Federal Issue shirt color

[1st New Jersey Brigade]

Greetings all, I am looking to buy a few repro. Federal issue shirts. I have picked out the sutler (I think), but my problem is color. Should it be a bleached white or off white? Thanks in advance.

 

[captaindrew]

The correct color and fabric is an off white domet flannel. Here's one of mine made by Wambaugh and White.

 

[captaindrew]

A side by side comparison with a cotton CS issue shirt on the left.

 

[1st New Jersey Brigade]

A side by side comparison with a cotton CS issue shirt on the left.

Very nice, thanks. I see one button at the top. I also came across info that shirts from that time had one button and earlier shirts had 3/4. What do you think would be correct for the issued shirts. Most of what sutlers sell has 3/4. Thanks in advance.

 

[captaindrew]

Wambaugh and White makes them but not to order and they don't stock them. They make a batch when they can and sell them quickly so you have to follow their site or Facebook page closely. South Union Mills has them in stock, made from W&W kits, I have one of theirs, it's not quite as well made but it's close and got it right away. There's also another option, there's a Federal issue shirt made of grey flannel that's much more comfortable than domet flannel. W&W also makes those I think to order but don't quote me on that, I don't have one of those although I wish I did.

 

[1st New Jersey Brigade]

Wambaugh and White makes them but not to order and they don't stock them. They make a batch when they can and sell them quickly so you have to follow their site or Facebook page closely. South Union Mills has them in stock, made from W&W kits, I have one of theirs, it's not quite as well made but it's close and got it right away. There's also another option, there's a Federal issue shirt made of grey flannel that's much more comfortable than domet flannel. W&W also makes those I think to order but don't quote me on that, I don't have one of those although I wish I did.

What about the number of buttons on the shirt?

 

[captaindrew]

Very nice, thanks. I see one button at the top. I also came across info that shirts from that time had one button and earlier shirts had 3/4. What do you think would be correct for the issued shirts. Most of what sutlers sell has 3/4. Thanks in advance.

The correct style is one. Most mainstream sutlers sell a generic white cotton shirt which is closer to a civilian or CS issue shirt. Which is fine for most events but if you ever want to jump into the campaigner/immersive events you'll want the right thing. There's only a few people that make them, W&W, South Union Mills, and Andrew Kasmar to name a few. Ben Tart might but not sure on that. Or if you want to try it you can get a kit from W&W.

 

[1st New Jersey Brigade]

The correct style is one. Most mainstream sutlers sell a generic white cotton shirt which is closer to a civilian or CS issue shirt. Which is fine for most events but if you ever want to jump into the campaigner/immersive events you'll want the right thing. There's only a few people that make them, W&W, South Union Mills, and Andrew Kasmar to name a few. Ben Tart might but not sure on that. Or if you want to try it you can get a kit from W&W.

Thanks a lot for your responses.

 

[captaindrew]

Here's a couple photos of originals from "Echoes of Glory"

 

[captaindrew]

In all honesty the cotton sutler row shirts will be much more comfortable to wear but they're not correct. The correct domet flannel is itchy as @#$% especially when they're new. I'm glad I mostly do Confederate, the shirts are way more comfortable

 

[captaindrew]

Here is another option for a correct issue shirt, it's what I'll be getting when the time comes I need another Federal shirt. The fabric these are made with is way more comfortable than the domet flannel shirts. https://wwandcompany.com/contract-variant-federal-issue-shirt/ and here is the link for their domet flannel issue shirts https://wwandcompany.com/us-regulation-issue-shirt/ and here is the South Union Mills site https://www.southunionmills.com/federal-issue-domet-flannel-shirt/ Don't believe either of them that their shirts aren't itchy and scratchy, they are, but it is the best reproduction out there and nature of the beast using the correct material.

 

[1st New Jersey Brigade]

Here is another option for a correct issue shirt, it's what I'll be getting when the time comes I need another Federal shirt. The fabric these are made with is way more comfortable than the domet flannel shirts. https://wwandcompany.com/contract-variant-federal-issue-shirt/ and here is the link for their domet flannel issue shirts https://wwandcompany.com/us-regulation-issue-shirt/ and here is the South Union Mills site https://www.southunionmills.com/federal-issue-domet-flannel-shirt/ Don't believe either of them that their shirts aren't itchy and scratchy, they are, but it is the best reproduction out there and nature of the beast using the correct material.

I like the shirts from both companies, BUTTTTT, I am buying shirts for my son and I. We both need another for Gettysburg in June. We only have a total of 4 right now. AND, my son just got his driving permit which cost $375. Now we are in the market for a car for him. So to pay over $300 for 2 shirts is a bit pricey. I think you understand. I do appreciate your help. My main concern after seeing the prices was the color. So, it looks like I can get that correct. On a side note we are both getting a pair of Sanitary Commission socks from South Union Mills.

 

[captaindrew]

I like the shirts from both companies, BUTTTTT, I am buying shirts for my son and I. We both need another for Gettysburg in June. We only have a total of 4 right now. AND, my son just got his driving permit which cost $375. Now we are in the market for a car for him. So to pay over $300 for 2 shirts is a bit pricey. I think you understand. I do appreciate your help. My main concern after seeing the prices was the color. So, it looks like I can get that correct. On a side note we are both getting a pair of Sanitary Commission socks from South Union Mills.

View attachment 470639

I totally understand, see you in Gettysburg!

 

[Trooper "D"]

I like the shirts from both companies, BUTTTTT, I am buying shirts for my son and I. We both need another for Gettysburg in June. We only have a total of 4 right now. AND, my son just got his driving permit which cost $375. Now we are in the market for a car for him. So to pay over $300 for 2 shirts is a bit pricey. I think you understand. I do appreciate your help. My main concern after seeing the prices was the color. So, it looks like I can get that correct. On a side note we are both getting a pair of Sanitary Commission socks from South Union Mills.

View attachment 470639

Things can get pricey. You can always go with a civilian shirt. They have checkered ones that can be found on sale for $15.00 or so a piece. But I understand the desire to be completely G.I. The civilian ones are much more light and comfortable and don't itch.

 

[History36]

In the picture provided by captaindrew, it shows a shirt on the left - looks 'tea-stained' for a lack of a better term. I've been looking to purchase one aged, dirty, etc. like that myself. If anyone may have one for sale / available, I'd be very interested. Thank you for posting!

 

[captaindrew]

In the picture provided by captaindrew, it shows a shirt on the left - looks 'tea-stained' for a lack of a better term. I've been looking to purchase one aged, dirty, etc. like that myself. If anyone may have one for sale / available, I'd be very interested. Thank you for posting!

If you want a good quality yet a soiled used example keep an eye on the Campaigner Quality Trade Blanket on Facebook. They come up for sale pretty regularly.

 

[History36]

Thank you for the heads up - I'll be sure to check out the site you recommended,

 

[History36]

I tried to join (Campaign Quality Trade Blanket) several days ago, but no response as of yet. Hopefully we'll receive word soon....

 

[52ndFandS]

Things can get pricey. You can always go with a civilian shirt. They have checkered ones that can be found on sale for $15.00 or so a piece. But I understand the desire to be completely G.I. The civilian ones are much more light and comfortable and don't itch.

I find the reality vs. Richmind's ideal, was on the soldier's. I've always assumed it was what you got sent from home, or bothered a sutler about it.

 

[52ndFandS]

My impression is Confederate and Tartex Textiles has some very interesting fabric. I'm having this made into a flannel shirt.