British soldiers typically wore red coats during the American Revolutionary War. The distinctive red or scarlet uniform made British infantry recognizable and inspired the American nickname “Redcoats.”
Red clothing had been associated with English soldiers before the creation of the British Army in 1707. In 1645, the English Parliament’s New Model Army adopted fairly standardized red clothing, and the tradition continued through the eighteenth century. Red dyes were relatively affordable and practical, which helped the color become established.
The color was not completely universal. Artillerymen, rifle units, light cavalry, German auxiliaries, and some Loyalist units could wear other colors, including blue or green. The term “Redcoat” therefore refers to the typical British regular rather than every soldier fighting for Britain.
By the nineteenth century, changing warfare made bright uniforms less practical. Britain introduced khaki service dress in 1902, while scarlet tunics survived mainly for ceremonial and full-dress uniforms.