Clothing Descriptions

Young Women’s Clothing

Dresses and skirts:  Pioneer dresses should be worn just above your ankle to avoid tripping and tangling with walking.  You should be able to safely climb stairs without using your hands to lift the hem.

Skirt should be full enough to allow active movement and a long stride, gathered into a waist band or with elastic at the waist.  Skirt could have a ruffle at the hem or be plain at the hem.

Blouses:   They should be long-sleeved to protect from the sun, of cotton fabric.  Fabric patterns should be conservative color, print, check or stripes.  Sleeves can be narrow, or full with cuffs.  The neckline could be just to the neck or have a high collar.  Cotton is recommended because synthetic material like polyester is hot and uncomfortable.  Be aware that shirts made from too lightweight of cotton fabric can allow sunburn through it. 

Dresses and Blouses should be loose enough to breathe and allow free movement at shoulders and waist.  Tight clothing will be very uncomfortable, is likely to rip at shoulders and may cause chafing or a rash.  All clothing patterns should be conservative and try to reflect authentic pioneer style (ie. Please, no bright or eccentric styles.)  A complete pioneer style dress is appropriate, as well.

Bloomers:  The Stake Young Women’s presidency is providing a pattern that will be given to each Ward Young Women’s President.  Bloomers must be worn.  They will provide protection against bites and ticks and are mandatory for every woman and young woman participating in the trek.

Bonnets:  Women wore bonnets whenever they were outside.  Bonnets should be made of solid or print cotton, with a stiffened wide brim in front and a back ruffle to protect the neck and tie under the chin. 

Shoes:  These do not need to be in a “period” or old fashioned style.  Comfort and supportive walking or running shoes are recommended.  Be sure to break in shoes at least 3 months before trek.

Aprons:  Are not mandatory but are useful to protect your dress/skirt and can have a wonderfully useful pocket, or two pockets.  Large, deep pockets are highly recommended.  The aprons should be gathered at the waist into a band, with ties at the back.  A square above the waist could be added, if desired, with pins to hold the top corners.    Aprons should be 6-12 inches shorter than the skirt. 

* Each ward young woman president will be given a copy of the dress, bonnet and bloomer pattern to duplicate for the young women in her ward.

Young Men’s Clothing

Shirt:  A loose shirt, with long sleeves and a collar.  Shirts with plaid or striped fabric are great. Cotton fabric is recommended.

Pants:  Should be somewhat loose (cotton), in a tan, brown, black, gray or beige.  Consider using an old Dockers-style slack.  Note: No Denim will be allowed.

Hats:  Many styles are authentic, including round-topped felt brimmed hats, wide straw hats and cowboy hats.  Straw hats with wide brims for sun protection are recommended, with a cord to keep from blowing off in the wind.  Note: No baseball caps will be allowed on trek.

Shoes: These do not need to be in a “period” or old fashioned style.  Comfort and supportive shoes are most important.  Walking or running shoes are recommended.  Be sure to break in shoes at least 3 months before trek.

Optional

Vests & Ties: Usually worn on Sunday or for social occasions.  Ties were small and made from black silky fabric; tied in front with a square knot.  If desired, old suit vests could be found at thrift stores and faux suede fabric is available at fabric stores to make a vest.  A bandana tied at the neck is also appropriate.

Suspenders:  Ideally crossed in the back and buttoned on the front of the pants waistband.  Wide black or brown ribbon could be sewn to the pants to look like suspenders, even with buttons, if desired.

Commercial patterns with pioneer clothing styles:

Simplicity: www.simplicity.com

3723 View “A”: Women’s Dress and bonnet

5023: Men’s Shirt and pants

5035: Men’s shirt and pants

Butterick: www.butterick.com

B4486: Men’s shirt with “crisscross” lacing

McCalls: www.mccallpattern.com

M4862: Men’s or women’s “Poet” shirt

M4548: Women’s Apron, dress, bonnet, skirt

M9423: Women’s Dress, bonnet, apron

M4090: Women’s Skirt