Native warriors did not wear European-style "uniforms" although most tribes had their own style of battle dress.

In general, native warriors wore few clothes during battle to allow for greater movement. A standard outfit was a breech cloth, leggings, moccasins or British "beef boots." Accoutrements included a belt to secure a tomahawk, knife or powder horn and a decorated pouch to carry cartridges. This state of near-nakedness was quite disconcerting to nineteenth century European sensibilities.

Some native warriors applied bear grease to their skin for protection against the elements and insects. It also helped them slip out of the enemy's grasp.

Body painting and tattoos were also common among Native warriors. Red, symbolic of life, and black, symbolic of danger and death, were popular colours.