Trek Clothing

PIONEER TREK 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.  Light colors will be coolest. Choose something larger than a regular fit, with long sleeves.

Pants
Men’s pants were also worn loose.  Wool or linen were 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 included blue, black, gray browns, especially beige and tan.  Choose rather loose fitting through the crotch and thigh area to add comfort in walking.

Suspenders
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. Do not allow ball caps.

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

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. Pioneer trekkers now have found that dresses and skirts should be mid-calf or above the 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 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 they will wear to protect them from the sun.

Pantaloons
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
For both women and men 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 give causes blisters the other pair can be wore. Pack clean socks for each day.

Clothing Sources
Check local second-hand stores or borrow clothing.

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

Authentic clothing patterns can be obtained from www.pastpatterns.com/1830.html  also look under 1840-1850’s.

Many bonnet and dress patterns can be obtained through the internet

Helpful items
Sunscreen, chap-stick, sunglasses, insect repellant, lotion, work gloves, spray bottle, camera.

Be specific about what is NOT allowed
•i.e. electronics of all kinds, baseball caps, t-shirts, tank tops, blue jeans, canned drinks, candy, weapons, perfumes.