A Detailed Explanation of the Austro-Hungarian Mountain Troops' Uniforms (Part Two)

Dress Uniform (Waffenrock)

The dress uniform was worn exclusively by officers and military academy cadets for parades and off-duty occasions. A distinctive feature of the mountain troops' officer dress uniform was the specially designed shoulder straps, which were not present on the dress uniforms of officers from other units.

A Captain of the 2nd Bolzano Regiment of Tyrol

The dress uniforms of officers and military academy cadets were made of blue-gray fabric, and worsted wool was sometimes used. The uniform was double-breasted with eight silver-plated buttons per row. Each button was marked with the regiment number: the three Tyrolean Landwehr Rifle Regiments used Roman numerals I, II, and III, while the two infantry regiments adopted Arabic numerals 4 and 27.

When the dress uniform was fastened, the distance between the top two buttons was 10.5 centimeters, and the spacing between the bottom two buttons was 9 centimeters. As officer dress uniforms were privately purchased, they could be tailored to the officer's physique while maintaining balanced proportions. The edges of the uniform's front placket, hem, and pocket flaps were trimmed with grass-green piping. There were two buttons at the waist on the back of the uniform, with a vertical slit below the waist where the left and right panels overlapped each other. On either side of the slit, there was a decorative pocket flap with a fan-shaped edge, each fitted with two buttons.

 The dress uniform featured a grass-green standing collar, fastened with metal hooks and eyes. Collar tabs indicating military rank were attached to the collar, and the rear of the mountain troops' collar tabs bore an edelweiss insignia embroidered in silver thread (exclusive to officers). Except for military academy cadets, all dress uniforms were equipped with shoulder straps made of grass-green fabric. These shoulder straps had a rigid lining and were strictly referred to as shoulder boards.

Dress Uniform for Military Academy Cadets: No Shoulder Straps

The shoulder boards were adorned with silver silk braids, featuring the same pattern as the braids on the officers' collar tabs. In the middle of the braid was the emperor's initials embroidered in golden silk thread: "FJI" (Franz Joseph I) and "K" (Charles I), with the letter edges outlined in green silk thread. Above the initials was a crown embroidered in golden and red silk thread. At the top of each shoulder board was a large silver-plated uniform button. On the back of the shoulder board, there was a long cloth tongue, and two snap fasteners on it to secure the shoulder board to the uniform.

The button in the picture bears the Roman numeral III, representing the 3rd San Candido Regiment of Tyrol. The collar tabs feature embroidered six-pointed stars (in edelweiss style) and edelweiss insignia, indicating a captain of the mountain troops.

On each shoulder of the dress uniform, there were two shoulder board retaining loops made of 1.3-centimeter-wide silver braid. The loops were 7 centimeters apart and 2.5 centimeters long, with the outer loop 1 centimeter away from the shoulder seam. The long cloth tongue of the shoulder board was threaded through the two loops and secured with hidden snaps.

For junior officers: the shoulder board was 4 centimeters wide, the silver braid 3.6 centimeters wide, and the insignia 5.5 centimeters tall. For field officers: the shoulder board was 5.4 centimeters wide, the silver braid 4.8 centimeters wide, and the insignia 9 centimeters tall. When not on duty, officers could choose to wear or remove the shoulder boards. Cadets' dress uniforms had no shoulder boards and no shoulder board retaining loops.

Junior Officer's Shoulder Board (Left) and Field Officer's Shoulder Board (Right) of the 4th Regiment

The shoulder boards of junior officers in the mountain troops featured the embroidered initials "FJI" (Franz Joseph I).

Field Uniform

The field uniform was worn by both officers and enlisted personnel for field operations and parades. Unlike the field uniforms of other units, the mountain troops' version had distinct features: a looser cut, four external pockets (other units had patch pockets or internal pockets), and internal pleats on the back (which were absent from those of other units).

The mountain troops' field uniform featured a special cut, with nearly identical designs for enlisted personnel and officers. Made of blue-gray fabric, it had a stand-up collar with a fold-down lapel and six concealed buttons on the front placket. The uniform was equipped with two chest pockets and two hip pockets; each pocket opening was fastened with one button and topped with a pocket flap with a scalloped edge.

The field uniform of officers in the mountain troops

The upper back of the field uniform featured a saddle-shaped design 7.5 centimeters high, with a 6.5-centimeter-wide internal pleat along the midline of the lower back to provide extra wearing space. The internal pleat was wider at the bottom and narrower at the top, ending with a short stitch below the saddle-shaped seam. On the shoulders of the enlisted personnel's field uniform, a shoulder strap made of the same material as the uniform was sewn into the shoulder seam, with a semicircular top.

The back waist of the officer's field uniform was equipped with two waist tabs for cinching, adjustable in length with two buttons. One centimeter below the waist tabs, aligned with the seam, there was a vertical slit of the same width as the tabs-allowing the unfastened tabs to be inserted and secured inside the uniform. This design prevented the waist tabs from catching on branches or other objects in field environments. The cuffs of the officer's field uniform had no adjustable vents, but a small button was attached next to the vertical seam 2 centimeters from the cuff edge. The lining of the officer's field uniform could be made of matching fabric or soft woolen fabric.

The field uniform of enlisted personnel in the mountain troops

The cuffs of the field uniform were adjusted with two small buttons. The stand-up fold-down collar consisted of two upper and lower panels, lined with linen fabric. At the front of the collar were collar tabs made of grass-green fabric, adorned with silver edelweiss insignia-metal edelweiss for enlisted personnel and embroidered edelweiss for officers. The collar was fastened with black metal hooks and eyes. A throat flap was attached to the back of the collar, allowing the collar to be turned up and secured to withstand harsh weather.

Field Officer's Collar Tabs

Enlisted Personnel's Collar Tabs,The Roman numeral "I" on the shoulder boards indicates the 1st Trento Regiment of Tyrol.

The right shoulder strap of the enlisted personnel's field uniform had two buttonholes, and the left shoulder strap had three-used to fasten them to the buttons 2.5 centimeters from the collar. Five centimeters from the shoulder seam on the right shoulder, there was a shoulder strap loop; the right shoulder strap was threaded through this loop and then secured to the button. The main function of the shoulder straps was to hold items carried over the shoulders. For example, the left shoulder strap typically secured the greatcoat, cape, and blanket, which were rolled up for transport. Enlisted personnel would slip a shoulder strap cover over the left shoulder strap-this cover was made of green cotton fabric with the regiment number printed in white.

An additional shoulder pad was attached to the right shoulder strap of the enlisted personnel's uniform. It was made by rolling 5-centimeter-wide fabric into a cylinder with a diameter of 3 centimeters and placing it at the bottom of the right shoulder strap. The purpose of the shoulder pad was to prevent the straps of weapons and equipment from slipping off the shoulder.

Shoulder boards made of green fabric were sewn into the shoulder seams of the officer's field uniform and secured to the collar with a single button. The edges of the shoulder boards were trimmed with silver ribbons, and in the center was an insignia featuring a crown and the emperor's initials. For junior officers, the shoulder boards were 5 centimeters wide and the insignia 4 centimeters tall; for field officers, the shoulder boards were 6 centimeters wide and the insignia 6.5 centimeters tall.

Left: Enlisted Personnel's Shoulder Board (4th Regiment) | Center: Junior Officer's Shoulder Board | Right: Field Officer's Shoulder Board

Junior Officer's Shoulder Board of the 2nd Bolzano Regiment of Tyrol

 The Karlbluse (Karl-style Field Blouse), introduced in 1916, was designed as a simplified version of the standard field uniform. Its defining features included exposed buttons and pleated pockets. The horn buttons and zinc buttons used on earlier field uniforms were replaced with grayish-green enameled buttons or brown hard composite buttons. The Karlbluse was available in various shades such as field gray, tree bark gray, and lime gray.

Officer's Karlbluse

The Karlbluse was never officially adopted and was only available for private purchase by officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs). Its design prototype may have drawn inspiration from the ski uniform (Schneeschuhlitewka) of the German mountain troops or the 1915 pattern officer's field uniform with chest pockets used by the Bavarian Army. Alternatively, it might have originated from the uniforms of Austro-Hungarian civilian officials attached to the army for logistical duties. Furthermore, according to numerous surviving photographs, despite being named after Charles I, the last Emperor of Austria-Hungary, he never wore the Karlbluse.

Greatcoat (Mantel)

Both officers and enlisted personnel of the mountain troops wore the greatcoat to fend off cold and wind. It was made of heavy grayish-green fabric, later replaced with field gray fabric.

The Greatcoat Specified in the 1911 Uniform Regulations

The upper body and sleeves of the greatcoat were lined with linen (officers' versions used dark gray cotton fabric). It had a loose cut to accommodate various inner military uniforms. The enlisted personnel's greatcoat reached just below the knees, while the officer's greatcoat typically extended to the mid-calf.

The enlisted personnel's greatcoat featured a double-breasted front with ten buttons in total. In contrast, the officer's greatcoat had a double-breasted front with twelve buttons-each marked with the regiment number. There was one row of buttons on the left front and one on the right; usually, the right front was fastened to the left, but both sides were functional. The top buttons were 3.3 centimeters from the collar, and the bottom buttons were centered on the front placket. The distance between the two top buttons was 16 centimeters, and the gap between the two bottom buttons was 13 centimeters.

Enlisted Personnel's Greatcoat

Officer's Greatcoat

There was a pocket with a flap on each side of the greatcoat's waist. Officers had a 13-centimeter-long slit inside the left pocket for carrying a sword. A grass-green arrow-shaped collar tab was sewn to the greatcoat's collar, and officers also had a small button attached to the collar tab.

A throat flap was fitted to the back of the left collar of the greatcoat, secured with two buttons. There was one button on the back of the right collar. In harsh weather, the collar could be turned up and fastened with the throat flap. The back of the greatcoat featured an internal pleat, and a waist tab for cinching was located at the waist, fixed with two buttons. On the enlisted personnel's greatcoat, a shoulder strap was sewn into the shoulder seam-with a rounded top-and secured to the shoulder near the collar with one button. Officer's greatcoats did not have shoulder straps.

The greatcoats made of field gray fabric adopted in September 1915 retained the original cut, with their metal buttons painted matte grayish-green. To simplify the production process, the greatcoat style originally designed for mounted artillery was designated as the standard issue for the entire army in 1936. Starting from 1917, features such as the throat flap and the back internal pleat were omitted to cut costs.

Officers often added fox or rabbit fur collars to their winter greatcoats. To enhance warmth, the greatcoat's lining could also be made of fur, upgrading it to a fur-lined greatcoat. Those on field duty found it inconvenient to wear long greatcoats-especially officer's greatcoats-so they often had the greatcoats shortened into a short jacket style.

The Shortened Officer's Greatcoat

Due to the constraints of wartime conditions, the quality of the greatcoat fabric varied significantly-similar to that of military uniforms and trousers. There were both high-quality and inferior fabrics, including loden wool and low-grade recycled wool. For private purchase, waterproof rubber or oiled silk might also be used. Depending on the manufacturer and quality variations, field gray greatcoats came in different shades of gray, green, or brown.

Hooded Cloak

The hooded cloak was highly favored by hunters, foresters, and mountain troops. It not only provided lightweight rain protection but also ensured the freedom of movement required for mountain operations

The hooded cloak was made of blue-gray fabric and was a special uniform for mountain troops. When unfolded, it formed a three-quarter circle. The right front was fitted with four buttons, and the left front had corresponding buttonholes.

The Hooded Cloak Specified in the 1911 Uniform Regulations

 The hood featured a pouch-like cut, with an open front sewn to the collar opening and could be closed with a small button. When not in use, the top of the hood could be secured to a small button at the back of the neck. A throat flap was attached to the back of the collar. Two shoulder straps were fixed at the seam on the back of the collar-with two buttons on the left end and corresponding buttonholes on the right.

With the shoulder straps, the hooded cloak could be worn draped behind the back by looping the two ends of the straps over the shoulders and fastening them together at the lower back. The cloak came in four sizes, with the front placket length ranging from 75 to 90 centimeters. Its cut effectively shielded against wind and rain, avoided catching on steep terrain, and did not hinder access to bayonets or ammunition.

The Various Parts of the Field Gray Hooded Cloak

Trousers (Pantaloon)

In military uniform regulations, trousers were referred to as "Pantaloon"-a term derived from French, denoting ankle-length pants. Originally designed to be worn with suspenders, they also allowed the use of a belt.

The mountain troops had four types of trousers:

Blue-gray trousers with grass-green stripes: For officers' dress uniforms.

Blue-gray trousers with grass-green piping: For military cadets' dress uniforms.

Gray-blue trousers with grass-green piping: For officers, military cadets, and non-commissioned officers (NCOs) when off duty.

Summer white trousers: Made of lightweight light beige fabric for all ranks; officers typically wore white linen versions.

The piping on the trousers was 2 millimeters wide and made of grass-green fabric. There were pockets lined with linen on both sides of the trousers. The exclusive blue-gray trousers for officers featured 4-centimeter-wide grass-green stripes sewn along both side seams.

Blue-gray Trousers with Grass-green Stripes

 Gray-blue Trousers with Thin Grass-green Piping, Commonly Known as "Salonhosen" (Parlor Trousers)

Enlisted personnel's summer white trousers were made of unbleached twill and had no piping. For officers and military cadets, summer trousers were available in three options: white linen, unbleached washable linen (the same color as enlisted personnel's), or canvas-colored wool fabric. Officers could wear the summer white trousers during summer and when off duty.

Knee Breeches (Kniehosen)

The mountain troops' knee breeches were specially designed for mountain units and made of trouser fabric. They featured a closable front fly secured with four internal buttons. There was a slanted pocket on each side of the breeches and an additional pocket on the right rear-all pockets closed with buttons. A small pouch was sewn inside the right front pocket for storing the military ID card. The interior of the knee breeches was lined with linen, while officers' versions typically used dark green cotton fabric for the lining.

The Knee Breeches Specified in the Military Uniform Regulations

The trouser legs extend from the hips to just below the knees. Designed in a loose fit popular in the mountaineering community at the time to ensure maximum freedom of movement, the cuffs are narrowed with multiple stitched pleats, split at the bottom, and sewn with a drawstring that fastens with a metal buckle. There are three buttons on each side of the top of the knee breeches for attaching suspenders. A metal-buckled strap at the hip area allows for tightening.

 This is a privately purchased pair of knee breeches, with four buttons replacing the metal buckle on the trouser legs.

Since the trouser legs only reach just below the knees, knit wool calf wraps ("Wadenstutzen") are worn on the lower legs-these cover only the calves and not the feet. For the feet, either foot cloths ("Fußlappen") or woolen socks ("Wollsocken") are used.

The advantage of knee breeches is that when walking through wet grass, low bushes, or wading through knee-deep snow, only the calf wraps or gaiters get soaked, while the trouser legs remain dry. In contrast, the lower parts of full-length trousers and artillery trousers (below the knees) become saturated. In field combat environments, replacing calf wraps or gaiters is relatively easy, but trousers cannot be changed promptly. Economically, the cost of replacing damaged calf wraps or gaiters is also lower than replacing an entire pair of trousers.

In the picture, the reenacted mountain troop soldier is wearing the calf wraps ("Wadenstutzen").

 The calf wraps ("Wadenstutzen") are woven from wool, tapered at the ankles, with a cotton stirrup stitched to the bottom edge. When worn, the stirrup is stepped on to prevent the calf wraps from sliding upward during marches.

Mountain troop soldiers also used gaiters on their lower legs. Made of elastic fabric, the gaiters were wrapped around the calves layer by layer from the bottom and then tied securely at the knees. Gaiters protected the calves during mountain climbing and relieved calf soreness.

In 1916, artillery trousers were designated as the "universal trousers" for all branches and units, but mountain troops wore a mix of knee breeches and these universal trousers. Starting from the autumn of 1916, all military uniforms and trousers were made of field gray fabric. Various qualities of fabric were used in their production, including loden wool, while officers often chose corduroy for privately purchased equipment.

The field gray universal trousers, originally designed as artillery trousers, became standard issue for all branches in 1916. Unlike knee breeches, the legs of the universal trousers were loose below the knees and tapered at the calves. To ensure a snug fit, a linen stirrup was sewn to the bottom of each leg, which was stepped on when worn.

Windproof Jacket

Mountain troops were equipped with a set of windproof uniform gear as special weather protection for mountain climbing and skiing. This uniform gear included a windproof jacket, windproof trousers, and lined gloves.

The windproof jacket was made of impregnated canvas, with a front placket closed by five buttons and a stand-up collar. A throat flap and a button were attached to the back of the collar, allowing the collar to be turned up and secured in harsh weather. There were two slanted pockets at the waist, each fitted with a buttoned flap. Each cuff was equipped with two buttons and a strap for tightening. A drawstring at the hem enabled adjustable tightness.

The primary function of the windproof jacket was to provide enhanced cold protection in stormy and snowy conditions, along with a certain level of water resistance. Additionally, it featured a loose fit, so wearing it over field uniforms did not restrict the wearer's freedom of movement. The matching windproof trousers were crafted from the same material. In accordance with the mountain troops' uniform regulations, a waist belt was attached to the upper part of the windproof trousers. Each side seam had an opening closed by two buttons, facilitating access to items in the underlying trousers. An opening was provided on the outer side of each trouser leg, with a drawstring for adjusting tightness.

The soldier in the middle is wearing the windproof jacket.

Snow Camouflage Uniform and Snow Coverall

Camouflage was crucial when operating in snow-covered areas, especially during winter patrols. Mountain troop soldiers typically wore either a snow camouflage uniform or a snow coverall. When necessary, mountain troops could make such snow uniforms themselves using linen or similar fabrics.

The 1918 military uniform regulations provided detailed guidelines for the production of this snow camouflage uniform. It was made from two pieces of white cotton fabric, each 226 centimeters long, which were then sewn together vertically with a 42-centimeter opening in the middle for slipping over the head. The snow camouflage uniform's advantage was its quick donning and doffing, even achievable rapidly during combat operations. However, it tended to flutter in strong winds and slightly restricted soldiers' freedom of movement. In contrast, the snow coverall offered less resistance during movement, particularly excelling in steep terrain.

The snow coverall was made of fully bleached heavy cotton, consisting of an integrated hood, jacket, and trousers. It featured a loose fit, allowing soldiers to wear it over their backpacks conveniently without hindering normal movement. The snow coverall came in three sizes: Size 1 for those over 180 centimeters tall, Size 2 for those between 165 and 180 centimeters, and Size 3 for those under 165 centimeters. The total weight of the snow coverall was 0.54 kilograms.

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