Soldiers' clothing followed strict regulations, with each item assigned a specific lifespan. Regular inspections assessed uniform conditions, and unserviceable items were returned and replaced. Repairs were logged, and soldiers bore the costs of replacements. A regiment's clothing officer managed equipment purchases for enlisted men, while officers supplied their own uniforms. The regimental council ensured purchases met quality standards, recorded in a Register of Uniforms.
Inspection returns and registers provide unprecedented insights into Revolutionary army uniforms, much of which was previously unpublished. Though not all regiments' data were found, Dawson's research offers the most accurate depiction to date. His book combines detailed records with illustrations and photographs of rare surviving items, giving readers a unique visual and historical perspective on soldiers' appearances during this transformative era.