Historical Figures

What were the uniforms in World War 1?

During World War I, the uniforms worn by soldiers varied depending on the country they served in. Here are some common uniforms from the major countries involved in the war:

1. British Uniforms:

- Field Uniform: British soldiers wore khaki woolen uniforms for field duty. These uniforms provided better camouflage than the traditional red uniforms that had been previously used.

- Service Dress: For formal occasions and off-duty hours, soldiers wore a service dress uniform that consisted of a tunic, trousers, and puttees (cloth wrappings worn around the legs below the knees).

- Headgear: The British Brodie helmet, also known as the "Tommy Helmet," was widely used for head protection.

2. French Uniforms:

- Horizon Blue Uniform: French soldiers wore distinctive horizon blue woolen uniforms.

- Adrian Helmet: The Adrian helmet, designed by General Auguste-Louis Adrian, was the standard steel helmet used by the French troops.

3. German Uniforms:

- Field Gray Uniform: German soldiers wore feldgrau (field gray) woolen uniforms. The color provided better camouflage than previous Prussian blue uniforms.

- Pickelhaube: German troops initially wore the distinctive spiked Pickelhaube helmet. However, as the war progressed, it was gradually replaced by the Stahlhelm (steel helmet).

4. American Uniforms:

- Olive Drab Uniform: American soldiers wore olive drab woolen uniforms, transitioning from earlier khaki-colored uniforms.

- M1917 Helmet: The American Doughboys used the M1917 helmet, also known as the Brodie helmet, similar to the British design.

5. Russian Uniforms:

- Khaki or Gray Uniform: Russian soldiers wore khaki or gray uniforms depending on the theater of war.

- Budenovka: The iconic pointed Budenovka helmet, also known as the "winter helmet," was widely used by Russian troops.

6. Ottoman Uniforms:

- Khaki Uniform: Ottoman soldiers wore loose-fitting khaki uniforms tailored to suit the diverse climate conditions experienced in different regions.

- Fez: The red fez was a characteristic headgear worn by Ottoman soldiers.