The allure of Victorian gowns with their layers, colors, and ribbons is undeniable. But what about the Fashion Clothing For Women who lived on the American frontier? This article explores the practical and stylish clothing worn by pioneer women in the Western frontier between 1850 and 1890, contrasting it with the fashions of the more established Eastern cities.
Pioneer Women’s Fashion: Necessity Meets Style
Pioneer women faced unique challenges when it came to their wardrobes. Convenience, practicality, and maintaining a sense of propriety were all important considerations. Their clothing choices reflect a fascinating blend of resourcefulness and resilience.
Undergarments: Maintaining Propriety on the Frontier
Contrary to popular assumptions, frontier women adhered to the societal norms of the time regarding undergarments. Chemises, pantalets, and even corsets were essential foundation garments. While corsets might seem impractical for a life of hard labor, they were viewed as a symbol of respectability and were worn whenever possible. Petticoats, worn under dresses, added warmth and fullness. Stockings, held up by garters or tucked into pantalets, completed the undergarment ensemble.
Fabrics: Calico and Beyond
A depiction of everyday pioneer clothing.
Calico, a durable and easily cleaned cotton fabric, was the fabric of choice for everyday pioneer clothing for women. While often associated with floral prints, calico was a versatile material available in various colors, either store-bought or dyed using natural resources like leaves and berries. While calico was the staple, cotton and silk were reserved for Sunday best and special occasions.
Daily Wear: Adapting Fashion to Frontier Life
A pioneer woman wearing a practical apron.
The demands of frontier life led to practical adaptations in women’s fashion clothing. Dresses, while still following the general fashion of fitted bodices and full skirts, featured shorter hems for ease of movement. Weights sewn into hems prevented skirts from blowing up in the wind. Sleeves were loosened and extended to the wrist, paired with high collars for sun protection. “Wash dresses,” made from easily laundered white cotton, became popular for their practicality.
Sunday Best: Maintaining Tradition in the West
A pioneer couple dressed in their Sunday best.
Church attendance was a central aspect of social life in frontier communities. For Sunday services, women donned their finest attire, mirroring the fashion trends of the East Coast. Full skirts, petticoats, corsets, and fashionable sleeves like bell or leg-o-mutton styles were common. Light colors were favored by younger women, while darker hues were worn by older, more mature women. Hats, gloves, and low-heeled boots completed the ensemble.
Social Occasions: Dressing Up on the Frontier
A woman wearing a more formal pioneer-era dress.
Special occasions called for even more elaborate attire. Women cherished their best dresses, often made from fabrics ordered from general stores or inspired by patterns from Godey’s Lady’s Book. When resources were limited, existing dresses were embellished with crocheted collars, shawls, and other accessories.
Accessorizing: The Finishing Touches
Young women in pioneer-style clothing and accessories.
Accessories played a crucial role in pioneer women’s fashion. Aprons, boots, brooches, lockets, earrings, hair adornments, hats, collars, cuffs, gloves, parasols, fans, handbags, and shawls added personal style and flair to their outfits.
The Enduring Legacy of Pioneer Fashion
The fashion clothing choices of pioneer women reflect a unique blend of practicality and style. Their resourcefulness and adaptability shaped a distinctive style that continues to inspire today. From sturdy calico dresses to elegant Sunday best, their clothing tells a story of resilience and the enduring human desire for self-expression.
A modern interpretation of pioneer fashion.
