Clothing

Dressing in pioneer clothing can have a tremendous impact on the spirit of the trek.  The following is a short description of what the pioneers wore as they crossed the  plains. It also gives some hints for trekking in our day.

MEN’S CLOTHING 

Shirts 

Men’s shirts were worn loose. They had a narrow neck-band with no collar. Plain colors were most common, but stripes or plaids were also used. For modern day  trekkers, light colors will be coolest. Choose something larger than a regular fit, with long sleeves, and it's ok if it has a collar.

Pants 

Men’s pants were also worn loose. Wool or linen was used. Colors included blue, black, gray, and browns, especially beige and tan. Trekkers in our day find that wool is too hot but that cotton, corduroy, twill, cargo and canvas pants are good choices. Choose styles that are rather loose fitting through the crotch and thigh area to add comfort in walking. 

Suspenders 

Pants did not have belt loops; rather, men’s pants were held up by suspenders that were buttoned on the outside of the waistband, and crossed in the back.

Hats 

Men’s everyday hats ranged from pilot caps, straw hats, wide brimmed low felt hats, or round crowned hat. Modern day trekkers can wear a wide brimmed western style hat or a straw hat. (No baseball caps please.) 

Vests/Ties 

Usually these items were worn only on Sunday or when attending a meeting or social event. Ties were small, black, and silky, and were wrapped around the neck  once and tied in the front with a square knot. 

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WOMEN’S CLOTHING 

Dresses 

Women’s basic dresses were floor length. It could be plain or have many ruffles.  The sleeves were full, and long, with buttons or bands at the wrist. Necklines were usually high, with buttons up the front. Fabrics were cotton in solid colors or small  print. Bright colors were popular (especially bright yellow). Blouses and long skirts or jumpers could be used. For trekking purposes, dresses and skirts should be mid-calf or above the top of a hiking boot in length (so as to not trip over skirts while pulling), and blouses could be a button-up shirt of any style, preferably long-sleeved for sun protection. Light colors will be the coolest, with something larger than a regular fit.

Aprons 

The standard apron was six to twelve inches shorter than the skirt length. It gathered at the waist and tied. The bib attached at the waist and was pinned to the dress bodice at the top two corners, hence, the name pinafore (pinned at two of the four corners). Daytime aprons were made of calico remnants. Sunday aprons were made from white fabric and did not have a bib. For trekking today, large deep pockets are important to be able to carry different items along the trail. 

Bonnets 

Women wore bonnets whenever they were outside. They were made of cotton  with a deep stiffened brim and a back ruffle to protect the neck. They could be  white, plain colors or a print, but they never matched the fabric of the dress.  Today, bonnets or straw hats for the girls are important; they need to have something for protection from the sun.  We've been told that past trekkers prefer the large-brim bonnets.

Pantaloons 

These were worn underneath the dress and were normally white. Their length was usually between knee and mid-calf. Modern day trekkers could use scrubs or pajama pants hemmed shorter. Wearing pantaloons helps provide comfort and modesty in trekking situations.

SHOES AND SOCKS

Shoes for both women and men need not be “period” style. Comfort is most important.  Do not wear new shoes unless you have taken at least two months to break them in. You may want to bring two pair of shoes in the event that one gets wet or causes blisters. Pack clean socks for each day. Some people wear a double pair of socks for blister prevention, with a smooth, lightweight nylon stocking being closest to the skin.

CLOTHING SOURCES 

• Check local second-hand stores or borrow clothing. 

• ASK fellow ward members! There are several families who have older children and still have their trek clothes tucked away for a special reason! You are that special reason! Give them a call.

• Look up websites for Butterick and McCall’s patterns under costumes (they have pioneer patterns) 

• Here is a great bonnet pattern: https://www.motherearthnews.com/diy/how-to-make-a-sunbonnet-zmaz78jazbur

• There are several bonnet patterns and apron patterns on the internet! Just google and find your favorite! 

Things that are NOT allowed, or necessary, include: electronics of all kinds, baseball caps, t-shirts, tank tops, blue jeans, canned drinks, candy, weapons, perfumes.