T he hunting shirt was a garment designed to be worn as an overgarment, and used by both civilians and military. It made a garment that could be dyed various colors to provide a semblance of a uniform for ranger and militia units, and was often issued to military units for the rather mundane purpose of keeping the uniform clean. For a contemporary description of the hunting shirt, or frock, refer to the Longhunter's Sketchbook by Hanson, Sketchbook '76, Leffer's Uniforms of the American Revolution, and others.
Our frock is made to order from linen or fustian, and is supplied undyed so you can color it to meet your needs. Our heavy fustian makes a particularly nice frock, due to its tight weave, resemblance to tow, and its appearance when fringed. Our natural linen sheeting also makes a nice hunting shirt, but its weave is not quite as tight. (Wool can be used on request).
The Hunter's Shirt, or Box Frock, is essentially a large pullover shirt, with button or pleated cuffs and a fringed hem. Our basic Rifleman's Shirt is open in the front, has a single fringed cape, and fringe around the body of the frock (we self-fringe the cape, we do not use drapery or other store bought fringe). You may use pleated or button cuffs; hook & eye or button neck closures; horn, pewter, or brass buttons. There are many possible ways to customize your frock. Let us know your specific needs, and we will gladly put together exactly the frock you want.
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