The rectangular cape, worn by most conservative Mennonites and some Old Order Mennonites, falls over the front and back and is secured by a beltlike piece of cloth around the waist. The crossed cape, worn by a number of mid-western Amish, forms a cross across the chest and back by two pieces of fabric crossing over one another The lower part of the dress can be made fuller in a number of ways. Goring is used by the majority of plain women. When one gores, one pulls the thread when sewing a dress so as to gather the fabric. A few plain women choose to pleat their dresses for a fuller appearance.
Slips also help to make a dress less form-fitting.
Many plain women choose to wear aprons for additional modesty and also reasons of practicality. Dress length is also very important. We are sure that a modest Christian woman would wish to cover as much of her leg as practically possible. On the bit of leg that may be beared, black, opaque knee-highs are worn by the majority of plain woman because black goes with every shade of dress in an unobtrusive way. Men's Apparel A man faces the same stuggles with modesty, simplicity, and non-conformity.