I would imagine that military dress before the days of khaki and camouflage was probably pretty much a variation of the civilian dress of the time, except for the bright red colour to mask the bloodstains. At one time well to do aristocrats paid their own money to become officers (no requirement for experience or ability then, just purchase a commission) and often would also have to pay to kit out the ordinary soldiers under their command. "Lions led by donkeys" I think was the expression and one which helps to explain many military debacles such as the loss of the American colonies.