Clothing for trek is not to establish an authentic re-creation of what the pioneers wore. Instead, we want clothing to contribute to the physical and spiritual experience we have during trek! The principles guiding our expectations for clothing include the following:
Clothing should help us leave the modern world behind for a few days in order to help us physically and spiritually focus on what the early saints experienced. In doing this, we can prepare our hearts and minds to have our own spiritual experiences that will draw us nearer to our Savior. Clothing that reflects today’s styles/fashions or that constantly remind us of and emphasize the world (e.g., logos) would detract from our physical and spiritual focus and should be avoided. Instead, clothing that helps us better focus on the physical and spiritual world of the pioneers (i.e., “pioneer-like clothing”) should be worn.
Clothing should help us be able to meet the physical demands of trek. Loose-fitting pants and skirts that allow for walking and climbing, quick drying (after rain, river crossings, etc.), protection against chaffing, etc. should be worn. Similarly, good shoes that will allow for full physical participation, comfort, and safety are a must. Clothing worn under skirts (e.g., bloomers, scrubs, leggings) contribute to full participation in the physical demands of trek and should be worn.
Clothing should help to keep us healthy and safe including protection against the elements (e.g., sunburn), insects (e.g., mosquitos), etc. Principles of safety and protection should guide your choices in regard to length of sleeves, hats, bonnets, etc.
Clothing should reflect the respect we have for our bodies and not distract from the spiritual atmosphere we are trying to create. Clothing can and should be flattering and reflect your personality while not drawing attention to or revealing the most personal and private aspects of our bodies.
As we think about these principles, hopefully our attitudes will shift away from how our bodies look while at trek to, instead, what our bodies can do while on trek. How we cloth ourselves will help us have a spiritual experience on trek because the clothing will:
help us leave the world behind
focus on the things of the spirit more than the things of the world
enable us to fully participate in the physical demands of trek
keep us physically safe
reflect respect for our bodies.
The spending of excessive money and time on your pioneer clothing is discouraged. Historical exactness is not necessary in choosing clothing; a close approximation is the aim.
• Start by looking in your closet or asking if family members have appropriate clothing. Do not wear clothes you do not want to get dirty, stained, or ripped.
• Look for clothing at D.I. and other local thrift stores.
• Let your leaders know if you’re having a hard time locating what you need. They can arrange for clothing or fabric donations to help youth assemble their outfits.
• Organize a Youth sewing activity with Trek Clothing Coordinator Christina Bezzant (contact information below) or other skilled Relief Society sisters.
• Purchasing items from companies that specialize in pioneer clothing can be costly. Use this as a last resort.
• When selecting fabrics, stick to cotton or other natural, breathable fibers in lighter colors.
Pants
• Thrift stores often carry Dockers-style pants (in cotton and linen) or hiking pants (in polyester or nylon).
Shirts
• Thrift stores carry lightweight, light-colored, cotton button-up shirts. You may want to buy a size larger than normal to allow for movement and airflow. Optional: cut off the collar just above the neck band. Neck band stitching will prevent fraying.
• For the ambitious sewer, Christina Bezzant has men’s shirt patterns she is willing to trace, let someone trace, or help someone make (her contact information is below):
Hats
•Wide-brimmed hats with chin straps. Michaels $3.99, Oriental Trading $6.29, Zurchers.
Socks
• Hiking socks (moisture wicking hiking socks are best)
Neck Cooler
• Those sensitive to heat may find neck coolers helpful.
Skirts
• Thrift stores often carry cotton skirts in the appropriate length (mid-calf to above the ankle) that are full enough, to promote walking comfortably.
• Sister Bezzant has patterns for skirts with waits bands. ( see below for her contact information)
Shirts
• Thrift stores carry long-sleeved, lightweight, light-colored cotton blouses. You will want to choose looser-fitting blouses to allow for movement and airflow and to reduce the likelihood of chafing under the arms.
Dresses
• If you would prefer a period dress to a shirt/skirt combination, Sister Bezzant has patterns you can trace (see contact information below)
Aprons
• Attached is one simple way to make an apron. You may want to add pockets to hold lip balm, kleenex, etc. Sister Bezzant has
several patterns for aprons, pinafores.
Hats/Bonnets
• Sister Bezzant has many bonnet patterns she can trace, or let someone trace, if you would like to make your own. (see contact information below).
• Serious sewers can borrow one for a bonnet that protects the neck from sun and insects.
• Often Pioneer bonnets go on sale at White Elegance; there is a further discount for buying in quantity.
Socks
• Hiking socks and knee-hi nylon socks.
Neck Cooler
• Those sensitive to heat may find neck coolers helpful.
Best wishes in helping and encouraging the youth in finding appropriate clothing.