We wear these clothes because it is the rule of the Hutterite culture.  Our clothing symbolizes that we are different and it is our tradition.  The tradition came from our ancestors.  Also, the dark colors suggest that we try not to show off and be modest.  We always have to cover our head when we go outside but when we sweat lots we can take it off.  But, the women can’t.  We can’t wear pockets on your pants that have a curve opening.  The opening of the pocket on the pants has to be cut straight.

We have special clothes that we have to wear.  We have to wear dark clothes like black pants and black shoes.  If we do not wear them, the elders of the colony will not be very happy.  Sometimes when elders see somebody with clothes that we are not supposed to wear, the elders are going to tell all of the people at church that they have clothes that they should not wear.  And the guy that has the forbidden clothes will sometimes stand in the church for punishment.  He or she has to stand in front of the entire colony during church services.  This is about one and one half-hour long.  This will happen once, but if you are really bad you may have to stand up more than once. 

  We are not supposed to wear a belt on our pants or wear any kinds of jeans or colored jackets or hats.  We have to wear suspenders to keep our pants up.  The women do not wear pants.  They wear dresses only.   We can’t wear white or pink shoes or any other light colored shoes.  The women wear shawls so that the hair is covered and also wear dark dresses that are very long just above the ankles.