- 1). Look at the materials used in making the clothing. Because Native Americans used only local materials for their clothing, items such as buckskin and other animal hides are common. Although modern tastes have ventured away from animal fur, if an item was designed to look like it was made from natural materials, then it is echoing the Native American tradition. Similarly, the use of feathers for decoration also reflects Native American heritage.
- 2). Consider the decorations used on the clothing. Traditional Native American decorations include beading, feathers and in some cases animal bones. These are usually attached with small strips of leather. In the Southwest, many Native American tribes have used silver to decorate their clothing or as bracelets. Silver buttons became common in more recent clothing of the Native Americans.
- 3). Look at the head wear. Native American men and women traditionally have worn their hair long, so Native American clothing often includes hair bands or headdresses. These headdresses varied greatly from region to region, although headdresses decorated with feathers are a stereotypical example. Bandannas and headbands are also examples of Native American clothing for the head.
- 4). Identify the footwear. Traditional Native American footwear consists of either moccasins or fur-lined boots. Moccasins can be decorated with strips of material or left plain and can be either low or high, depending on the season and the region. Moccasins have become popular outside the culture, although they remain typical Native American clothing.
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