Trek Clothing (includes pictures)

Click here to Download the Youth/Parent Handbook (the below information is included)

Pioneer Trek Clothing___________________________

Authentic as possible, pioneer clothing will be mandatory for this Trek.  If you have questions, ask one of your leaders. The following is a short description of what the pioneers wore as they crossed the plains (It will give some helpful hints)

** There are Stake clothing specialists that can help you; they will be contacting your Ward/Branch leaders to coordinate efforts to help you prepare.

Men’s Clothing

MEN should bring (wearing one set and storing one set in gallon size zip lock bags):

2 -    wool, canvas, or cotton pants (not levis)

2 -    long-sleeved shirts (light colored for reflection of sunlight, (cotton is fine)

1 -    wide-brimmed western style hat (no baseball or army hats allowed)

1 -    suspenders (optional)

1 -    sleep wear - modest t-shirt (no non-church logos) and PJ pants

•        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.  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. Wool is too hot.  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.   Note: It would be very smart to wear some sort of spandex (bike shorts) or under armor, under your pants to prevent chaffing – otherwise, it will be very uncomfortable.
•       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 hat.  NO ball caps.
•       Vests -Usually these items were worn only on Sunday or when attending a meeting or social event.
•       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 shoes in the event that one gets wet or causes blisters (one can be sturdy Crocs but NO FLIP FLOPS at all!) Pack clean socks for each day. Some people wear a double pair of socks, with a smooth, lightweight nylon stocking being closest to the skin.

                  2010 Derby Stake Trek Family

 

Women’s Clothing

WOMEN should bring (wearing one set and storing one set in gallon size zip lock bags):

2 -   mid-calf length or ankle length long-sleeved dresses or skirts and 2 long sleeve blouses

1-2 ea. - bonnets

1  - pair knee-length bloomers to wear under skirts (can be made out of old pajama bottoms or hospital pants)

1 -   apron (optional)

1 -   PJs (must be modest and cover your legs/arms – no tank tops and shorts allowed)

1 set - feminine hygiene supplies 

•       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 wrist. 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). Blouses and long skirts or jumpers can be used.   ** For the trek, dresses and skirts should be mid-calf or above the top of a hiking boot in length (so girls do not trip over their skirts).

•       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.
•       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. ** 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. Modern day trekkers could use bike shorts or pajama pants hemmed shorter.
  * Wearing pantaloons helps maintain modesty in trekking situations. (Denim jeans, on the trek, are discouraged because they are too tight, too hot, and don’t “breathe”)
•       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 shoes in the event that one gets wet or causes blisters (one can be sturdy Crocs but NO FLIP FLOPS at all!) Pack clean socks for each day. Some people wear a double pair of socks, with a smooth, lightweight nylon stocking being closest to the skin.
•       Clothing Sources - Check local second-hand stores or borrow clothing. Look up websites for Butterick and McCall’s patterns under costumes (they have pioneer patterns) Authentic clothing patterns can be obtained from: www.pastpatterns.com/1830.html & others. The Stake Clothing specialists will provide enough material for one skirt for each young woman. See your Ward/Branch leaders for more details.

                          2010 Derby Stake Trek Family