During the American Revolution, the colonists and Founding Fathers quickly realized that their resistance would not be easily tolerated by the British. As skirmishes between the colonies’ militia and the British military increased and the monarchy continued to send thousands of troops to America to stop the rebellion, the Founding Fathers recognized that the time had come to create an army for their new nation—and the Continental Army was founded as the Revolutionary War inched ever closer. 

With the official start of the Revolutionary War occurring at the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, it was clear that the colonists needed to be better prepared; at those battles, individual militias fought and there was no organized military effort. The soldiers on the battlefields were volunteer part-time soldiers, all of whom “enlisted” with the belief that they would provide local defense only. The colonists weren’t ready to wage war. So, on June 14, 1775 the Second Continental Congress formed the Continental Army. The Continental Army was created with soldiers from each of the 13 colonies. One day later on June 15, George Washington was voted to be Commander in Chief of the new army. 

As the American Revolution and the Revolutionary War ended, the Continental Army became the United States Army in 1784. Today, the same army that fights around the world is the Continental Army, now known by a different name—and no longer fighting a revolution.

An exclusive piece in our Heritage Costumes collection of quality costume clothing, this American Revolution soldier Revolutionary War uniform costume is authentic to the 1700s and the attire worn by the colonists fighting in the Revolutionary War. You’ll look just like the men of the Continental Army when you don this historically accurate costume set. To capture Revolutionary War uniforms and military attire accurately, this costume includes a Revolutionary War frock coat (also known as a colonial military jacket) with matching embroidered trim and metal buttons, a contrasting waistcoat (or vest), a white lace-trimmed jabot, a pair of colonial military breeches, and lace cuffs. You’ll look the part of a man headed to the battlefields of the Revolutionary War with this costume set straight out of the 18th century.

Of course, every American Revolution wartime costume needs a few accessories, too. No colonist during the 18th century left home for the Continental Army without his black powder horn, white military leggings, white sash, black belt, sword, tricorn hat, and colonial black powder rifle. If you’d like to enhance your Revolutionary War uniform with our Heritage Costume accessories (which are not included with the purchase of this costume), you can pair this costume outfit with these options from our wide selection of added details to create your very own personalized costume.

This high-quality American Revolution soldier adult Revolutionary War uniform costume can be used for a period ball, historical reenactment, masquerade, or simply experiencing a day in the life of a member of the Continental Army during the 18th century Revolutionary War era. Made with pride and care right in the United States, this American Revolution adult Revolutionary War uniform costume is built to last.