Vests? good for an impression or impractial

[Fenian1916]

Howdy,
Recently I been hearing alot of debate on if vests should be worn with some people saying it would be a faux paux for people of that time period not to wear a vest to others saying that they are not period at all and are just a general hassel.
edit: forgot to state my impression late war confederate (I have a back up early war impression for the earlier battles)

 

[Pvt.Shattuck]

Examination of period images proves that vests were very popular and commonly worn by civilians and soldiers both North and South. They were not issued as part of the uniform but purchased privately.

 

[Frederick14Va]

"Vests" aka: "Waist Coats"... were indeed a popular, normal fashion and social habit of the Victorian Era.. both civilian and a carry over to the military.

In the earlier war... militia, pre-war and commutation era it was not uncommon to find images of some soldiers donning matching vests with their uniform. However as the war progressed beyond 1862 and the Depot system of clothing issuing came about...This was not an issued item. If they generally had them thereafter (officers excluded since they were private purchased) they were either private purchase (federals) or especially with Confederates.. commonly found wearing various civilian types.

We commonly see enlisted reenactors regardless of the time frame wearing crisp matching military patterned vests complete with brass military buttons as part of their respective kit.... even late war impressions... which the quartermaster records, photographic evidence and surviving examples generally does not give support.... Remember uniforms, gear and issues evolved over time... We hear various reenactor folks give reasoning of "was made or sent from home"... maybe.. but very unlikely, especially made of military cloth... which was near non-existent and unavailable on the civilian commercial market to be had by Mom, Dad, Sister or Sweetheart to be made for Johnny in the field beyond 1861-62...
If your primary impression is later war Confederate... just use a simple civilian patterned and material vest...

 

[Poor Private]

I wear vest almost always. For modern times as well as period. (seems like I have more period clothes than modern nowadays)
There are several reasons: 1-it keeps me warm on cool evenings, that are to hot for coats. 2- I am a sloppy eater and it keeps my shirt clean. 3-I can show individuality by design, and color with my vest. 4-It adds more pockets, so I can carry stuff like period wallet, pocket watch, hankie, Real id/medical info. And that derringer needed at the card games.

 

[7thWisconsin]

I have two vests, a military and a civilian. The civilian with a shawl collar is my favorite; it's lighter and more comfortable for summer wear. Vests are great for adding a layer of warmth, sweaters not really being popular outside certain populations. Plus 3 more pockets are invaluable: watch, pencil, matches, reading glasses, string...

 

[MRB1863]

Agree with modern day vests as a handy article of outerwear. Allows more freedom of arm movement and warmth when doing active chores outdoors, like chopping wood. They're comfortable. For dress, I think, they do add a touch of class. And they did look great with CW military uniforms. Gave the wearer a place to keep his pocket watch, too!

 

[hendrickms24]

We commonly see enlisted reenactors regardless of the time frame wearing crisp matching military patterned vests complete with brass military buttons as part of their respective kit.... even late war impressions... which the quartermaster records, photographic evidence and surviving examples generally does not give support.... Remember uniforms, gear and issues evolved over time... We hear various reenactor folks give reasoning of "was made or sent from home"... maybe.. but very unlikely, especially made of military cloth... which was near non-existent and unavailable on the civilian commercial market to be had by Mom, Dad, Sister or Sweetheart to be made for Johnny in the field beyond 1861-62...
If your primary impression is later war Confederate... just use a simple civilian patterned and material vest...

I will use myself as an example. I have a vest that is a French blue color and has a military collar with small brass infantry buttons. This vest is private purchase and at no time would it have been issued. I love that vest because it has pocket that I need for my dip pen, watch, drill manual and pocket knife. I could have been used any time during the war.

I recommend everyone to look at period newspapers ads and you will find that thing you haven heard (like watches were not a common items during ACW. They advertise watches for $3 dollars and up. That is not a cost to expensive to purchase) are not always true. Vests and military vest were worn but they should not match your uniform (unless your an officer since it could have been made from the same wool as the coat and pants.) Heck even a company of federal soldiers uniforms color should be different in shade and coloring. Each run of dark blue dyed wool would varies from the next batch.