Facing

Lining the uniform

A Facing Colour is a common European uniform military tailoring technique where the lining of the standard military jacket is of a different colour to that of the jacket. The jacket lining evolved to be of different coloured material, then of specific hues. Accordingly when the material was turned back on itself: the cuffs, lapels and tails of the jacket exposed the contrasting colours of the lining or facings, enabling ready visual distinction of units: regiments, divisions or battalions each with their own specific and prominent colours. It was especially observed and elaborated on during the Napoleonic Wars.