Figure 1.--These Amish boys from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania all wear the same plain dark long pants held up with suspenders. The pants use buttons rather than zipopers and do not have pockets. They are held up by suspenders. Belts are forbidden. These trends seem largely based on the general theme of simplicity and tradition. Interestingly, the fabrics used include relatively modern polyester blends. One of many examples of technology being adopted when it is proven to be practical, in this case creating a tougher, more durable pair of pants. Notice that the boys all have bangs, but cut in different ways.

Amish boys mostly wear dark, often black broadfall trousers held up by suspenders. This is in keeping with the basic theme of using plain fabrics, primarily dark in color. Boys of all ages always wear long trousers. There are no creases or cuffs on the trousers. Interestingly, the commitment to the traditional do not extend into using only 19th century fabrics. Both men and boys commonly wear everyday pants made of Triblend Denim. This fabric was formerly used by sears to make Toughskin pants. It is a blended cotton-polyester fabric that is high in polyester and nylon wjich makes the pants highly durable. One of many examples of technology being adopted when it is proven to be practical, in this case creating a tougher, more durable pair of pants. It probably helps that the technology is unobstrusive, notv recognizable. More conservative Amish prefer a dress Triblend that is identifiable because it ia a darker navy blue than a regular denim panta. Other Amish use a medium-blue Triblend that is similar to regular jeans. Amish pants do not have hip pockets or zippers. We are not sure why they so not have pockets because pockets are so populat, but it is probably because they were not common in the 19th century. Perhaps the most destinctive aspect of Amish pants is that suspenders (braces) are worn rather than belts. A reader writes, "Suspenders are an important part of male Amish dress for both men and boys. There is a local Indiana store that specializes in Amish clothing, although it contains no illustrations--just the list of items. But the catalog makes it quite clear that suspenders are vital because the Amish boys do not wear belts." Belts are forbidden. While the Amish do not wear belts, they do make and sell belts. The Amish work with leather because of the need for horse tackle. Given those skills, some have develooped a business selling leather goods, including belts to the non-Amish. A typical advertisemet reads, "When you want an extra heavy ultra tough belt, a USA made belt, you just can`t beat these. Nothing fancy but the toughest belt we have ever sold." Men wear actual suspenders. Boys may wear suspender pants with suspender bands done in the same unelasticized material as the pants, but many boys also wear suspenders. We are not sure why suspenders are worn rather than belts. One source says that it is because suspenders are more effective than belts in hilding up pants, that is more effective. We suspect that it is primarily because suspenders were mostly worn in the 19th century when Amish clothing styles were largely set.

Created: 11:47 PM 8/15/2011
Last updated: 11:47 PM 8/15/2011