CLOTHING

Dressing in pioneer clothing can have a tremendous impact on the spirit of the trek.

Each trek participant is responsible for obtaining pioneer clothing to wear on the trek.
Check second-hand stores, such as Deseret Industries, or borrow clothing from people who have previously participated in a trek.

Descriptions of what the pioneers wore as they crossed the plains and also some ideas follow the clothing checklists.

CLOTHING CHECKLIST:

MEN:
2 pairs pants
2 long-sleeved shirts
1 wide-brimmed western style hat
1 pair suspenders or belt
a pair of socks for each day
clean underclothing for each day
2 pair of sturdy shoes
a pair of sweats, t-shirt, and sweatshirt for nightwear
1 old coat/jacket
1 rain poncho

WOMEN:
2 mid-calf length long-sleeved dresses OR
2 mid-calf length skirts and 2 long sleeve blouses
1 bonnet
1 pair of knee length bloomers
1 apron with deep pockets
a pair of sweats, t-shirt, and sweatshirt for Nightwear
a pair of socks for each day
clean underclothing for each day
2 pair sturdy shoes
1 old coat/jacket
1 rain poncho

CLOTHING PATTERNS
Click here for skirt
Click here for bonnet
Click here for apron


Shoes and 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. Bring two pair of good tennis shoes in the event that one gets wet or causes blisters. Pack clean socks for each day. Moisture-wicking socks or nylon socks (like men's dress socks) can be worn against the skin to protect against blistering.

Items NOT to Wear on Trek
Blue Jeans, shorts, baseball caps, tank tops, t-shirts, tight/short dresses, brand new shoes. Stay away from modern clothing and prints. Clothing and PJs should not ride low. Please adhere to 'For the Strength of Youth' standards.

Nightwear
Keep in mind the weather will most likely be COLD in the evenings. Both boys and girls should wear a pair of sweat pants (or sport pants) and a t-shirt. Everyone also needs to have a sweatshirt to wear 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.


PIONEER CLOTHING DETAILS

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.

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, 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
Men’s pants were held up by suspenders. Suspenders 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 should not wear baseball caps.

WOMEN'S CLOTHING

Dresses/Skirts
A Woman’s basic dress was 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 made of cotton in solid colors or small print. Bright colors (excluding neons) were popular, especially bright yellow. Blouses and long skirts or jumpers could be used. Pioneer trekkers today 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 the handcarts.

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 "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. For Trekking today, bonnets or straw hats for the girls are important; they need to have something for protection from the sun.

Pantaloons
These were worn underneath the dress and were normally white. Their length was usually between knee-and mid-calf. Wearing pantaloons helps maintain modesty in trekking situations.

Undergarments
Please be careful and modest in selecting your undergarments for Trek. Simple items made of breathable cotton are best.