Pioneer Clothing

WHAT TO WEAR ON THE TREK:   

 Dressing in pioneer clothing can have a tremendous impact on the spirit of the trek.  The following is a short description of how pioneers dressed and it is our hope that the youth will dress likewise for the trek. 

 Men’s clothing: 

Men’s shirts are worn loose.  Plain colors were common, but stripes or plaids were also used.  Light colors will be coolest.  Choose something larger than a regular fit, with long sleeves. 

Pants were also worn loose.  Wool or linen was used.  Corduroy, twill and canvas pants are good choices.  Trekker in our day find that wool is to hot but that cotton work great.  Colors include blue, black, gray, browns, especially beige and tan.  Choose rather loose fitting through the crotch and thigh area to add comfort in walking. 

Hats:  Men’s everyday hats ranged from pilot caps, straw hats, wide brimmed low felt hats, or round crowned hat.  No ball caps allowed. 

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 writs.  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.  Pioneer trekkers now have found that dresses and skirts should be mid-calf or above top of a hiking boot in length (so the girls do not trip over their skirts while pulling). 

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 trial

Bonnets; Women wore bonnets whenever they were outside.  They were made of cotton with a deep stiffened brim and 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 they will wear to protect them from the sun. 

Pantaloons were worn underneath the dress and were normally white.  Reached between knee and mid calf.  Could use scrubs or pajama pants hemmed shorter.  Wearing pantaloons helps maintain modesty in trekking situations.  (Although the young women often wear denim jeans, on the trek they should be discouraged because they are too tight, hot and don’t breathe.) 

Shoes; Both women and men’s, shoes need not be “period” style.  Comfort is most important.  Do not wear new hiking boots unless you have taken at least two months to break them in.  Bring two pair, so if one gets wet or cause blisters, the other pair can be worn. 

Socks; Pack clean socks for each day. 

 What NOT TO Wear

Blue jeans, baseball caps, tank tops, t shirts, tight/short dresses, brand new shoes.

Clothing Patterns

The following link is the standard instruction that has been given out to the ma's and pa's

Pioneer Clothing


Simplicity: www.simplicity.com
Women’s Simplicity Patterns – 3723

McCall’s: www.mccallpattern.com
Women’s McCall Patterns – 9423