Clothing at the missions was simple, durable, and inexpensive. Clothing was often plain and utilitarian, reflecting European styles but adapted to the materials and climate of California.
Most of the missions raised sheep for wool, and had looms for producing cloth, making them largely self-sufficient.
Padres and Friars
The friars at the California missions typically wore a loose robe known as a habit, which covered them from neck to ankles. The robe was usually gray in color, made from a rough woolen cloth called sackcloth, symbolizing their commitment to humility and simplicity.
They also wore a rope belt called a cincture around their waist, which had three knots tied in it to represent their vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Additionally, friars often wore a large hat with a broad brim for sun protection and sometimes went barefoot or wore simple leather sandals. Their attire was practical for the mission environment and reflected their religious dedication.
Neófito (Neophytes)
Neophytes, or newly baptized Native Americans at the missions, were typically given a set of clothing upon entering the mission. They wore a long-sleeved shirt called a cotón, which was made of wool. In addition to the cotón, men received a breechcloth to cover their groin area, while women were given a woolen skirt. Both men and women were also provided with a blanket that they could wear as a kind of shawl over their clothing for extra warmth.
The neophytes went barefoot, or wore simple sandals.
Each year, everyone would receive a new set of garments. Those who took up certain occupations, such as vaqueros (cowboys), would wear clothing appropriate for their jobs, including trousers and boots suitable for horsemanship.
Soldados (Soldiers) and Officers
The Spanish soldiers and officers assigned to the missions and presidios wore uniforms, though these uniforms changed many times during the mission period. The uniforms were often colorful. The primary colors were blue, red, and white, though at various times they also included yellow and green.
A “typical” uniform might a include a short jacket made of blue woolen cloth, with red cuffs and a red collar, worn over a white linen shirt. They also wore blue trousers and a blue cloth cap with a red band. Soldiers also sometimes wore a broad-brimmed leather hat for protection from the sun. Again, it’s important to remember that the uniforms changed a great deal through the mission period.
The ordinary soldiers were called soldados de cuera (leather-jacket soldiers), and wore a distinctive jacket made of thick, layered deer or cowhide, which served as armor against Native American arrows.
In addition to their clothing, soldiers carried a variety of weapons, including a musket, a broad sword, and occasionally pistols and a lance.
