19th century military uniforms

In the 19th century, military uniforms evolved from bright, elaborate garments into more practical, function-oriented designs. Early uniforms featured vibrant colors like red, blue, and yellow to display regiments and boost morale, often with distinctive insignia and braiding. As warfare became more professionalized, uniforms adopted subdued tones such as gray and green to provide better concealment. Materials shifted from elaborate silks and velvets to durable wool and canvas. Uniforms also standardized with badges, epaulets, and headgear reflecting rank and unit. Overall, 19th-century military uniforms balanced visual identification, tradition, and increasingly practical considerations for varied terrains and combat conditions.