Let’s talk about Pioneer Trek clothing. This is probably one of the most important aspects of an “authentic” Pioneer trek. Clothing is one of the things that can be the most stressful but also the most fun. Originally I thought that I would make almost all of our clothing for Trek. Then I ran out of time–story of my life. However, I am really proud of the pieces that I did make for our Pioneer Trek reenactment. I really love how the outfits came together. Keep reading for my tips and best picks for Pioneer Trek clothing.
men’s Pioneer Trek clothing
Each of us had two outfits–two bottoms and two tops. Not only did we know we didn’t have a ton of space to bring things. We also knew the trail would be dusty and things would get dirty quickly. Because of this I didn’t want to spend a ton of money since things would get filthy and possibly ruined. Both of Mike’s shirts were free since they were old church shirts of his that were pretty worn through. All I did was cut the collar off of them so that was very easy for me. The bandannas we both took were leftover from the kids’ birthday party so they were another free score.
His pants (I made him a linen pair and a lightweight corduroy pair) were the first things I’ve ever made from a pattern. These were definitely the most involved pieces of our Pioneer Trek clothing. I was always so scared to try and follow a pattern, but I did it! He especially loved the linen pair, he said they were super comfortable. (The pattern was Simplicity #4760, but with no pockets and no belt loops. I bought it when Joann’s was having one of their $1 pattern sales, so it was a good deal.)
My husband wore the same hat and suspenders all three days so the money that was spent on them was worth it. I looked for suspenders at every thrift store I went to for months and could never find a pair. I ended up going to Lowe’s because I knew a home improvement store would have them.
women’s Pioneer Trek clothing
After struggling to make Mike’s pants for trek I decided it was best to keep the rest of our Pioneer Trek clothing as simple as possible. I opted not to make myself a bonnet since I knew I already owned this straw hat. I’d also heard they can be kind of a pain to make. All in all, I think the straw hat worked out pretty well for me and in the end I’m glad I didn’t take the time to make a bonnet.
Both of my shirts were from Marshall’s. I don’t often wear shirts that style so I didn’t have any old ones I could use. Originally I had altered one of my hubby’s old church shirts for myself and it turned out pretty cute. Then I wore it to one of our Ma and Pa meetings before trek and after just two hours I was hot and uncomfortable. I knew if I couldn’t make sitting through a shaded meeting I’d never make it through three days walking on a hot trail! So I would recommend trying the clothes out that you plan to wear!
The simplest things that were also freebies were my two skirts. My toile skirt is one that my mom made for me and is from a play I was in several years ago. I borrowed my other skirt, which was also an old costume from a play.
apron tips
I only took one apron on trek, a muslin one that I made from some free instructions I had been given. If I were going again, I would either take two aprons, or make my apron reversible with pockets on both sides because by the end of the second day it was filthy! Also, the fabrics I recommend are linen, muslin, and lightweight cotton, which will be the most breezy and comfortable. I also would recommend light colors that will reflect the sun, but not white, because I’d see dirt on it about an hour after putting it on.
