Why do some of the women wear different styles of covering?
Because there is so much congregational autonomy within Beachy churches, Beachys churches can craft their own guiding practices, including style of head covering. The traditional bonnet-style covering is the most common, but some churches have switched to the hanging veil, which is a white cloth draped over the head. The hanging veil is often used on the global mission field. A third covering, the black doily, has gained some acceptance in more relaxed Beachy churches, while some of the more conservative Beachy churches have adopted a style similar to the Old Order Amish of the Midwest. It resembles the traditional bonnet-style, but is larger and is opaque.
