Types of WWII Re-enactment Uniforms

U.S. Army infantry uniform with standard field issue equipment for WWII.

Thousands of people in the U.S. enjoy World War II reenacting. Many are lifelong collectors of actual artifacts, while others choose replicas of the clothes, weapons and other items carried by soldiers on both sides of the historic conflict. While there are almost an unlimited number of uniforms to choose from, most reenactments consist of re-staging significant infantry battles. That's why infantry uniforms from the major countries involved are favored by reenacters worldwide.

British Battle Dress

British battle dress was the uniform worn by the typical British serviceman on the continent. The uniform varied in color, and ranges from khaki to dark brown. The battle dress jacket has a pleated waist and two larger outer pockets. The trousers have a button fly and are equipped with a large cargo pocket on the thigh. Complete the look with a floppy general service cap on your head.

German Field Gray Uniforms

The German field gray uniform consists generally of the M36T tunic coupled with M43P field trousers. These uniforms are intended to be replicas of the uniforms worn by soldiers of the Wehrmacht who fought the allies on the Western Front as well as the ill-equipped armies who took part in the advance into Russia on the Eastern Front.

U.S. Army Infantry Uniform

The U.S. Army infantry uniforms during World War II were khaki-colored and made from wool. These uniforms are typical of those worn by U.S. soldiers in the summer of 1944 during the initial allied invasion to free Europe from the grasp of the Nazis. They generally consist of the M1941 field jacket coupled with a pair of standard issue, U.S. Army wool trousers.

Russian Infantryman

The typical red army infantryman uniform consists of the Russian M35 tunic with its subdued collar tabs and hidden buttons on the front. The M35 breeches are made from 100 percent Ukrainian cotton twill and outfitted with original black painted metal buttons. To top off the uniform of the typical "Ivan," you will need an M35 pilotka cap.

Japanese Infantry Uniform

The typical Japanese infantryman wore a distinct tan uniform with a cloth-covered helmet, boots and leggings. Properly accessorized, the uniform would also include ammo pouches, an Arasaka rifle and the favored weapon of the charging Japanese in the Pacific, the bayonet.

References

• Modeling the U.S. Army in WWII
• History of War Online: WW2