Infantry dress

That for the beginning of the period has already been described; style throughout was fairly uniform, following, or even setting, civilian fashion, the troops generally distinguishing themselves by richer dress — silver trimming was common. In the mid to late 16th Century short stuffed breeches were worn, doublets could also be padded; coats with hanging sleeves were often worn. Spanish and Burgundian troops were particularly characterised by the stiff white neck-ruff.

Which they wore longer than others, into the 17th Century. Longer, baggy breeches then became usual, often with red stockings; by mid-century the usual dress for an infantryman was a black felt hat with a kerchief rou nd it, white linen shirt, dark brown doublet and breeches and a buff coat. There was, however, no uniform properly so-called before the later 17th Century—adocument of 1610, indeed, remarks ’Never was there a strict ruling on the costume and armament of the Spanish infantry, for it was this that raised the morale and dash that must possess the men of war’.

The national distinguishing mark (shared with Imperial troops) was, first, the red cross (X), on back and breast, later, the red sash worn by officers, pikes and cavalry.

Musicians were more ornately dressed, and in the 16th Century wore small round caps and heavily-slashed clothing; by the mid-17th Century they had coat trim diagonally striped in the Hapsburg red and white. Officers sometimes carried gilt partisans or halberds, and had a shield carried before them by a page, even in battle.

After the early 16th Century, only pikemen, halberdiers, sword-and-buckler men and officers were likely to wear plate armour—a corselet, often with gorget and armour forthe shoulders, arms and thighs (at least half the Spanish pikemen were armoured). Armour could be blackened, but that of Alva’s army (1567) is said to have been richly decorated

Spanish drummer and fifer of the late 16th Century —probably 1580s.

Spanish standard bearer, circa 1580.

And gilded. 16th Century arquebusiers often wore mail shirts or leather jerkins for protection; 16th Century musketeers, encumbered with their heavy weapon, its stand, bandolier, etc, wore no protection and usually affected a felt hat rather than the bu rgonets, morions, or caps of the other infantry.