The Plains Indians also obtained material through trade with other tribes and European explorers. Shells were commonly traded and used to make jewelry or decorate clothing. For example, tribes from the Northwest Pacific Coast would trade dentalium shells to the Plains Indians, who would then turn the shells into necklaces.

In the 18th century, European materials introduced to the Great Plains, such as glass beads and trade cloth, made another lasting impression on the culture. The trade cloth was made from wool and was primarily manufactured in England. The most popular colors were dark blue and scarlet, but dark green was used as well. The fabric is also known as "saved-list"�- due to a white edge that was left undyed. Trade cloth gave the Plains Indians another option for their clothing, along with the traditional buckskin.