Pioneer Trek Clothing

WHAT TO WEAR ON THE TREK

The wearing of traditional pioneer clothing when participating in trek will add to the spirit and authenticity of the experience. However, the spending of excess money and time on obtaining such clothing is strongly discouraged. All participants should bring two outfits. The following is a short description what pioneers wore as they crossed the plains. It also give some hints for trekking in our day.

Coordinate with Ward YM/YW Presidencies & Relief Societies to help all the youth get their clothing together. Trek participants are encouraged to sew their clothing. Listed below are many resources but most are for visual and informational purposes only. Please be resourceful and frugal in preparing your pioneer clothing! You may ask for donations of plain or small print cotton fabric, sheets, pillowcases, curtains, dress shirts, pants, etc. Consider asking your Ward sisters to donate unused JoAnn Fabric coupons. Watch for $1-$2 fabric at Wal-Mart. Make sure your fabric selections are not too thin and that they won’t become transparent when wet! Thrift stores are a great place to look for many items, including dress shirts and pants that can easily be converted into pioneer era clothing. Below are a few tutorials & basic patterns.

MEN:

Hiking/walking shoes (not new)
Water shoes/old sneakers for river crossing
Pair of Socks for each day (good quality to prevent blisters)
Clean underclothing for each day
Poncho or water repellant coat
Wide-brimmed western style hat (helps avoid sunburn)
Two -Long cotton, canvas, or khaki pants. (no jeans)
Suspenders with button holes or a belt
Two- Long-sleeved shirts (cotton or flannel – no logos)
Vest
Coat / jacket
A pair of sweats, t-shirt, and sweatshirt for Nightwear

WOMEN:

Hiking/walking shoes (not new)
Water shoes/old sneakers for river crossing
Pair of Socks for each day (good quality to prevent blisters)
Clean underclothing for each day
Poncho or water repellant jacket
Two *mid-calf length long-sleeved pioneer style dresses OR 2 mid-calf length skirts and 2 long sleeve blouses OR one of each
Bonnet (no modern hats, must be pioneer style)
Apron with deep pockets
Bloomers/knee shorts – to be worn under dress or skirt
Warm Coat / jacket
A pair of sweats, t-shirt, and sweatshirt for Nightwear

Trek Packing List

MEN’S CLOTHING:

Shirts: Men’s shirts are worn loose. Plain colors were common, but stripes or plaids were also used. For modern day trekkers, light colors will be coolest. Choose something larger than regular fit with long sleeves.

Pants: Men's pants were also worn loose. Wool or linen were used. Trekkers in our day find that wool is too hot but that cotton, corduroy, twill, and canvas pants are good choices. Choose styles that are rather loose fitting through the crotch and thigh area to add comfort when 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 hats. These types of hats are available at various country supply store locations for a modest price. But don't hesitate to look for hats at thrift stories as well. Modern day trekkers should not wear baseball caps.

WOMEN and MEN’S CLOTHING ITEMS

Undergarments: Please be careful and modest in selecting your undergarments for Trek. Simplicity and items made of breathable cotton will be the best choice.

Nightwear: Keep in mind the weather will most likely be cold in the evenings. We would recommend that everyone wear a pair of sweat pants (or sport pants) and a t-shirt for warmth and modesty. They should each also have a sweatshirt for additional warmth. Nightwear is to be worn only when it is time to go to sleep, not when we arrive at a given campsite. You will change into your bedclothes once it is time to retire to your tents/shelters.

Shoes & Socks: 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. Good running shoes are recommended. Pack clean socks for each day. We recommend nylon socks against the skin to protect or wearing 2 pair of socks at once can help prevent blisters.

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 . Blouses and long skirts or jumpers could be used. Pioneer trekkers today have found that dresses and skirts should be mid-calf or one hand span above the ankle bone (to avoid tripping over their skirts while pulling). A simple skirt could be made from a sheet and a long sleeve blouse modified by removing the collar.

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. A King Size pillowcase with one side seam, opened up, would make a nice simple apron!

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. For trekking today, bonnets are important; they need to have something for protection from the sun.

Pantaloons were worn underneath the dress and were normally white. The length was usually between the knee and mid-calf. Wearing pantaloons helps maintain modesty in trekking situations. They could be made from scrubs or pajama pants hemmed shorter. Shorts below the knee or Capri style pants will be acceptable.

CLOTHING RESOURCES AND PATTERNS

HERE ARE SOME TUTORIALS and IDEAS FOR MODIFYING & GETTING CREATIVE:

Experienced sewers, crafty Young Women, and brave Young Men: feel free to make your own patterns or modify existing items. HAVE SOME GREAT CLASS ACTIVITIES. Plan a Super Sewing Saturday with the help of your Ward Relief Society. Work with a family member or friend. Duty to God/Personal Progress Projects can be applicable too.