Pioneers play a major role in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The Salt Lake Valley was settled by LDS pioneers in the mid-19th century, and since then, members of the church have proudly looked back on their pioneer heritage.
Although it’s not common in LDS culture, pioneer costumes are still worn for a few select occasions, such as reenactments of pioneer treks or theatrical performances. If you have questions about how pioneers dressed or how you can dress like a pioneer, keep reading.
Historical Context of LDS Pioneers
LDS pioneers traveled across the country after receiving religious persecution throughout states like Ohio and Missouri. Led by their prophet, Brigham Young, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints resolved to travel west to find a place where they could settle and practice their faith according to their desires.
Naturally, the American West was an untamed prairie at the time, so their clothing had to accommodate the harsh conditions. Function had to take precedence over fashion. Additionally, modesty has always been encouraged in LDS culture, as it is a reflection of the reverence one has for their God-given body.
Materials and Construction of Pioneer Clothing
The most common material to make women’s pioneer apparel was calico. This was an inexpensive and washable cotton fabric. Different layers of pioneer clothing often consisted of different fabrics, though. A linen petticoat was also worn, along with an apron that was also made of calico.
Pioneer men typically wore sturdy clothing made of cotton or linen. They usually wore loose trousers and full shirts that were made to endure a hard day of manual labor. Straw hats were also common to protect them from the sun.
Other common fabrics and materials for pioneer clothing were denim, wool, cotton, or flannel.
Gender Roles and Family Dynamics
Family roles in LDS pioneer times were very reflective of the traditional families today. Fathers were expected to provide and preside over the family while women were mostly charged with raising and nurturing children. This meant that while fathers may have worked outside of the home, mothers took charge as homemakers and educators.
Pioneer Dress Is Practical & Functional
Pioneer clothing had to be made of material that was sturdy and durable enough for demanding household chores of prairie living, such as making meals and laundering clothing and bedding. Aprons were a common item in everyday clothing, heavy boots were worn that were functional through every season of the year.
However, some occasions such as parties, balls, and roundups would call for more festive wear. Women’s formal dresses weren’t dissimilar to everyday dresses but were made of finer materials and utilized bolder, darker colors. Patterns for these dresses were often traded amongst friends and found in catalogs.
Evolution of Pioneer Dress within LDS Communities
Naturally, as the garment industry evolved, so have renditions of LDS pioneer clothing. No longer is clothing made from the wearer ordering fabric and sewing dresses and trousers themselves. Now, machine-made fabrics are made with fewer imperfections and from more comfortable material.
While pioneer clothing is still regularly worn by FLDS church members, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints rarely wear pioneer clothing anymore. However, few scenarios, such as pioneer trek reenactments or theatrical productions, may call for traditionally inspired pioneer dresses.
The Legacy Continues
The impact of pioneer clothing is still felt in LDS culture today, especially in the realm of modesty. Whereas most pioneers wore modest clothing for practical reasons, such as guarding themselves from the elements, LDS church members today wear modest clothing as a reflection of their spiritual commitment. They see their bodies as gifts from God, so they avoid extremes in dress and hairstyle.
Shop Pioneer Clothing at White Elegance
Do you want to rekindle your pioneer heritage and have a taste of what it feels like to be a pioneer woman? Explore our selection of pioneer dresses, costumes, and other pioneer clothing at White Elegance. We also have prairie costumes for occasions when you need to recreate that pioneer charm. We have several items to fit your tastes and reflect your brave ancestors who settled the Salt Lake Valley.