Need a rebel kepi? Here’s a closer look at a confederate reproduction kepi. Made of wool, with cotton lining.
Ever wonder why it’s called a kepi? Both the cap and the name itself comes from the French. The French re-spelled the word kappe, which itself means “cap”. Its origins began as early as the 1830s in the French military.
In the United States, the kepi is heavily associated with the Civil War, and its use also continued into the Indian Wars.
The Kepi and the Impression
The kepi is the piece of headwear that most often decides whether a Civil War impression reads correctly. Its height, the shape of the crown and the angle of the visor changed between the first years of the war and the last, and a kepi bought for the wrong year will stand out at a judged event even to a visitor who knows nothing about uniforms.
In practical terms, a kepi should sit level and just above the ears. Worn back on the head it reads as a costume; pulled down it hides the eyes and photographs badly. If the cap has a leather visor, keep it dry: leather that has been soaked and dried will curl, and the curl does not come out.
Common questions
Is the kepi adjustable?
Most reproductions come in fixed sizes, so measure the head before ordering and allow for a wool cap that will not stretch.
Does the colour match the period?
The grey and butternut shades vary by unit and year. Check the standard of your impression before buying.