The Amish choose, in a sense, to wear a uniform every day. No closets stuffed with frilly clothes and high heels. Just the opposite; humility and modesty are essential. They do their best to avoid appearing pretentious or in competition with others.
Within the many Amish communities across the nation, there are subtle differences in dress. But plain attire gives the wearer a sense of belonging and connection to his or her brothers and sisters in faith. There is an immediate bond even if the other person is a stranger.
There are several opinions why the Old Order Amish dress as they do, but most agree on the following: As devout Christians, Amish believe they should be separate from the surrounding world. (And be not conformed to this world. Romans 12:2) Conformity to society’s popular fashions signifies conformity with the world’s ungodly system. Not only are trendy clothes seen as ungodly, they are also an economical drain, wasteful and soon to be obsolete. Amish believe jewelry and wristwatches are contrary to biblical teaching.
In contrast, the world of casual elegant dress offers a blend of simplicity and sophistication that can align with the values of modesty and practicality. For instance, poet dresses,embody a timeless elegance that transcends fleeting fashion trends. With their flowing silhouettes and understated charm, these dresses strike a balance between style and modesty, making them a fitting choice for those who appreciate both tradition and refinement. Unlike trendy clothes that may soon become obsolete, poet dresses offer enduring appeal, reflecting a thoughtful approach to fashion that resonates with the principles of simplicity and grace, and also classic options like mens sweaters can be great to give style and comfort to men.
Amish women cover their heads and do not cut their hair. They part it down the center, then tuck strands out of sight under a prayer cap (head covering they call a Kapp) or a scarf, if out in the field. (But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. 1 Corinthians 11:5) The Bible admonishes us to pray without ceasing, thus women cover their heads much of the day. The styles of prayer caps vary between congregations and different parts of the country. I love the heart shaped caps of Lancaster County, as seen on my book covers.
 |
| Amish Farmer in Lancaster County, PA |
Men’s attire also varies. The width and brim and height and shape of hats differ. For warm weather, straw hats are preferred for daily wear. Most, but not all, are purchased in dry goods stores. Handsome black felt hats are worn in cooler weather. There is also a wide variation in suspenders among Amish men. Something I believe all Old Order Amish men have in common: None wear zippered jeans or corduroy slacks. If I’m wrong, please let me know. Buttoning their black trousers is functional and practical. Instead of buttons and zippers, Amish women use long straight pins to close their aprons, and hooks and eyes elsewhere.
Why no close-up photos of Amish to illustrate their attire? You might know it is against their Ordnung (rules they must obey) to have their faces photographed. Out of respect, I’ve photographed the Amish from afar. Although several have smiled and waved, I usually wait for them to turn away before pressing my camera’s button or erase their faces using my computer’s software. Some Amish owned shops do not allow cameras inside, because tourists take the Amish staff’s photos. If you see an Amish person on TV or in a movie, most likely they are not really Amish. Especially if they’re wearing a wedding band.
 |
| Coming June 1, 2014 |
I was fretting over not having illustrations of Amish women’s attire, then realized my newest novel, Forever Amish, releasing June 1, depicts a young woman clad in Lancaster County attire, as do my other two novels. The photographer provided the appropriate Amish clothing.
We size people up by their apparel and often guess their occupation, where they’re from, and whether or not they are trustworthy. If you needed directions, would you choose to ask a guy wearing a baseball cap and a T-shirt, a man wearing a pin-striped three-piece suit and a splashy tie, or an Amish man with a full beard?
I’ve gleaned much of my information from noted authority and author Donald B. Kraybill and Stephen Scott who is no longer living, and as well as spending time with Amish in Pennsylvania.
What do you think about the way Amish dress? Anything you find appealing? What about today’s younger population’s clothing could be less worldly?
Leave your email address or contact info with your comment to be entered to win this darling Amish-made towel and a copy of either Leaving Lancaster or Pennsylvania Patchwork! USA and Canada. Winner has one week to respond.
Congratulations to Dawn C., last week’s winner of a copy of either Leaving Lancaster or Pennsylvania Patchwork! A big thank you to everyone who left a comment! I enjoyed reading them immensely!
have a large collection of Amish dolls ,buggies, teivets, cast iron people, etc. and love reading Amish fiction and romance books. Peggy J
amishangel@bellsouth.net
Your collection sounds fascinating, Peggy! I’ll try not to covet your Amish treasures. Thanks for your comment and for entering the contest!
Hi Kate. First, I am very happy to read you have written a new book. I love the way the Amish dress, they look so neat and clean and it shows that they will not bend to the ways of the English. It is such a warm, homey feeling when we ride past the Amish homes and see the clothes lines hanging, first white clothes and then dark clothes, so neatly up in the air, drying in the wind. Carolann Ellmore. barlenbay@comcast.net
I love your description, Carolann! I also appreciate their attention to cleanliness and their clotheslines, so nicely and neatly hung. Thanks for writing. Good luck in the contest!
I have read both of your books and I loved both of them. Would love to win the hand towel with the sweet little picture on it. Sometimes, I wish it were as easy as throwing on a simple dress and going on. Where everyone else does the same and you don’t size a person up by what they are wearing. I don’t wear makeup, so I guess I am simple in that respect.
Thank you, Rob, I’m delighted to hear you enjoyed my books! I agree about not having to feel as though we’re in competition with those around us as far as dress goes. Good for you for going without makeup!
I have read your wonderful book Pennsylvania Patchwork, but not Leaving Lancaster. I can’t wait to read it. I thoroughly enjoyed the one I have read. You are a number #1 author in my book. Bgauthier49@live.com
Oh, dear, I want you to read Leaving Lancaster! I hope you win a copy! Thanks so much for writing and entering the contest.
I would love to win. angelachesnut246@gmail.com
You are entered! Good luck!
I have read your books waiting on the next one. I love the cute towel. It sure would take less time to get ready. Plus I agree it wouldn’t be like who can out do someone else because of who designed the clothes. I think all schools should be uniformed.
Blessings
Diana
joeym11@frontier.com
You made a good point, Diana! Because we had mandatory busing in our city, our sons went to a wonderful local Catholic elementary school in walking distance where the kids wore uniforms. Loved those uniforms! BTW: Half the kids at the school were not Catholic nor were the teachers nuns. Thanks for writing!
Hi Kate,I think the Amish are doing what they believe is right in their belief.They look decent and as a Christian,I too wear dresses and skirts and tops,but that’s my belief as well.A person can only live the way they have been taught and as much as God allows them to see. They will not give an account for anything more than He reveals to any of us.I admire their religion,I don’t totally agree on everthing about them,because we are taught differently about the hair.I also have long hair but I am taught that our hair is our glory and covering.I would love to win the beautiful towel and your book.Thanks!
Hi Linda, thanks for writing! I told an Old Order Amish woman the other day my husband and I have no crazy notion to become Amish in spite of how much we admire them. She and I were having such a nice chat on the phone!
I love the simplicity of the clothing. There is no worrying about to wear, that person “A” has better clothes than person “B” ect. It is a more simplier life style.
I look forward to reading your books in the near future and would be honored to win 1.
Wen Dee Brides68@yahoo.com
You’re right, Wen. We live in such a competitive society, I’d love you to read one of my books. Good luck in the contest
Love your books Kate Lloyd!!
Keep up the wonderful writing!!
I am such an Amish book junkie!
CherylB1987@Hotmail.com
Let’s hear it for Amish book junkies, Cheryl! Thanks for entering the contest. Good luck!
I have always loved the way the Amish dress, particularly the Lancaster community. I love the simplicity of their lives. Patti719@verizon.net
The Lancaster County Amish are a beautiful people living in a spectacular area, Thanks for entering the contest!
I love the simplicity of their clothing. Much quicker to get ready, too.
Kathy Faberge
finulhour@sbcglobal.net
I admit it takes me what seems like a long time to get ready, Kathy, in spite of my comparatively simple wardrobe. Thanks for entering the contest. Good luck!
Hi Kate,
I enjoy reading your books very much. Would like to win a copy of your new book and the towel.
I like the way the Amish dress, it certainly makes picking out what you are going to wear much easier.
Blessings,Tina
tfrice@comcast.net
I’m delighted you enjoyed reading my books, Tina. Thanks! My newest, Forever Amish, releases June 1, 2014. You are entered in the contest. Good luck!
Kate
Thanks for the opportunity to win one of your books which I love. I think the simple dress of the Amish is nice. no competition, no wondering what to wear today, but in the summer I don’t think I’d like it because it would be too hot. younger people and a lot of other people could learn to dress better if they used the Amish as an example. I’m talking about those who wear so little clothes. Sharma Darby
Hi Sharma, thanks for writing! I agree about younger women exposing too much to the world these days. They could learn a little modesty from the Amish.
The Amish are all about simplicity. Would love your book & towel. Rachel Lepree rlepree@musfiber.com
Thanks so much for entering the contest, Rachel! Good luck!
Read both of these books and loved both, love the Amish for their plain lifestyle, wouldn’t it be great if we could turn our lives back a couple decades and live a simpler and a more plain life with out all the stress of today’s hectic lifestyle.
Thank you for your kind and encouraging words, Ruth! Do you think a couple of decades is going back far enough? I try to keep stress from burdening my life by not watching the news very often or reading the newspaper. Also, no AM paper means more time for writing.
I believe that it is because they live by the word of God. We are to be Godly, not worldly
Rita
godskid91@gmail.com
I can’t think of a nicer compliment to an Amish person, Rita! Thanks for writing and entering the contest!
I admire their following a “dress code” like they do, because it’s something I wouldn’t be able to do. I enjoy reading about them so much and being transported to their world for a little while.
I enjoy reading about the Amish too. I find every bit of research fascinating. I had to work hard to keep my blog post short, because there is so much to tell about them!
I love the simplicity of the way the amish dress and live their lives.
Mona Mason
tmason2475@aol,com
Thank you, Mona! Simplicity is a lovely word to describe their dress and lives. Good luck in the contest!
Although I don’t wear Amish dress, I do wear a very simple dress in one style only using different cotton fabrics. My dresses are almost ankle length. Although I’m the only one in my church who chooses to dress this way, I feel it has simplified my life greatly. No more being in a dither as to what to wear. I have 5 dresses for winter, 4 for summer. That’s it. You sure don’t need the huge closets that people are always asking for. Now the small closets in older homes makes sense to me! 🙂 I am SO MUCH HAPPIER. I can’t stress that enough. No more competition, even though I was not aware before of any dress competition, I think as women, we naturally will compare ourselves with other without even being aware of it.
Blessings,
Betsy
You sound like a marvelous woman, Betsy! I think you’re right about the competition, even though we resist it. Thanks for writing and sharing your insights!
I absolutely love the Amish. There are a couple of Amish communities close to us. Grabill, Indiana & Berne, Indiana. Berne being strict old order & Grabill more new order, as they use solar panels for their homes.
So many times while on eBay, I have looked at the Amish dresses being sold. I have been tempted to buy one a couple of times, but sadly, they are usually all too small. Still looking though! I have 2 prayer kapps, one white, one black, 1 candle snuffer bonnet, a beige straw boys hat & a black straw boys hat. 1 toddler boy’s outfit and 1 toddler girls dress. They all hang on my walls throughout the house. I have read your book Leaving Lancaster, and would love to win Pennsylvania Patchwork! 🙂
I’d love to have you win a copy of Pennsylvania Patchwork! One way or another, I hope you’ll read it! your collection of Amish clothing sounds marvelous!
I admire the Amish and the way the seperate them self from the world, i love your books and have read so many i would love to win this give away thanks
Shirley B jcisforme@aol.com
Thanks for sharing your admiration of the Amish, Shirley! And thank you for entering the contest. Good luck!
Love seeing the Amish in their lovely dresses — much better than the tight, low cut, too short clothing I see on others. Thank you for another post and giveaway.
I couldn’t agree with you more, Mary. I’m glad you enjoyed the post and I thank you for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
I would love to win impicbb@juno.com
valerie
You’re entered! Good luck!
Would love to win your new book and cute towel. My husband and I have always take time for each other and our children. Time goes by so fast and life is so very short. I look back at my wonderful Christian parents and the love they shared with our family ( I am adopted ) and also the foster children they made a home for over the years and smile. So simple is a life that makes us slow down……enjoy every second God as given us. Thank you for good clean books to read! Blessings….
Wise words, Becky. Time sails past so quickly, and everyone seems to be in a hurry. When I get in bed at night I’m amazed another day is gone, but also pleased to spend time reading a clean book and a devotional.
I love the Amish as they are exactly what they seem to be….honest, hard working, compassionate, and very friendly. Most of my adult life I have been around them either in Ohio or Pa. My dear Mom and I had a passion for reading about the Amish fiction books and always dropped everything until the last page was read. She and I went to Lancaster PA with my dad and brother and the area is just so clean and beautiful. I would love to win a book or the beautiful towel or both.lol….5bearlyangels@comcast.net
Thank you for writing and expressing your positive feelings about the Amish. I can envision you and your mom reading fiction books together; what a beautiful sight! Your trip sounds marvelous. Good luck in the contest!
I like there dress, apron & kapp attire but I would assume it would be very hot to wear in the warm days of Spring, Summer & Fall. I have read your book, Leaving Lancaster. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The little printed towel is sweet. I would love to win. You can reach me at: jkmharrison@shaw.ca I love how they live out their faith. They sure work hard compared to us & all the “updates” we use in our day to simplify our life.
They certainly do work hard compared to us! Some of their fabric is lighter in weight. I need to ask one of my friends about the heat in summer. Bet you’re right, but they probably wouldn’t complain. Thanks for entering the contest. Good Luck!
We live approximately 1 3/4 hour from Ohio Amish country. Haven’t made it to PA Amish country though, but it is on my bucket list. Love to win a book and the wonderful towel.. thanks….itzmebec@comcast.net
I’d love to have you win one of my books, Becky! I wish I had 100 towels to give away, but alas I only have one. Good luck!
I enjoy reading Amish books, just recently moved to Northwest Ohio not far from all the Amish Towns. I love how the Amish work hard for their land and family.
countrygirl102377@gmail.com
Thanks for writing, Angel! What fun to live near Amish in Ohio. I admire their commitment to family and work ethic too. Good luck in the giveaway!
I respect the choices the Amish make in their clothing. It shows respect for their culture and religious beliefs. In some ways it would be easier than our English dressing and more modest, no stressing over fashion etc. I think children and teens would find more self esteem also because the pressure on teens to fit in is so great today.
mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com
I agree; their dress does show respect, Jackie. Poor teenagers of today have too many choices, most of them not very good and some plain old dangerous. Thanks for entering the contest and good luck!
I believe that the Amish choose the clothing that they do so that no one stands out above another. They believe it is a sin to have pride or be boastful and that it is about the good of the family and of the group. By being told what style of dress is required, it removes the possibility of outstanding individuality.
I experienced a bit of this by going to Catholic schools for six years and wearing uniforms. They believed that it removed the distraction of what others were wearing and took pressure off of those that couldn’t afford certain brands.
I think it does eliminate a certain amount of daily pressure. I wear a uniform to work every day, so I don’t even have to worry about what I am going to wear.
It seems that this sort of thinking would make things a lot easier for everyone that worries about fitting in.
Karen C.
sweetnessnlight@comcast.net
You’ve summed it up well, Karen. My sons went to an elementary school with uniforms and I loved it. When kids outgrew their uniforms, parents could launder and leave them in a room for someone else. Maybe kids knew whose parents were rich but I sure couldn’t tell. Perfect that you wear a uniform to work. Good luck in the contest!
Think it’s interesting
bn100candg at hotmail dot com
Glad you found the post interesting! Thanks for entering the contest. Good luck!
Hi Kate, I have read many of your books and would love to read the next book. The Amish towel is lovely. One reason I admire the Amish they do not bend to the English world and their faithfulness to their religion, family and community. Thanks for having this give away. patinsanger@yahoo.com
I admire their faithfulness and determination to stay true to their traditions too. Thanks for entering the contest!
There have been many times that I wish I was Amish because their clothing covers them. I believe that English world has gone to far with leaving nothing to the imagination which I also see it causing trouble. I believe that I lady should be able to show her ankles or calves but not more then that. We are all born with original sin therefore some of us are better fighting of temptation then others. I don’t know if we can ever really get rid of temptation but I think that we need to work harder on our morals. By doing this it will keep us in the faith that we all want. I don’t always agree with the Amish ways but respect that they have been able to keep to their faith.
I respect them too. You have made some excellent points. We are all sinners and are tempted every day in some way. Thanks for writing!!
Thanks for the interesting post, Kate! Some of the info I knew – some was new to me. I have great respect for the Amish, their simplicity, and their dedication to their beliefs. I have never been one who worried whether my clothing was in fashion – rather, I wore what I liked. It would certainly cut down on jealously, hurt, and competition among our young people – if EVERYONE dressed as the Amish do!
Thanks for the opportunity to win the adorable towel and book!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
I’m glad you enjoyed the post, Bonnie! There’s much information on Amish attire I had to leave out because of space … or write a book, which I must leave up to the experts. I’m not a fashion trend follower either. Good luck in the contest!
Enjoyed blog about amish clothing! Janisbc6@Aol.com
I’m glad you enjoyed the post! Good luck in the contest!
What I like about the amish attire is the modesty.I think people needs to start respecting their bodies and quit trying to show it to everyone that will look.
I agree, Jackie. I often see more than I want to see … At least during the winter months people are more likely to cover themselves. Thanks for writing!
I really like the way the women dress Plain in the Amish culture since it is not so revealing. I feel that today’s modern clothing has become so minimal that it leaves little to be desired. I hope I get the chance to win this time, and thank you Kate for doing this giveaway!
Mallory Fry
Seagirl_98@hotmail.com
Thanks for writing, Mallory! I agree about the revealing clothing. Doesn’t leave much up to the imagination. Good luck in the contest!
I admire tremendously the way the Amish dress – modestly and I love their colors and especially their caps. I would have a hard time with “straight pins” , though.
I believe that girls and teens and women need to dress more modestly. In today’s world there is “too much shown” and a lack of respect for the dignity of one’s own body and self as well as a lack of respect for others who can’t help but see them.
Thanks for all you wrote above and I would love to win that beautiful towel and Pennsylvania Patchwork but would be happy with either book. Mary Lou K
flowersmarylou85@gmail.com
I admire their modesty too, Mary Lou! And I agree with your appraisal of some teens and women who flaunt their bodies and lack respect for those who must see more of them than they wish. Thanks for entering the contest! Good Luck!