Title: What Kind of Clothing Did the Pioneers Wear? | The Classroom
Headings: What Kind of Clothing Did the Pioneers Wear?
What Kind of Clothing Did the Pioneers Wear?
Fabrics and Fibers
Men's Clothing
Clothing for Women
Children's Clothing
Headwear and Footwear

Content: Making clothing was a labor-intensive task performed by women. Men's Clothing
Pioneer men wore sturdy clothing, including long, straight-legged trousers constructed from brown, black or gray linen, wool or canvas-like fabric. The trousers fastened with buttons because zippers weren't widely available until the early 20th century. Pullover shirts, usually made of linen or wool, had long, full sleeves, buttoned cuffs and long tails that tucked into the trousers. Belts weren't used in pioneer times, so men wore suspenders to keep the loose-fitting trousers in place. Clothing for Women
Women's garments consisted of dresses made of dark-colored fabrics that didn't show dirt. Although women usually wore long skirts, pioneer women often wore slightly shorter, ankle-length skirts to keep the hems from the mud and dust. The dresses, which were fastened with buttons or hooks, had snug bodices and high necks. Women usually wore at least one petticoat under the skirt. An apron, either pinafore-style or tied at the waist, was worn to keep the dresses clean.