Cavalry Uniform Presentation

[tomsfiretruck]

Slowly but surely putting together a Union Cavalry presentation.
Primarily for Living History rather than for actual reenactment. (Age/Health issues)
Looking at several Sutlers I see two types of cavalry trousers, wool and cotton.
Can I assume that the wool would be more realistic than cotton, but would I be acceptable with the cotton. (TX weather is an issue)

I have also seen several individuals wearing the "Frontier Classic" cowboy style trousers. They also appear acceptable if you want to galvanize.

Regards, 1st TX USA (1864/1865)

[tenfed1861]

The Federal government issued out wool not for comfort,but for durability.If the heat is the problem,get yourself a good pair of osnaburg summer lenght drawers.This will be able to keep you cooler in the summer time.As far as the trousers,you'll have to get sky blues.That was the uniform regulation,and there for was to be worn.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

For Federal use, I've never seen cotton mentioned as an issue garment after the early to mid 1850's when the new uniform regulations and fatigue blouse (sack coat) were instituted. From the War of 1812 through the Mexican War, the army had a summer fatigue uniform consisting of a shell jacket and broadfall trousers that were made of cotton or linen, but not during the Civil War. It was reinstituted in the 1880's in the form of a heavy cotton duck fatigue uniform, but again, that was later.

[dixieflyer]

Add to that, wool trousers are cooler than most cotton trousers in the heat anyway since they "breathe". I know, I've worn both working out of doors for extended periods of time. (five days a week for a whole summer) To be honest, if they weren't so expensive, I'd wear nothing but correctly made wool and/or jean trousers to do my outside chores instead of jeans, etc. which are hot.

Just my two kopecks.

[sbeneke1]

I would give my advice and say don't buy a cotton pair. Get a good quality loose fitting pair of wool trousers. Given a bit of research and your dismounted service I would say to do a little hunting and find a pair of summer weave trousers. The sutlers that you speak to should have a knowledge of what you are looking for, they will breathe great and with a cotton lining in them of a very light weight or pair of summer drawers will be comfortable in the heat.