"The clothes worn after the turn of their 19th century was similar to those worn by the white settlers. The dress style changed among the women of the white settlers, but the Choctaw women continued to wear the loosely fitted dress with the hemline just above the ankle. She wore an apron and kerchief on her head and went barefoot at home.

During the early 1900's, the women began to adopt the dress style of that era and ready-made dresses were available for purchase. Today the Choctaw women keep abreast of current fashion and no longer are they "set apart by the clothes they wear.

The clothes for ceremonial activities were colorful and carefully sewn by hand. The origin and date of the adoption of this distinctive dress is not certain, but it is similar to the traditional peasant dress in Brittany's Province of France during the early 1800's. The handmade dress has a full sleeve and flowing skirt with ruffles requiring up to six yards of colorful cotton material. The Choctaw dress of today is usually of solid color of green, red, blue, purple, or other bright color with contrasting color trim. The decorative trim symbolizes the mountains and valleys with a path or trail beside them.

A decorative white apron with contrasting trim and ruffles is an integral part of the Choctaw woman's dress. It is decorative as well as functional. The marital status of the woman determines the opening of the dress. The unmarried woman's dress is opened in the back, while the married woman's dress is opened at the front for accessibility to nourishment for an infant."  [From the Choctaw newspaper Bishinik.]

From time to time I am contacted by people who are searching for clothing to be made in the traditional Choctaw design.  Recently, I was contacted by a Choctaw seamstress (Donna) who does just that.  Her business is called "Just Duckee Originals" and she has a website at: http://www.justduckeeoriginals.com where you can contact her direct if you'd like some clothing made.

Donna is well qualified as a seamstress, and speaking as one who has sewn most all my life, she appears to do a beautiful job, only possible when you love the work you are doing.  Donna has furnished some photos for us, and as you can see when compared to the description above, they are very authentic.

Other traditional clothing is regularly made, for men & for women, and other custom clothing can be made.

Please visit Donna's website for custom, original and traditional Choctaw clothing.  Note: this is not an advertisement, just a referral to help you find someone who makes traditional clothing.