The military uniform is a concept taken from weaponry and tactics introduced into the European armies in the seventeenth century. Uniforms became a vital part thereafter, with soldiers being made recognizable in the smoke filled and crowded battle fields. Also, military uniforms are said to impose discipline and shape habits and actions on the job. Uniforms embody the organizational hierarchy within the military as well. Styles of uniform didn’t change until the mid- twentieth century. Military clothing expanded to a more modern and less isolated style, often indistinguishable from the casual dress of the civilian.
Between 1776 and the nineteenth century, the standard military uniforms in America followed the European uniform style. The tradition set by the British navy which wore the blue apparel in winter and white apparel in summer followed suit in America. In the early nineteenth century, the Napoleonic style of tight trousers, outsized headwear and colorful tight fitting jacket swept the military uniform style in Europe. This influence although subdued in America is evident during the half century, which followed thereafter. In 1830, the French colonial soldiers adopted a popular military clothing style with a cropped jacket and balloon trousers. This style quickly spread around the world.