In the Fashion Show contest, 4-H members learn how to present themselves and gain confidence as they model their constructed or purchased clothing projects and show the proper fit of their clothing. Fashion Show is open to 4-H members ages 5–18 (by January 1 of the current year).
The contest consists of two parts:
Judging and a Clover Kids optional modeling practice session will be held before the Lancaster County Super Fair on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 8 a.m. at the Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County conference rooms, 444 Cherrycreek Road, Suite A, Lincoln. Prior to judging, an email will be sent to participants assigning specific check-in and judging times. STEAM Clothing 1 Non-Wearables (including Fiber Arts/Knitting or Crocheting Level 1) participants will not be judged on judging day. Clothing 1 Non-Wearables participants need to register and complete the Fashion Show Constructed Garment form. They will receive participation ribbons at the public Fashion Show.
The public Fashion Show will be held during the Lancaster County Super Fair, on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 7 p.m. at the Sandhills Global Event Center – South Hall, please use east entrance. 4‑H members will model their clothing projects runway-style in the middle of the audience. Invite parents, relatives and friends to this event, which culminates in a delightful parade of fashion! The afternoon of the show, 4‑H staff will transport garments from the static exhibit displays in the Ag Society Hall to the South Hall for the public Fashion Show. Dressing rooms will be marked by gender. Participants may begin dressing at 6 p.m., but must be in line by 6:45 p.m. Participants should bring footwear, accessories and/or Make One–Buy One purchased garments. Clover Kids should arrive dressed by 6:45 p.m. Ribbons and trophies will be handed out during the public Fashion Show, and State Fair Fashion Show qualifiers will be announced.
Garments should be age appropriate. Clothing garments to be modeled shall display tasteful design and modestly cover the body. Examples of design features to avoid include, but are not limited to: revealing low-cut necklines, extremely short hemlines and extremely short shorts. No swimwear. 4-H members should confer with Extension staff prior to Fashion Show Judging Day if there is a question about the appropriateness of their design or pattern to avoid disqualification. Note: nightwear or loungewear cannot be modeled at the state level.
Once you have exhibited in a higher level, you are not eligible to exhibit in a lower level. Example: once you exhibit in STEAM Clothing 3, you are not eligible to exhibit in STEAM Clothing 2. Exhibitors may only exhibit in 1 level each year.
If a 4-H member sewed a garment(s) for someone else to wear, garment(s) may be modeled by the individual it was sewn for. A parent or helper is allowed to assist youth in preparing for the Fashion Show judging and the public Fashion Show.
Family and friends are invited to watch 4‑H members’ presentations. Note: once a presentation has started, doors are closed and no one may enter until the presentation is finished.
Premium payouts must be picked up Monday, Aug. 3, 7–11 a.m. at the Sandhills Global Event Center – Ag Society Hall.
For more information about the Fashion Show Contest, contact Kristin Geisert at kristin.geisert@unl.edu or 402‑441‑7180.
Accommodation requests for registration or attendance may be directed to Kristin Geisert at least two weeks prior to the program. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.
Register by July 13
Register by submitting 1 of the following web forms for EACH entry by Monday, July 13. For each entry, 4-H members write the narration which will be read as they model their garments.
- Constructed Garment Fashion Show Form — for item(s) constructed by 4-H member ages 8–18. Must upload a photo (color photo preferred) or sketch.
- New in 2026, no fabric swatches needed.
- Shopping in Style Fashion Show Form — for purchased item(s) exhibited by 4-H members ages 8–18.
- Clover Kids Fashion Show Entry Form — for item modeled by 4-H members ages 5–7. Upload a photo or sketch of the item.
Sample Fashion Show Narrations
STEAM Clothing 1
- Sarah Doe is ready for school in her close-fitting cotton capri pants and a cotton pullover sleeveless top. Her pants are accented with trim to coordinate with the top, making it a complete outfit. Making this outfit was a new experience for Sarah! She plans to wear this outfit to school, church or when she goes shopping with friends.
- Emily Doe is ready for the heat in her cool summer outfit. This easy pull-on outfit is accented with bright smiley faces. Emily chose 100% cotton because it is breezy and easy care. While sewing her first outfit, she learned how to hem and create a casing for elastic. Keep smiling, Emily!
STEAM Clothing 2
- Jane Doe will be counting ladybugs instead of sheep in her cotton/flannel pajama top and coordinating black cotton/flannel boxer shorts. Her pajama top features a front button placket and patch pocket. Adding the long set-in sleeves was a new skill for Jane and the process was very challenging. Watch out for Jane as she’ll be the best dressed at the next “sleep over” with her friends!
- For Maria Doe’s clothing project this year, she chose a plaid jumper made from a wool and rayon fabric with a matching beret. This is the first time Maria has constructed pleats. To finish her ensemble, she’s wearing a white cotton long-sleeved blouse accented with gold buttons. Maria is looking forward to this fall when she can enjoy wearing this outfit.
STEAM Clothing 3
- Becky Doe is showing off her dress she made for a high school dance last January. She chose a 100% polyester crepe in periwinkle blue fabric. The close fitting, A-line dress has front princess seaming, back crossing straps and a side zipper. Becky fully lined this short formal dress which was a new experience. Looking elegant, Becky!
- Ann Doe is showing fashion from the 1950’s. This costume has a blue felt circle skirt complete with a poodle appliqué. Complimenting the skirt is a white cotton semi-fitted blouse with buttons. Putting in a collar, sleeves and making buttonholes were new skills learned in this project. Very retro, Ann!
Beyond the Needle
- Nola Doe decorated this shirt with a few of her favorite things. After learning the skill of stenciling, she stenciled butterflies, caterpillars, bees and flowers on the collar, cuffs and pocket. Hand sewn bugle beads add intricate detail to her design. This beautiful and versatile shirt can be worn over a sun dress, or with pants, capris or jeans. Excellent embellishment, Nola!
- After John Doe was on an outdoor adventure vacation with his family, he was inspired to create this shirt. He tried a new procedure, arranging the leaves on the shirt and lightly spraying it with a bleach mixture and quickly rinsing it to stop the bleaching action. Now he will “blend right in” to the forest the next time he goes hiking. Very creative, John!
Exhibit Classes
See the 4-H & FFA Fair Book for the list of Fashion Show exhibit classes and details.
Clover Kids Fashion Show Project
Clover Kid members may model 1 item in the Fashion Show. Clover Kids Fashion Show items may NOT be entered as static exhibits.
Clover Kids may:
- Carry and show: pillow, pillowcase, purse, bag or other item they have sewn or decorated/embellished.
- Wear: purchased top, shorts, pants, apron, cape, skirt or dress they have decorated/embellished.
- Wear: top, shorts, pants or apron they have sewn.
- Wear: a purchased outfit on a budget (Clover shoppers).
No premium payouts — Clover Kids receive participation ribbons only. Not eligible for the State Fashion Show.
Clothing Static Exhibits
Most clothing items modeled in the Fashion Show must be entered as a Clothing Static Exhibit to be judged for construction (see Fair Book Clothing area), except:
- Clover Kids Fashion Show items may NOT be entered as static exhibits.
- In the STEAM Clothing Level 2 & 3 Make One–Buy One classes, only the constructed garment needs to be entered as a Static Exhibit. If outfit is in the Fashion Show, bring the purchased garment at that time.
4‑H & FFA Static Exhibit check-in is Tuesday, July 28 from 4–8 p.m. in the Ag Society Hall at the Sandhills Global Event Center. On the Static Exhibit Entry Tag, clearly mark the check box that indicates the item is a Fashion Show article. All Static Exhibits are released Monday, Aug. 3, 7–11 a.m. Premium payouts for static exhibits and contests (including Fashion Show) will be paid in cash on Monday, Aug. 3, 7–11 a.m. in the Ag Society Hall. Please pick up premium payouts BEFORE picking up static exhibits.
EXAMPLE VIDEOS
State Fashion Show
Top models at the county contest in constructed garment classes and Shopping in Style garments will be selected to participate in the State Fashion Show, held during the Nebraska State Fair. 4-H members who is 8–18 years old (by January 1 of the current year), and is in STEAM Clothing 2, Clothing 3, Beyond the Needle, Knitting or Crocheting, or Shopping in Style, is eligible for the State Fashion Show.