Clothing & Accessories
Period-correct clothing and corps essentials
Most corps provide uniforms to their members, so you typically don't need to buy your own clothing to participate. However, if you're interested in period-correct clothing for reenactments, personal wear, or starting a new corps, there are several reputable suppliers.
What Corps Members Typically Need
Your corps will tell you exactly what to wear and usually provide the uniform. The most common personal items you might need are white cotton gloves (for handling drums and during formal performances), black shoes or period-appropriate footwear, and any undergarments (white shirts, stockings) that go beneath the uniform.
Period Clothing Suppliers
For Revolutionary War and 18th-century clothing, two suppliers stand out for quality and historical accuracy:
Jas. Townsend and Son
Well-known supplier of 18th-century clothing, cookware, and camp equipment for reenactors. Quality reproductions of shirts, waistcoats, breeches, tricorn hats, and accessories suitable for Revolutionary War-era corps.
townsends.us →
Smiling Fox Forge
Handmade 18th and early 19th century clothing and accessories. Popular with reenactors for quality and historical accuracy.
smilingfoxforge.com →
Drum Slings & Harnesses
Drum slings (for snare drums) and harnesses (for bass drums) are typically corps-owned equipment. If you need to source one individually, Cooperman sells leather drum slings and accessories through their drum shop.
Custom Uniforms
Many corps source their uniforms through custom tailors, local seamstresses, or within the corps itself. If your corps is designing or updating uniforms, the best starting point is reaching out to other corps in your tradition — they'll share their sources and lessons learned.
The Company of Fifers & Drummers has corps resources that include guidance on defining your corps identity, which covers uniform choices.