The "Plain People"
For the Amish, their general clothing standards are based on the Ordnung and vary by order in terms of color, length of skirt, width of seam, style of suspenders, shape of hat and other details. In each case, their dress is meant to be symbolic of their faith, one way of living out humility and separation from world.
Contents at a Glance
Amish Dress
Amish clothes generally feature plain fabrics, often dark in color, such as blue or black and are made at home or by a local seamstress. Patterned fabrics such as florals, polka dots, gingham, or stripes, are not allowed. Preferred fabrics include heavy Triblend Denim in winter or Dacron Denim in summer for men's work pants and for shirts, a poly/cotton blend such as broadcloth of higher polyester content, oxford cloth, and end on end chambrays or just plain chambrays. Even with fasteners, because buttons could lead to vanity and are associated historically with lavish military uniforms from the Amish homeland, hook-and-eye closures or straight pins are used rather than buttons on dress clothing. Snaps may be employed on everyday clothes, while men's work shirts and trousers are allowed to have buttons. In every aspect, the Amish believe that clothing should not call attention to the wearer by cut, color, or any other feature. Amish Men
For men, straight cut suits, vests, and coats without collars, lapels, or pockets are worn. Suit coats and vests fasten with hooks and eyes, and are fashioned in black. Their broadfall trousers, often known as "barn-door breeches", feature no pleats, creases, cuffs. Rather than belts, their pants are held up by suspenders or a drawstring around the waist. Gloves, sweaters, and neckties are not permitted. Under their jackets or vests, men wear white or solid-colored shirts fastened with traditional buttons. The shirts may have no collars, banded collars, or old-style collars. Amish men wear broad-rimmed straw hats in the warmer months and black felt hats in the colder months. Amish Women
Amish women wear modest dresses with long sleeves and a calf-length full skirt in a dark color like blue, maroon, purple, or green. Black is reserved for Sunday church or other special occasions. The dresses are covered with a triangular cape fastened to an apron, usually white. Women's dresses are fastened with straight pins or snaps, never buttons. In colder months, women wear a long woolen cloak to stay warm. Amish women never cut their hair and wear it in a braid or bun on the back of the head, always covered by a small white prayer cap. For going out, a black bonnet is added to the headcovering. Stockings are made of black cotton and shoes are also black. In addition, jewelry, even a wedding ring, is not permitted. Bonnet, cape, and apron customs and colors vary by age, occasion, and marital status.
The Bonnet
It is interesting to note that bonnets were not worn until near the end of the 19th century, after they had already been fashionable in the mainstream culture for some time. Previously, Amish women wore straw or wool hats, depending on the season, with wide brims and fairly flat tops. Some had scarves that draped over the top and were tied under the chin, holding the side brims to the ears. These first hats were more of the fashion worn by their German ancestors. It is not know exactly when or why women's head coverings changed, but it can be guessed that the Amish would resist anything that had caught the fancy of the popular fashion. Learn more about the Amish...
Here are several great resources for you learn more about the Amish people and wonderful traditions.
- Amish Furniture
- Amish made furniture is handcrafted by craftsmen with years, sometimes decades of experience. Every piece of lumber is hand selected, treated and sculpted into heirloom quality furniture...
- PA Dutch
- Introduction to the Amish of Lancaster County, PA, their beliefs, lifestyle, and culture...
- The Amish People
- The Amish are best known for simple living, plain dress and resisting modern conveniences such as electricity and automobiles...
- Solid Wood Furniture
- Solid wood furniture for your home in various styles including Mission, Arts & Crafts and Traditional. Large selection of handmade Amish furniture.
- Amish Clothing
- Authentic, Amish hats, pants and coats at competitive prices. Symbolic of their faith, Amish clothing styles encourage humility and separation from the world. The Amish dress in a very simple style.
Great Stuff on Amazon
An Amish Christmas: A Choice to Forgive/A Miracle for Miriam/One Child (Inspirational Amish Christmas Romance Collection)
Amazon Price: $9.17 (as of 12/21/2009) 
Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 12/21/2009)
The Amish Cook's Baking Book
Amazon Price: $19.79 (as of 12/21/2009)
Learn about Amish Craftsmanship & Furniture
Get a Handmade Amish Quilt
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