Local Shortage of Pioneer Clothing Due to High-Demand

Due to many stakes in the Layton and Syracuse areas attending a trek this summer, pioneer-style clothing is becoming hard to come by. Plan early and start shopping today! In some cases, the skirts are selling out the same day they come in. Also, have your tin cup and heavy poncho ready to go weeks in advance of trek. Don't wait until the last minute!

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 this will be helpful as you prepare for trek.

Men’s clothing:
Men’s shirts were 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. Colors include blue, black, gray, browns, especially beige and tan. For our trek, choose rather loose fitting through the crotch and thigh area to add comfort in walking. No Levis, camouflage or cargo pants. Make sure you have 2 pairs of wool, canvas or cotton pants.

Suspenders: Men’s pants were held up by suspenders that were buttoned on the outside of the waistband, and crossed in the back.

Hats: Choose a wide-brimmed western-style hat (No ball caps allowed).

Women’s clothing:
Dresses: In pioneer times, 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). For our trek, dresses and skirts need to be mid-calf in length (so the girls do not trip over their skirts while pulling). Long sleeve blouses and long skirts or jumpers could be used.

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. 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 for the girls are important, they need to have something they will wear to protect them from the sun. Our wonderful Stake Sewing Committee will provide bonnets for each attendee.

Pantaloons were worn underneath the dress and were normally white. They reached between knee and mid calf. You can use scrubs or pajama pants hemmed shorter. Make sure the bottom of your pantaloons have an elastic band to keep dirt away from the legs. Wearing pantaloons also helps to maintain modesty in trekking situations.

Shoes: For both women and men, shoes need not be “period” style. Comfort is most important. Do not wear new shoe 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.

Clothing Sources: 2nd hand stores or borrowed clothing is the best way to go. Deseret Industries is a great source for pioneer clothing.
Here are some resources for ready made clothing to give you ideas of what you can be looking for as you're shopping:
(There are others if you search the internet)
http://whiteelegance.com/
http://sercal.com/
http://www.theoldwestgallery.com/
http://www.westernemporium.com/
http://www.riverjunction.com/
http://www.reenactmentcostumes.com/index.htm