The simple clothing that the Amish wear reflects their philosophy of humility and is an expression of their faith. Clothing preferences will vary from one Amish community to another.

Amish Men: Men wear dark-colored suits (no lapels), suspenders, solid-colored shirts, black socks and shoes. Buttons are used to fasten their shirts, but suit coats and vests are fastened with hooks and eyes. Amish men remain clean shaven until they are married. The men do not keep a mustache because it is associated with the military. In Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, black felt broad-brimmed hats are worn. In warmer weather, straw hats are preferred.

Amish Women: Women wear simply cut dresses that are solid-colored fabrics with long sleeves and a full skirt that reaches below their knees. They also wear aprons and white caps known as prayer caps. A married woman will wear a black cap. When they travel, they don black bonnets. Amish women do not wear jewelry. The woman do not cut their hair and wear it in a simple bun.

A Simple Lifestyle

No Electricity: Families do not use electricity in their homes. The use of electricity means connection with the world. From the Amish perspective, electricity would provide access to temptation that could lead to the deterioration of the church and family.

Farming: The buildings on a farm are white. A windmill is used for powering the water supply. The Amish farmer will grow or raise most of what the family eats. Crops are harvested by horse drawn equipment as gas powered tractors are not utilized. The wife will tend a family garden to grow fruits and vegetables and will can for the winter months. Surplus will be sold to the English (non-Amish).

Because of the high cost of land and shrinking availability of land, some Amish have gone into trade or taken jobs in factories in town.

Education: Students or "scholars" attend a one-room schoolhouse until the eighth grade. The teacher is an unmarried Amish woman. It is at school that children are taught English. Among each other, the Amish speak Pennsylvania Dutch, a dialect of German. The church service sermon is given in German.

Return to Amish

Return to History & Cultures