The general idea behind the new design of the uniforms were to supply the troops with an outfit that were more suitable on the battlefield than the older ones. The new uniform is sometime referred to as “the Potemkin uniform”.

The new jacket was worn buttoned and the turnbacks could be “buttoned down” for protection in bad weather. Pants of full length and a looser fit replaced the older breeches that had been tight and of knee length. The tricorne was also replaced with a cap. It had a peek to protect from the sun light, a large pad to protect the head in close combat, and some ties in the neck that could be used as “ear flaps”. The use of wig and white powder were abolished. During the regime of Tsar Paul, the Potemkin uniform was abandoned and the older fashion was reinstated.

In general, all units used a uniform of the same cut. The single regiment could be identified only by the design of the epaulette worn on the left shoulder.

Potemkin is often described as particularly benevolent toward the lower ranks. Contemporaries noted his unusual ‘sensitivity’ and ‘unwillingness to shed blood’ (manifested in Potemkin’s attempt to avoid storming Ochakov). The demonstrated concern for the welfare of his soldiers is expressed in changes in the military uniform introduced by Potemkin. Marc Raeff mentions that ‘popular or soldiers’ songs portray him as ‘fatherly military hero.’ In L. Engelgardt’s memoirs an ‘old grenadier’ is asked to compare Potemkin to Rumiantsev a few days after the former’s death: ‘The late His Excellency [Potemkin] was like a father to us, he made our service easier, cared about all our needs; so to say , we were his spoiled children … But under our father, needs; so to say, we were his spoiled children … But under our father, Count Petr Aleksandrovich [Rumiantsev], it was scary, yet merry to serve; he was a brave fellow, and his every look was like a gift for us; he used to install a spirit of courage in us’ The two generals are clearly juxtaposed here as embodying two different ideals: Potemkin of personal relationship and fatherly care, Rumiantsev of service and martial spirit.