Best Zouave Uniforms

[John "Red" Turner]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I've looked on line and have seen some tailors and companies that carry zouave uniforms, but in your opinions, who has the best?

Thanks for your time and assistance.

John Turner

[cwrematchr]

Matt Williamson of Timeline Clothiers.

[flattop32355]

You might want to get a bit more specific, as there were any number of different Zouave style uniforms used in the war, and on both sides.

[skamikaze]

we took a stack of research and photos, along with authenticity guidelines, to The Gettysburg Sutler and they cranked out some fine looking 95th PVI uniforms. They have also done the 23rd PA, Birney's Zouaves and a slew of other custom work. There is a gut who does good 155th PA uniforms too but I can't remember his name. You can't find zouave stuff off the rack. If you have a specific impression, take your research to a reputable make and have them work with you. Expect to pay out the nose though, for some of these uniforms.

[Kevin O'Beirne]

Define what you believe constitutes "best"--best price? Most accurate to originals? Or a combo of the two?

Zouave and other specialty-impression uniforms are difficult to generalize about, because each maker of repros has their own way of doing things, and these techniques and materials will almost always change over time; couple that with how specific specialty-impression uniforms are, and one needds to get, say, a Zouave uniform made on a case-by-case basis. I suggest you obtain as much historical documentation as you need to suit yourself and your friends who may purchase one(s) with you, and then write up a set of requirements for vendors to use in submitting proposals to you for pricing and time and terms and conditions for the work.

Remember: Zouave uniforms, like the duds worn by "other" regiments, tended to change over time and, occasionally, there were variations seen in the same regiment from one man to the next. How a Zouave appeared on campaign was often less than the ideal uniform depcted in most posed photos of the period and modern illustrations.

[John "Red" Turner]

Gents,
Thanks for the help and assistance.

John Turner

[Regimental_Officer]

S&S Sutler also can get Zouave uniforms made and he gets them made by Shirley Miller who made most of if not all the 5th New Yorks uniforms. I had my 9th New York Hawkins Zouave uniform made by her and it was first rate. S&S Sutler should still have a 9TH New York jacket in his shop take a look at it and see for yourself.

[DColeman]

Spoonie & Eric are both correct. S & S is very good as well The Gettysburg Sutler. My 23rd PA uniform was a piece of art work that the Col himself hand delivered to me.:)