed at simplifying and reducing the cost of uniforms. The army cuirassier, lancer and hussar regiments are stripped of their shiny uniforms and reorganized into dragoons. The main set of uniforms for all branches of the military is a uniform made of dark green cloth with a deep wraparound fastening with hooks, loose trousers made of the same material, worn tucked into high boots in any form of clothing. The combat (ceremonial) headdress is a lambskin cap made of black merlushka. Although the reform was carried out under the motto of “nationality,” the real reason for the changes was, in my opinion, the need to prepare a large number of uniforms in case of mobilization deployment. The last reign was characterized primarily by the introduction in 1907 of khaki-colored marching uniforms for all military personnel and the return to traditional patterns of ceremonial and ordinary uniforms. In 1918, the history of the glorious Russian army ends and the history of its successor - the Red Army, later the Soviet Army - begins. In an effort to escape the traditions of the “bloody” tsarist regime, Soviet military leaders, ignoring the experience of the Russo-Japanese and World Wars, introduced a strange uniform into the Red Army, lavishly decorated with bright colored elements. The traditional insignia of military personnel - shoulder straps - is being cancelled. The Red Army soldiers were saved from additional and already significant losses from enemy fire by the unsatisfactory situation in the country's economy, thanks to which during the civil war it was not possible to organize mass production of new-style uniforms. Both the white and red formations used the stock of uniforms left over from the old army. In the period before the start of the Great Patriotic War, there was a gradual return to the traditions of the Russian army. In 1922, artillerymen were returned to their traditional instrument colors of black with red piping (in 1919, orange instrument color was introduced for artillery) and the wearing of an old-style overcoat was established to replace the khaftan “kaftan”. In 1924, the wearing of colored flaps on the chest, sleeves and collars of uniforms was abolished. In 1935, personal military ranks were introduced for middle and senior command personnel and corresponding insignia. In 1936, Cossack cavalry units were formed and a traditional uniform was established for them. In 1940, wearing perhaps the most striking symbol of the Red Army - the budenovka - was abolished. In the same year, personal ranks were restored for junior and senior command personnel. A full dress uniform is being introduced for all categories of military personnel. The final return to the national traditions of military uniforms occurred in 1943. After this, the uniform of the Soviet Army developed within the framework of the long-standing traditions of the Russian army. The next noticeable reform of uniforms took place in 1969. A field jacket was introduced as a field uniform instead of the famous tunic. Uniforms for armored vehicle crews and insulated field jackets for officers are accepted to supply troops. In 1988, the troops received a new unified winter and summer field suit - the “Afghanka”. The development of military uniforms in the last decade of the 20th century is characterized by a rejection of Soviet and Russian traditions. The new dress and casual uniforms introduced in 1994 are very similar in cut to the American ones. The wearing of buttonholes and colored bands on caps was abolished. The design of the caps clearly reveals perverted ideas about the military beauty of the “Arbat” generals. However, for the bulk of the military personnel this was not of great importance due to the extremely meager supply of clothing to the troops. I will never forget when in the summer of 1994 the soldiers and officers of the division in the Trans-Baikal Military District were issued summer tank overalls made of undyed light gray cotton fabric. Dress and casual uniforms were not issued at all. It got to the point that even at parades in Moscow, units and subunits were shown in field uniforms under white and ceremonial belts, touchingly decorated with aiguillettes, with sewn gold shoulder straps for officers and colored ones for soldiers and sergeants. In conclusion, I would like to note that throughout the history of the Russian state, its leaders attached paramount importance to the development and production of uniforms for military personnel, thanks to which Russian and Soviet troops were supplied with high-quality and modern uniforms in sufficient quantities.
A military uniform is a set of clothing, and in some cases equipment, established by special decrees, orders and rules, mandatory to be worn by all military personnel of the army and navy. Military uniforms are being introduced into the troops with the aim of better organizing them, increasing military discipline and order, and distinguishing military personnel by branch of the armed forces (weapons), by service position and military ranks. The military uniform determines whether military personnel belong to the armed forces of a particular state, contains the heraldic elements of the state or the reigning house, and performs the function of preserving the combat traditions of the armed forces as a whole, as well as parts, and sometimes a separate unit. In addition, the uniform also has purely military functions: camouflage personnel on the ground by making it from fabrics of protective colors, introducing into military clothing devices for carrying weapons and equipment, creating comfortable conditions during military operations in various climatic conditions. Some elements of uniforms have a protective purpose.
The uniform military uniform in the modern sense arose in the second half of the 17th century in European armies, however, attempts to introduce common elements into the clothing and equipment of soldiers in order to distinguish them from soldiers of the opposing side were made throughout almost the entire European military history. The army of ancient Rome came closest to the introduction of uniform uniforms at the beginning of the new era, traditionally dressing its legionnaires in red woolen cloaks and white clothes.
It should be said that it was from the Roman legions that the principles of organization, internal order, subordination and military heraldry were transferred to modern armies. From the Middle Ages, one can recall the distinctive sign of the participants in the crusades - a cloth cross sewn onto clothes and the further development of this emblem - attributes of various knightly orders.
Subsequently, as military affairs developed, the organizational structure of troops became more complex, and the concept of battle formations emerged, an urgent need arose to visually distinguish one’s troops on the battlefield in order to provide military leaders with the opportunity to quickly control troops during the battle. The problem was solved by introducing, for the duration of a campaign and even a separate battle, elements of military clothing common to the entire army: distinctive decorations on headdresses, scarves, ribbons of the same color, etc.. The introduction of completely unified in cut, colors and insignia, uniform for all armed uniform forces became possible with the advent of mass armies and the development of manufacturing industries, which could meet the needs of troops in uniform fabrics and leather products, i.e. was determined primarily by state economic factors. During the Thirty Years' War in Europe (1618-1648), units began to appear in the armies of opposing states wearing clothes of the same color, but of different cuts and designs.
Often, the production of such clothing took place on the initiative of the chiefs and commanders of a particular unit; wearing it was not regulated at the state level and therefore was not mandatory, however, in units that glorified their banners on the battlefield, wearing clothes of certain colors began to turn into a stable military tradition. Around the same period in Russia, uniform uniforms appeared in the Moscow Streltsy regiments.
For the first time, a regulated uniform military uniform was introduced by royal decree in the French army in 1672, and the royal guard received blue caftans with red applied cloth, army infantry - gray, cavalry - red. Until the end of the 17th century, all the most advanced armies of European states received uniforms. In Russia, the introduction of regulated military uniforms is associated with the military reforms of Peter the Great. Beginning in 1699, military uniforms and the rules for wearing them were established initially for the guards (amusement) regiments, and subsequently for the newly formed infantry and dragoon regiments.
In 1712, artillerymen also received their own uniforms. By the end of the Northern War, the general style of Russian military uniforms had finally emerged. Guards and army infantry wore dark green caftans, dragoons wore blue, and artillery wore red. From this period, the military uniform of the Russian army developed and improved in the tradition of pan-European trends. In subsequent reigns under Anna Ioannovna, a uniform was approved for the equestrian life regiment (horse guards) and the newly formed cuirassier regiments.
Under Elizaveta Petrovna, in connection with the formation of light cavalry units - hussar regiments, a special uniform was approved for them, differing by regiment in color. At the beginning of the reign of Catherine the Great, the military uniform did not undergo significant changes. The innovations introduced during the short reign of her husband Peter III were only cancelled. In 1786, as part of the military reform carried out by Field Marshal G. Potemkin, a military uniform was introduced that was fundamentally different from the pan-European models of that time.
It was of the same cut for all types of weapons and differed only in color. A comfortable short jacket was introduced as a uniform, narrow trousers were replaced by loose trousers trimmed with leather up to the middle of the shin, instead of a felt hat, which was uncomfortable on campaigns and in battle, the soldiers received a spherical helmet of the same material with a transverse plume. The new uniform was introduced only in army regiments. The guard wore the same uniforms. The innovation was certainly progressive and was several decades ahead of its time.
With the accession of Catherine the Great's son, Paul I, a military uniform was urgently introduced into the army, basically copying the uniform of the army of the Kingdom of Prussia. The colors of the uniforms retained the traditional shades of the Russian army, with the exception of the artillery, which received dark green infantry-style uniforms with black cloth and red piping, which have since become traditional for this type of troops. Each infantry and cavalry regiment received its own instrument colors. Historians unanimously condemned Paul for introducing a new, supposedly “inconvenient” uniform, although it was fully consistent with modern European trends, while forgetting that it was under him that the army received a new type of uniform - the overcoat, instead of the winter woolen raincoat - the epancha. After the tragic death of Paul I during a coup d'etat, the throne was inherited by his son Alexander I. Under his leadership and personal participation, a new military uniform and military equipment was developed and introduced. The army received a tails-type uniform in traditional colors. A shako was adopted as a combat headdress, heavy cavalry and horse artillery received a leather helmet.
A uniform was developed for a new type of light cavalry - the Uhlan regiments. For the first time, military uniforms were established for the Cossacks of the Don, Ural and Black Sea troops. The famous cap was introduced as a non-combatant headdress. In different variations, this form existed for more than fifty years. During the reign of Nicholas I in 1844, a leather helmet was introduced as a combat headdress instead of a shako.
The infantry of the Caucasian corps receives a special “Caucasian” uniform. Military ranks of military personnel began to be designated on epaulettes and shoulder straps. After the end of the Crimean War during the reign of Alexander II, the need for general military reform was acutely felt. She also touched upon military uniforms. The tailcoat type uniform has replaced the so-called. semi-caftan Instead of a helmet, a new type of shako was introduced, and subsequently a cap. When wearing a marching uniform, it was prescribed to wear high boots and a white shirt. In general, the reign is characterized by almost continuous changes in the form of clothing and requires separate study. Under Alexander III in 1882, another reform began. This time it is aimed at simplifying and reducing the cost of uniforms.
The army cuirassier, lancer and hussar regiments are stripped of their shiny uniforms and reorganized into dragoons. The main set of uniforms for all branches of the military is a uniform made of dark green cloth with a deep wraparound fastening with hooks, loose trousers made of the same material, worn tucked into high boots in any form of clothing. The combat (ceremonial) headdress is a lambskin cap made of black merlushka. Although the reform was carried out under the motto of “nationality,” the real reason for the changes was, in my opinion, the need to prepare a large number of uniforms in case of mobilization deployment.
The last reign was characterized primarily by the introduction in 1907 of khaki-colored marching uniforms for all military personnel and the return to traditional patterns of ceremonial and ordinary uniforms. In 1918, the history of the glorious Russian army ends and the history of its successor - the Red Army, later the Soviet Army - begins. In an effort to escape the traditions of the “bloody” tsarist regime, Soviet military leaders, ignoring the experience of the Russo-Japanese and World Wars, introduced a strange uniform into the Red Army, lavishly decorated with bright colored elements. The traditional insignia of military personnel - shoulder straps - is being cancelled.
The Red Army soldiers were saved from additional and already significant losses from enemy fire by the unsatisfactory situation in the country's economy, thanks to which during the civil war it was not possible to organize mass production of new-style uniforms. Both the white and red formations used the stock of uniforms left over from the old army. In the period before the start of the Great Patriotic War, there was a gradual return to the traditions of the Russian army. In 1922, artillerymen were returned to their traditional instrument colors of black with red piping (in 1919, orange instrument color was introduced for artillery) and the wearing of an old-style overcoat was established to replace the khaftan “kaftan”. In 1924, the wearing of colored flaps on the chest, sleeves and collars of uniforms was abolished. In 1935, personal military ranks were introduced for middle and senior command personnel and corresponding insignia.
In 1936, Cossack cavalry units were formed and a traditional uniform was established for them. In 1940, wearing perhaps the most striking symbol of the Red Army - the budenovka - was abolished. In the same year, personal ranks were restored for junior and senior command personnel. A full dress uniform is being introduced for all categories of military personnel. The final return to the national traditions of military uniforms occurred in 1943.
After this, the uniform of the Soviet Army developed within the framework of long-standing traditions of the Russian army. The next noticeable reform of uniforms took place in 1969. A field jacket was introduced as a field uniform instead of the famous tunic. Uniforms for armored vehicle crews and insulated field jackets for officers are accepted to supply troops.
In 1988, the troops received a new unified winter and summer field suit - the “Afghanka”. The development of military uniforms in the last decade of the 20th century is characterized by a rejection of Soviet and Russian traditions. The new dress and casual uniforms introduced in 1994 are very similar in cut to the American ones. The wearing of buttonholes and colored bands on caps was abolished. The design of the caps clearly reveals perverted ideas about the military beauty of the “Arbat” generals. However, for the bulk of the military personnel this was not of great importance due to the extremely meager supply of clothing to the troops. I will never forget when in the summer of 1994 the soldiers and officers of the division in the Trans-Baikal Military District were issued summer tank overalls made of undyed light gray cotton fabric. Dress and casual uniforms were not issued at all. It got to the point that even at parades in Moscow, units and subunits were shown in field uniforms under white and ceremonial belts, touchingly decorated with aiguillettes, with sewn gold shoulder straps for officers and colored ones for soldiers and sergeants. 
Military Official's Uniform
The Russian military uniform has undergone many changes, improvements and innovations throughout its history. This was due to the will of the ruler, changes in ideology, and the influence of Western European military fashion.
Most Russian emperors were adherents of the military fashion of Western Europe, so the Russian military uniform was often similar to the uniforms of other European armies. And only Emperor Alexander III gave the military uniform the appearance of national clothing.
Pre-Petrine era
In Russia until the end of the 17th century. There were almost no permanent troops, so there were no military uniforms. The princes' squads were dressed in the same clothes as civilians, only armor was added.
True, some princes sometimes acquired uniform clothes for their squad, but these were isolated cases.
The government of Tsar Michael in 1631, expecting a war with Poland, sent Colonel Alexander Leslie to Sweden to recruit 5,000 infantry soldiers.
In the 17th century, during the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich, “Regiments of the Foreign Order” were formed - military units formed from “willing” free people, Cossacks, foreigners and others, and later from Danish people modeled on Western European armies.
The first unified military uniform in Rus' can be considered the clothing of the Streltsy regiments. They appeared in the 17th century.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius- service person; a horseman or infantryman armed with “fire combat.” Streltsy in Russia made up the first regular army.
The Streltsy regiments had a uniform and obligatory dress uniform (“colored dress”) for all. It consisted of an outer caftan, a hat with a fur band, pants and boots, the color of which (except for the pants) was regulated in accordance with belonging to a particular regiment.
Kaftan– men's outerwear.
What is common in the weapons and clothing of all archers:
- gloves with brown leather cuffs;
- during a campaign, the muzzle of a squeak or musket was covered with a short leather case;
- the berdysh was worn behind the back over either shoulder;
- a sash was worn over the waist belt;
- there were no buttonholes on the traveling caftan;
- The external distinction of the senior officers (“initial people”) was the image of a crown embroidered with pearls on the cap and a staff, as well as the ermine lining of the upper caftan and the edge of the cap (which indicated a high-born princely origin).
The ceremonial uniform was worn only on special days: during the main church holidays and during special events.
Everyday and on military campaigns, a “portable dress” was used, which had the same cut as the dress uniform, but made of cheaper cloth of gray, black or brown color.
S. Ivanov “Sagittarius”
Streltsy regiments during the struggle for power opposed Peter I and were repressed by him. The European-style form was introduced in Russia by Peter I, mainly borrowing it from the Swedes.
The era of Peter I
Peter I created a regular army based on the “Regiments of the Foreign Order”, which existed during the reign of his father, and streltsy units. The army was staffed on the basis of conscription (compulsory service for nobles also remained until the mid-18th century). Peter inherited from his predecessors an army already adapted for further reconstruction. There were two “elected” regiments in Moscow (Butyrsky and Lefortovo), commanded by “foreigners” P. Gordon and F. Lefort.
In his “amusing” villages, Peter organized two new regiments: Preobrazhensky and Semyonovsky, completely according to the foreign model. By 1692, these regiments were finally trained and formed the 3rd Moscow elective regiment, led by General A. M. Golovin.
Officer of the Life Guards Semenovsky Regiment from 1700 to 1720.
At first, the officer uniform of Peter the Great's army was no different from the soldier's uniform. Then they introduced the “commander’s insignia” - an officer’s scarf. This detail was borrowed from the Swedes, with the exception of the colors, which reproduced the colors of the Russian flag. According to the rules, the scarf was worn over the right shoulder and tied at the left thigh, but our officers adapted to wear it around the waist - it was more convenient in battle. Peter's scarf, with modifications, has survived to the present day - in the form of a ceremonial officer's belt.
Grenadier of an infantry regiment from 1700 to 1732
The armament of each soldier consisted of a sword with a sword belt and a fusée. Fusee - a gun, the fusee lock was made of flint; In the necessary cases, a baguette - a five- or eight-inch triangular bayonet - was mounted on the fusee. The cartridges were placed in leather bags attached to the sling.
Captain and Ensign of the Musketeer companies of the Infantry Regiment from 1763 to 1786.
Masterarms and the sergeants, instead of the fusee, were armed with halberds - axes on a three-arch shaft.
Sergeant of the Infantry Regiment with a halberd from 1700 to 1720
One of the companies in each regiment was called a grenadier, and a feature of its weapons were matchlock bombs, which were kept by the grenadier in a special bag. Grenadiers- selected units of infantry and/or cavalry, intended to storm enemy fortifications, mainly in siege operations.
Dragoons- the name of cavalry (cavalry), capable of also operating on foot. Dragoons in Russia were mounted and dismounted.
Fanen-junker of the Nizhny Novgorod Dragoon Regiment, 1797-1800.
Since 1700, a soldier's uniform consisted of a small flattened cocked hat, caftan, epancha, camisole and trousers.
Cocked hat
Epancha- a wide sleeveless round raincoat with a hood for men, and for women - a short, sleeveless fur coat (obepanechka). Brought from the Arab East.
Camisole- men's clothing, sewn at the waist, knee-length, sometimes sleeveless, worn under a caftan.
The hat was black, the brim was trimmed with braid, and a brass button was attached to the left side. When listening to orders from the elders, the younger ones took off their hat and held it under their left armpit. Soldiers and officers wore their hair long to the shoulder, and on ceremonial occasions they powdered it with flour.
The caftans of the infantry were made of green cloth, those of the dragoons were made of blue, single-breasted, without a collar, with red cuffs (the lapel on the sleeve of men's clothing).
Cuff of the 8th Cuirassier Regiment of the French Army (1814-1815)
The caftan was knee-length and equipped with copper buttons; The cape for cavalry and infantry was made of red cloth and had two collars: it was a narrow cape that reached to the knees and did not protect well from rain and snow; boots - long, with light bells (funnel-shaped extension) were worn only on guard duty and when marching, and ordinary shoes were stockings and blunt-toed greased heads with a copper buckle; The stockings of the army soldiers were green, and the stockings of the Preobrazhensky and Semyonovtsy after the Narva defeat were red, according to legend, in memory of the day when the former “amusing” regiments did not flinch, despite the general “embarrassment” under the onslaught of Charles XII.
Fuseler of the Life Guards Semenovsky Regiment, from 1700 to 1720.
The grenadiers of the guard differed from the fusiliers (soldiers armed with flintlocks) only in their headdress: instead of a three-cornered hat, they wore leather helmets with an ostrich feather.
The cut of the officer's uniform was the same as that of the soldiers, only trimmed along the edges and sides with gold braid, the buttons were also gilded, and the tie, instead of black cloth, like the soldiers', was white linen. Attached to the hat plume from white and red feathers.
Infantry general in a hat with a plume
In full dress uniform, officers were required to wear powdered wigs on their heads. What distinguished an officer from a private was a white, blue and red scarf with silver tassels, and a staff officer with gold tassels, which was worn high on the chest, near the collar.
Under Peter I in Russia, epaulettes also appeared on military clothing. Shoulder straps have been used as a means of distinguishing military personnel of one regiment from military personnel of another regiment since 1762, when each regiment was equipped with shoulder straps of various weaving made of garus cord. At the same time, an attempt was made to make shoulder straps a means of distinguishing soldiers and officers, for which purpose, in the same regiment, officers and soldiers had different weaving patterns for shoulder straps.
Subsequently, the form of uniform changed, although in general the patterns of Peter the Great were preserved, which became increasingly more complex. After the Seven Years' War, the cult of Frederick the Great developed. Convenience in the form of uniforms was forgotten; They tried to make a good-looking soldier out of him and give him such uniforms that it would take all his free time from service to keep them in order. It took soldiers especially a lot of time to keep their hair in order: they combed it into two curls and a braid, powdered it when on foot, and when on horseback they were allowed not to powder their hair and not curl it in curls, taking it into one tight braid, but it was necessary to grow it and comb your mustache high or, for those who don’t have one, wear false ones.
The soldier's clothing was narrow, which was caused by the requirement of the then standing position and especially marching without bending the knees. Many units of the troops had elk trousers, which were wetted and dried in public before putting them on. This uniform was so inconvenient that the training manual instructed recruits to wear it no earlier than three months in order to teach soldiers how to use such clothing.
The era of Catherine II
During the reign of Catherine II, the uniform was not observed very carefully. The guards officers were burdened by it and did not wear it at all outside the ranks. It was changed at the end of Catherine's reign at the insistence of Prince Potemkin. He said that “curling, powdering, braiding hair – is this a soldier’s job? Everyone must agree that it is healthier to wash and comb your hair than to burden it with powder, lard, flour, hairpins, and braids. A soldier’s toilet should be such that when it’s up, it’s ready.” The army's uniform was simplified and consisted of a wide uniform and trousers tucked into high boots; the cocked hat was replaced for the soldiers by a helmet with a longitudinal crest, which protected the head well from a saber strike, but did not save from the cold.
Cavalry guard in full dress (1793)
Private and chief officer of an infantry regiment in uniform 1786-1796.
But in the cavalry and especially in the guards, the uniform remained shiny and uncomfortable, although complex hairstyles and leggings disappeared from the ordinary uniform of the troops.
The era of Paul I
Paul I carried out his own army reform, because Discipline in the regiments suffered, titles were handed out undeservedly (from birth, noble children were assigned to some rank, to this or that regiment. Many, having a rank and receiving a salary, did not serve at all). Paul I decided to follow Peter the Great and take as a basis the model of the modern European army (Prussian), seeing in it a model of discipline and perfection. Military reform did not stop even after Paul's death.
S. Shchukin “Portrait of Emperor Paul I in a ceremonial uniform and cocked hat”
The uniform consisted of a wide and long uniform with tails and a turn-down collar, narrow and short trousers, patent leather shoes, stockings with garters and boot-like boots and a small triangular hat. The regiments differed in the color of collars and cuffs, but without any system, they were difficult to remember and poorly distinguished.
Hairstyles are once again becoming important - soldiers powder their hair and braid it into braids of the prescribed length with a bow at the end; The hairstyle was so complex that the troops employed hairdressers.
Powder is not gunpowder
Bookles are not guns,
A scythe is not a cleaver,
I'm not a Prussian, but a natural Russian!
Grenadier of the Pavlovsk Regiment
Grenadiers wore tall cone-shaped hats (grenadiers) with a large metal shield in front; These hats, like a ceremonial headdress, were preserved in the Pavlovsky Life Guards Regiment.
According to eyewitnesses, the soldiers suffered most during the campaign from patent leather shoes and tight pants, which chafed their legs.
Age of Alexander I
Emperor Alexander I was a supporter of magnificent military uniforms, which became even more uncomfortable. The Pavlovsk uniform was replaced by a new one in 1802. Wigs were destroyed, boot-like boots and shoes were replaced with boots with trouser fastenings; the uniforms were significantly shortened, narrowed and looked like tailcoats (the tails on the uniforms were left, but the soldiers had them short); standing solid collars and shoulder straps and epaulettes were introduced; officers' collars were decorated with embroidery or buttonholes and were generally colored; The shelves were distinguished by their colors. Light and comfortable cocked hats were replaced by new hats, tall, heavy and very uncomfortable; they bore the general name of shakos, while the straps on the shakos and the collar rubbed the neck.
Shako- a military headdress of a cylindrical shape, with a flat top, with a visor, often with decoration in the form of a sultan. It was common in many European armies of the early 19th century.
The senior command staff was assigned to wear the then popular bicorne hats of enormous size with feathers and edging. In winter it was warm in a bicorne hat, but in summer it was very hot, so the peakless cap also became popular in the warm season.
S. Shchukin “Alexander I in the uniform of the Life Guards Preobrazhensky Regiment”
Shoulder straps were first introduced only in the infantry (red), then the number of colors was increased to five (red, blue, white, dark green and yellow, in order of the division regiments); officer's shoulder straps were trimmed with galloon, and in 1807 they were replaced with epaulettes.
D. Doe “Portrait of General Peter Bagration with epaulets”
Epaulettes– shoulder insignia of military rank on military uniform. They were common in the armies of European countries in the 18th-19th centuries, especially during the Napoleonic wars. By the middle of the 20th century, they practically went out of circulation.
Subsequently, epaulettes were also given to the lower ranks of some cavalry units.
Pavlovsk raincoats were replaced by narrow overcoats with stand-up collars that did not cover the ears. The equipment included a lot of belts, which were difficult to maintain in good condition. The uniform was complex and difficult to wear.
From the date of Alexander I’s accession to the throne until 1815, officers were allowed to wear a private dress outside of duty; but at the end of the foreign campaign, due to unrest in the army, this right was canceled.
Staff officer and chief officer of the grenadier regiment (1815)
The era of Nicholas I
Under Nicholas I, uniforms and overcoats were at first still very narrow, especially in the cavalry - officers even had to wear corsets; It was impossible to put anything under the overcoat. The collars of the uniform were buttoned tightly and strongly supported the head. The shakos were too high; during parades they were decorated with sultans, so that the entire headdress was about 73.3 cm high.
Bloomers (cloth in winter, linen in summer) were worn over boots; underneath they wore boots with five or six buttons, since the boots were very short. The ammunition made of white and black lacquered belts required constant cleaning. A huge relief was the permission to wear, first out of formation, and then on campaign, caps similar to the current ones. The variety of forms was great.
Chief officer of the Life Guards Volyn Regiment (1830)
Only in 1832 did simplifications in the form of uniforms begin: in 1844, heavy and uncomfortable shakos were replaced with high helmets with a sharp top, officers and generals began to wear caps with visors; the troops were equipped with mittens and earmuffs. Since 1832, officers of all branches of arms have been allowed to wear mustaches, and officers’ horses must not have their tails trimmed or their ribs trimmed.
Non-commissioned officer of laboratory companies (1826-1828) – cap with visor
In the last years of Nicholas's reign, the uniform acquired a Prussian cut instead of the French one: ceremonial helmets with ponytails were introduced for officers and generals, uniforms for the guard were made from dark blue or black cloth, the tails on army uniforms became short, and on white trousers for ceremonial and On special occasions they began to wear red stripes, like in the Prussian army.
In 1843, transverse stripes were introduced on soldiers' shoulder straps - stripes, which distinguished ranks.
In 1854, shoulder straps were also introduced for officers. From that time on, epaulettes began to be gradually replaced by shoulder straps.
Age of Alexander II
I. Tyurin “Alexander II in the uniform of the Life Guards Preobrazhensky Regiment”
The troops received a convenient form of uniform only during the reign of Emperor Alexander II. It had a beautiful and impressive appearance and was at the same time spacious and allowed the insulation to be pulled up in cold weather. In February 1856, the tailcoat-like uniforms were replaced by full-skirted uniforms. The cavalry retained the shiny uniforms and their colors, but the cut was made more comfortable. Everyone received spacious overcoats with a turn-down collar that covered the ears with fabric buttonholes; The collars of the uniforms were lowered and widened.
The army uniform was first double-breasted, then single-breasted. Bloomers were worn in boots only on campaigns, then always among the lower ranks; in summer the trousers were made of linen.
Private and adjutant of the Life Guards of the Lithuanian Regiment (in everyday and dress uniforms), 1862.
Beautiful, but uncomfortable helmets remained only with the cuirassiers and the guards, who, in addition, had caps without visors. The ceremonial and ordinary attire was a cap. Lancers continued to wear diamond-topped shakos.
A convenient and practical bashlyk was introduced, which helped the soldier in the winter. Satchels and bags were lightened, the number and width of belts for carrying them were reduced, and the soldier’s burden was lightened.
Age of Alexander III
I. Kramskoy “Portrait of Alexander III”
By the beginning of the 70s of the XIX century. A short haircut was required. The uniform of this era was quite comfortable. The Emperor sought to nationalize military uniforms. Only the guards cavalry retained their former rich clothing. The new uniform was based on uniformity and ease of wear and fit. The headdress both in the guard and in the army consisted of a low, round lambskin cap with a cloth bottom; The hat is decorated with the St. Andrew's Star in the Guard, and with the coat of arms in the Army.
Cossack of the Ural Cossack Army, chief officer of His Majesty's Life Guards Cossack Regiment and adjutant general of the Cossack troops (1883)
A uniform with a standing collar in the army with a straight back and side without any piping was fastened with hooks, which can be freely altered, widening or narrowing the uniform. The Guards uniform had a slanted edge with piping, a colored high collar and the same cuffs; The cavalry uniform, with its transformation exclusively into dragoon regiments (except for the guard), became similar to the infantry uniform, only somewhat shorter.
Lamb ceremonial hat
The lamb ceremonial hat was reminiscent of an ancient boyar. Wide trousers tucked into high boots. In the army, overcoats were fastened with hooks so that in sunny weather a shiny object would not attract the attention of the enemy and cause fire. For the same reason, sultans and helmets with shiny coats of arms were abolished. In the guard, overcoats were fastened with buttons. In the infantry and other branches of arms, caps with bands were introduced; the difference between one regiment and another was based on the combination of colors of shoulder straps and bands. Divisions differed from divisions by numbers on their shoulder straps.
V. Vereshchagin “Officer of a line battalion in a white jacket and red trousers”
Alexander II introduced tunics and linen shirts for wearing in hot weather, and Alexander III made sure that the soldier’s uniform resembled peasant clothing. In 1879, a tunic with a stand-up collar, like a blouse shirt, was introduced for soldiers.
The era of Nicholas II
G. Manizer “Portrait of Emperor Nicholas II in the uniform of the 4th Rifle Imperial Family Life Guards Regiment with the badge of the Order of St. Vladimir, IV degree”
Emperor Nicholas II almost did not change the uniform. The uniforms of the guards cavalry regiments of the era of Alexander II were only gradually restored. The officers of the entire army were given a galloon (instead of the simple leather one introduced by Alexander III) shoulder harness.
A. Pershakov “Portrait of P.S. Vannovsky" (sword belt visible)
For the troops of the southern districts, the ceremonial headdress was considered too heavy and was replaced by an ordinary cap, to which a small metal coat of arms is attached.
The most significant changes followed only in the army cavalry. At the beginning of the reign of Nicholas II, the modest uniform without buttons was replaced by a more beautiful double-breasted uniform, sewn at the waist and with colored piping along the side. A shako was introduced for the guards regiments.
In each cavalry division, the regiments are given the same colors: the first is red, the second is blue, and the third is white. The old colors remained only in those regiments for which some historical memory was associated with their color.
Ceremonial cap of the era of Nicholas II
The caps were also changed: not the bands, but the crowns, were made colored so that the color of the regiment was visible at a great distance, and all lower ranks were given visors.
In 1907, following the results of the Russo-Japanese War, a single-breasted khaki jacket with a stand-up collar with hooks, a five-button fastener, and pockets on the chest and sides (the so-called “American” cut) was introduced into the Russian army as a summer uniform. . The white jacket of the previous type has fallen out of use.
Jacket of the Russian army of the era of Nicholas II
On the eve of the war, aviation adopted a blue jacket as working clothing.
A military uniform is a set of special-purpose clothing and equipment for military personnel. Its wearing in specific cases is established by management orders and specially developed rules.
Uniform military clothing is functional and comfortable. It must have state insignia. At all times, uniforms in the army and navy were introduced for the purpose of:
- Organizations of troops;
- Improvements in military discipline;
- Emphasizing the differences in assigned military ranks.
A brief excursion into the history of the development of military uniforms of the Russian Empire
The first regulated military uniform for military personnel was introduced in Russia by the decrees of Peter the Great. In 1699 it became mandatory for guard regiments. And after some time they began to use it in the newly created infantry and dragoon units. In 1912, artillerymen received their first uniforms.
Thus, it was during the Peter the Great era that the style of the first Russian military uniform was formed by the end of the Northern War. It was used to determine membership in various branches of the military. The difference was emphasized by caftans of different colors:
- Infantrymen are dark green;
- Dragoons are blue;
- Artillery - red.
Subsequently, the military uniform was modified in accordance with existing pan-European traditions, and:
- During the reign of Anna Ioannovna, uniforms were introduced for the horse guards and cuirassier regiments;
- Under Elizabeth, the hussar uniform was developed.
A significant departure from European trends was made by Field Marshal Potemkin. The military uniform he proposed had the same cut for all branches of the military and differed only in color. The uniform set included more comfortable items that did not restrict movement:
- A short jacket instead of a long uniform;
- Loose trousers, the legs of which were trimmed to the middle of the shin with leather;
- Felt helmet, hat place.
The innovations were very progressive, but they were introduced exclusively in army units; servicemen of the guards units wore the same uniform.
In the subsequent period, changes were introduced into the military uniform of the Russian army in accordance with the taste preferences of the ruling monarchs. It should be noted that the first convenient marching uniform of khaki color for all units was introduced only during the last reign of Nicholas 2.
Related materials:
The history of military uniforms goes back a long way. Moreover, in each country this type of special clothing was formed taking into account national... 
Military uniforms, in accordance with existing regulatory requirements, are worn only by people who are in a specific period of time... 
The appearance of military uniforms for NATO soldiers has a relatively “young” history. The official date of its distribution is considered to be 1968. Previously... 
Each country has its own army. Its employees are required to issue military uniforms. This is the right of every military servant, regardless of rank. Only... 
The Marine Corps of the Soviet Union was created in 1940. And since then it remains one of the most capable types of troops of the Russian Federation. Because development...