Pioneer Clothing/Patterns

Dressing in Pioneer clothing can have a tremendous impact on the spirit of Trek. All Trek participants are expected to dress in "period" clothing which includes the following:

Men’s clothing:

Men’s shirts 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. Twill, cotton and canvas pants are good choices. 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. Men’s pants were held up by suspenders that were buttoned on the outside of the waistband, and crossed in the back; a belt will work too.

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:

Women's shirts worn loose. White or light colored, blouse with long or 3/4 length sleeves.

Dresses or skirts. Fabrics were cotton in solid colors or small print. Bright colors were popular (especially bright yellow). Blouses (3/4 sleeve or long sleeved) and long skirts or jumpers could be used. Dresses and skirts should be mid- calf or above top of a hiking boot in length

Aprons. pockets are a good thing

Bonnets with neck ruffle to protect from the sun (or wide brimmed hat, such as a straw sun hat)

Pantaloons were worn underneath the dress and were normally white. Length would reach between knee and mid calf. Could use scrubs or pajama pants hemmed shorter.

What NOT to Wear!!

denim/jeans

baseball caps

tank tops

t-shirts

tight/short dresses

shorts

brand new shoes

All Trek participants will need to provide their own Pioneer outfits. Arrive at Trek in Pioneer clothing, it is recommended to pack at least one more outfit, but everything must fit inside a 5 gallon bucket.

WHERE TO FIND PIONEER CLOTHING:

1. THRIFT SHOPS AND SECOND HAND STORES

Shirts and skirts can be modified

2. SEW YOUR OWN CLOTHES

Links for Pioneer clothing patterns:

Great clothing ideas and patterns at Handcart Trek Guidelines, go to Appendix 1 (pages 26-30)

Bonnet pattern

Petticoat pattern

Simplicity: www.simplicity.com
Women’s Simplicity Patterns – 3723 and 3725
Men’s Simplicity Patterns – 5023 and 5025

Butterick: www.butterick.com
Women’s Butterick Patterns – 4570 and 3992
Men’s Butterick Pattern – 3896

McCall’s: www.mccallpattern.com
Women’s McCall Patterns – M9424, M2337, M9423

The Historical Pattern Company: www.pastpatterns.com/1830.html
Various men’s and women’s patterns are shown on this website.