How To Make A Costume

General Rules To Follow

The zipper was not invented until 1920.  Alternate closures for costumes were buttons, ribbon ties, lace up, and hook and eye closures.

When looking for buttons, plastic was not available.  Try to get plastic that looks like wood, metal, shell, or other materials that were available during the era you are portraying.

Buscadero holsters were not popular until about the 1900's.  More popular holsters were Mexican Loop holsters.

Dark glasses were worn by people who usually had syphilis or STD's.  The reason for this is the sun hurt their eyes.

Gentlemen did not wear suspenders and a belt at the same time.

Not every cowboy was clean.  If you came in off the trail you were dirty and dusty.

Not every cowboy wore a bandana or scarf or carried a gun when they came into town.

Clothing did not carry advertising on them.  If you are wearing pants that show the label, take the time and cut it off.

Most of the costume suggestions below are designed for the 1870's to the 1890's.  You will find some suggestions for Civil War attire.  (This will be expanded as more events are added to the Buffalo Ranch calendar.)

Do you have to be period correct to shoot at the Buffalo Ranch?  Absolutely not!

For the Ladies...

    The Soiled Dove--for most ladies just starting out in re-enacting, this is the first costume they choose.  Why is that, it is one of the most inexpensive costumes to start with.  Items needed for this costume, a chemise, a corset, tights, bloomers, and boots.  Other accessories include a feather clip for your hair, a feather boa, elbow length gloves, and a garter to slip your derringer into.

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    The Saloon Girl--the Saloon Girl is a little more upscale than the Soiled Dove.  These beauties can wear the same items as a Soiled Dove but they add a skirt, sometimes a bustle.  Their hair clip can be more extravagant.  These ladies work the saloon during the day.

    The Towns Lady--normal attire for the Towns Lady is a dress that usually is 2 parts, a bodice and a skirt.  They will wear bloomers, a slip, tights, and boots under their skirt.  To be period correct, a Towns Lady will wear a chemise and corset under her bodice.  No proper lady would be seen around town without gloves and head covering (usually a hat).  A Towns Lady would sometimes carry a parasol to protect her fair skin from the sun and would always carry a reticule (purse).

Mike and Trudi Roser at Yuma Territorial Prison, Yuma, AZ.  Mike and Trudi are ready for a night out on the town.

Drop Dead Dee and Dinky from Pistols and Petticoats, photo is at Melody Ranch, Santa Clarita, CA.

The Madam--a Madam's costume is very flashy.  She must attract business for her working girls, this would be our Soiled Doves.  A Madam would wear her finest in clothing and jewelry when she was out and about in public or during working hours.  A Madam would only work for the most exclusive of clients.  

The Harvey Girl--Harvey Girls were made popular by Fred Harvey.  These "available" young women would seek employment by Mr. Harvey so they may journey out West to see the world and find a suitable husband.  Unlike Soiled Doves, these young women had impeccable manners and hygiene.  They were required to wear a uniform that consisted of a black skirt, black shirt, white apron, sometimes white collar and cuffs, and a white bow in their hair.  They would work in "houses" or train depots.  Harvey Houses are still working throughout the United States.  In Southern California, Harvey Houses are being restored in Needles and the Harvey House in Barstow is still part of a working train station.

Watch as this page is updated...

Tips and Tricks

It can be quite costly when making a costume from scratch.  Here are some tips I have found useful over the past 25 plus years.

When making a mock up of a pattern I use the $1 a yard fabric from the local Wal-Mart.  I try to find fabric the same weight as the fabric I will be using for the costume.  I also use this to design my own costume patterns.

Line your costumes with natural fabrics.  Cotton is a good lining material as it is natural and will allow your body to breath while you are wearing it.  It also allows the air to penetrate and provides a built in cooling system.  As the air dries your fabric it cools your body similar to the process of an evaporated cooler.

Speaking of linings, if you have a chance to check out the costumes of the past you will notice that not all of the linings match the dress (main) fabrics.  Additionally, a home sewer might use several different fabrics for the lining of one outfit.

When looking for velvet I sometimes resort to velour.  It is cheaper than most velvets and has about the same weight and drape as the real thing.  I call it, "Poor Man's Velvet."

Don't be afraid to experiment with your fabric.  I have spray painted laces, painted on fabric, and used rubber stamps and ironed patterns into fabric just to get the look I want to achieve.  Most often than not, I will use the wrong side of the fabric to make trim for a costume.  This way I get a slightly different color but of the same hue.

Visit the thrift stores in your area.  You can get clothing that with just a little alteration can work perfectly for costumes.  My first saloon dress was a short black and blue lace prom dress that I bought for $6.  I replaced the zipper with a hook and eye closure and added some fringe to the arms, worn with a black pair of stockings, feather in my hair and boots I looked the part.

When buying shirts from the thrift store I look for shirts with metal or wood (look alike) buttons.  I simply unpick the collar from the shirt and discard it.  I re-stitch up the neck and I have a collarless shirt just like in the old days.  I try to find shirts that do not have pockets, but I have several shirts that have breast pockets.

About the groups and events featured on this page

Harvest Fair--One of the best Cowboy Events in America, Harvest Fair takes place the first two weekends in November, annually.  Harvest Fair is a fundraising event for the Center for Individual Development located in San Bernardino, CA.  Gunfighter Reenactment groups from all over the South West attend this fun event.  Evenings are completed with BBQ's or Chuck Wagon cooking and entertainment.  Many groups camp out overnight.

Gathering of the Gunfighters--Held annually in Yuma, Arizona at the Territorial Prison in January.  A competition for old west stunt teams that also features a costume competition.

Calico Days--Held annually in Yermo, CA., at the Calico Ghost Town.  This event takes place on Columbus Day weekend.  The parade on Saturday is the highlight of the weekend.  Trophies and ribbons are presented to participants, with awards going to best group, gunfighters, and costumes.  A stunt competition is held for gunfighting teams to garner awards.  The Friday and Saturday Night Dance at the Silver Bowl draws many people.  

Civil War Days--Held annually in Yermo, CA., at the Calico Ghost Town.  This event takes place on President's Weekend.  The North and the South come together to do battle to claim Calico as their own.  Saturday and Sunday feature a battle in the Silver Bowl and at the Schoolhouse.  Guests to this event are treated to a rare glimpse of a soldiers life, camps are set up throughout the park for visitors to see how the soldiers lived.  A Cotillion Ball takes place in the evening for the ladies to show off their beautiful gowns.  On Sunday an all faith church service is offered for guests and participants.

Heritage Festival--This event is also held at Calico Ghost Town, Yermo, CA.  Heritage Festival takes place over Thanksgiving weekend.  Gunfighting groups from all over Southern California are invited to perform on the streets of Calico for visitors.  Occasionally, a dance is held after the days events.

Wyatt Earp Days--Tombstone, Az., is the home to this wonderful event, and rightfully so.  This event takes place the third weekend in October to commemorate the anniversary of the Shoot Out at the OK Corral.  Gunfighting Stunt Teams come from all over the world to perform on the streets of Tombstone.  You can visit the Crystal Palace and Big Nose Kate's for refreshments or purchase one of a kind items from the Oriental.

Oak Glen Gunslingers--Perform daily during Apple Season, at Oak Glen, CA.  Nestled in the foothills of the Yucaipa area, Oak Glen draws visitors daily who want to sample some of the most delicious apples grown.  Be sure to visit the Gunslingers at the Downey Traders booth.  The Oak Glen Gunslingers will be featured in an upcoming comic book detailing the adventures of Marshall Beau.

Pistols and Petticoats--The wild and wooly escapades of the old west make this stunt team a treat to watch.  With colorful characters like Drop Dead Dee and Dinky they will leave a memory you won't soon be forgetting.  This team has been around since 2000 and has won numerous awards including the Tumbleweed Harris Sweepstakes at Calico Days, First Place King of the Cowboys, Victorville, and Third Place in the Nation two years in a row.  Members of Pistols and Petticoats have won many individual costume awards, their costumes are some of the most authentic ones you will see.  

More Costume Photos of Family and Friends

(coming soon)