Dirndl for women and Lederhosen for men quickly pop up whenever you hear a word of traditional German Costume. These outfits originated in Bavaria; since then, they have been known as Oktoberfest attire. Although these are well-known trachten, there are some etiquettes of wearing the traditional German Costume to pay tribute to the authenticity of the German festival – Wiesn.
Lederhosen- Men’s Traditional Wear For Oktoberfest:
Lederhosen has been a style statement of Oktoberfest for many years. More than being the style statement for men, it is deeply associated with the original German festival, Oktoberfest. Knowing what to wear before visiting Oktoberfest will help you understand how to wear a traditional German costume, keeping its originality intact.
Deciding on the Right Lederhosen Material
The original men’s breeches are made of leather, and you can choose from various leather options like;
- Cowhide Leather – It is one of the most commonly used durable leathers for making traditional Lederhosen. It is sturdy and thick, and provides a classic look, making it the perfect fit for Bavarian attire.
- Deerskin Leather – The luxurious form of leather pants is prized for its ultra-soft leather texture. This is commonly used in custom-made Lederhosen.
- Goat Leather – For its smooth texture and flexibility, it has become a popular choice for people who prefer comfort over anything.
Traditional Lederhosen Colors
- Brown – The authentic color of Bavarian pants is brown, which reflects that they are made from the original cow’s leather. You will find an array of shades from the brown family as the original leather color differs.
- Gray – Gray Lederhosen are less traditional but can provide a subtle, understated alternative. They may have a more modern feel but are less commonly seen at the festivals.
- Black – You can never go wrong with black Lederhosen to resemble the originality of the men’s German clothing. Although not a part of the Traditional Bavarian color palette, stills have managed to become the style statement for Oktoberfest Lederhosen.
A Suitable Bavarian Shirt
- Plain White – A classic and versatile option, plain white shirts are elegant and are more related to the original Wiesn look.
- Checked Pattern – These shirts can be found in colors like blue, red, green, or black, and the pattern can vary from small to large blocks.
Lederhosen Accessories To Complete The German Look
Along with wearing a perfect Trachten Shirt, go for Knee-length woolen socks, known as Trachtensocken. Next, the shoe selection is equally important, and traditional Bavarian shoes (Haferlschuhe or Trachtenschuhe) complete the footwear ensemble. Suspenders play a significant role in achieving your authentic German look. These suspenders are attached to the waistband of the breeches and go over the shoulders to keep the Lederhosen in place and add to the traditional look.
You can also wear a Bavarian Hat featuring feathers, pins, and other decorative items with your traditional bundhosen. In colder weather, you can fearlessly add traditional Bavarian jackets such as a Trachtenjacke or Jankerto to your German attire.
Dirndl – Women’s Traditional Wear For Oktoberfest
Ladies have a wide variety of dresses for the Wiesn look. The specifically designed original dirndl dress is usually composed of a bodice, skirt, blouse, and an apron on it. The detailed breakdown of women’s German costumes is here;
Understanding The Components Of Traditional German Dirndl
- Bodice – The dirndl bodice is crafted precisely to give you an ultimate traditional look. You will find the bodice in silk, cotton, and linen materials. The design options include classic styles (Laces or simple pleating) and contemporary styles (tailored cut with embellishment). Selecting the color options, earthy tones such as forest green, rich reds, or deep blues evoke a timeless appeal, while vibrant hues like mustard, lavender, or burgundy add a modern touch.
- Skirt – Dirndl skirts are commonly made from cotton, silk, and linen, depending on the season you wear them. You will find traditional dirndl skirts in three lengths: mini, midi, and long. German skirts often showcase solid colors, floral patterns, and classic checks, adhering to regional customs. Traditionally, the skirt has a pocket on the side or in front, hidden under the apron.
- Blouse – A blouse is the key element in your Dirndl dress, as it makes or ruins your entire look. Classic white blouses are timeless options to wear with a Dirndl. You may also choose between ruffles and puff sleeves. You can also go off-the-shoulder blouse to add a touch of sophistication yet keep it modern. With each option, you can get a customized touch of a deep-cut or high-neck blouse, along with popular V-shaped, balconette, or heart-shaped necklines.
- Apron with a Bow – Aprons are essential to your traditional German Costume. Traditional aprons are often made from silk, cotton, or linen, with colors that complement the skirt and bodice. Adding a bow to your dirndl apron is more than just a style statement; its size, the way it’s tied, and its placement speak about your personality. The bow tie at the front is for a virgin, the bow tied on the right is for married/engaged or taken, and the bow tied on the left is for a woman with material status who is single.
Spice Up Your Costume With Traditional Accessories
Don’t forget to add accessories to your dirndl or bundhosen outfits, such as traditional jewelry with a delicate pearl necklace or a traditional Edelweiss pendant). Traditional hats, such as the Bavarian-style hat adorned with feathers or flowers, are also popular for complementing a dirndl. Add knee-length socks or classic white, depending on the Dirndl you wear. You can also choose socks with patterns to give your outfit a modern touch.
Last but not least, the shoe selection is important. From traditional Bavarian shoes to Classic Mary Janes style and Ballet flats, the selection of shoes depends on the type of Dirndl you are wearing, and yes, your comfort should be your top priority.
Yes, you can carry a bag to complete your Oktoberfest look but do not carry a big-sized bag, as it will be against the golden rules of Oktoberfest.
Last Words
It sounds fun to dress up in a Bavarian costume; however, do not mix it with any cheap Halloween costume. Avoid wearing a dirndl just as a skirt or without a blouse. The same goes for German leather pants; don’t go casual. Look for the best-matched alternative for your attire to bring yourself closer to traditional German wear.
FAQs
Q1. What do the different colors and patterns indicate about the Dirndl?
Ans: Each detail on the Dirndl conveys a message. Dirndl, available in different colors and patterns, is associated with different regions of Bavaria. Also, it is now manufactured in different regions and worn in other places, indicating the origin respectively.
Q2. How do you check the originality of leather pants?
Ans: Spotting the original leather is easy if you shop for it from the stores. The authenticity of leather pants depends heavily on the type of leather they are made from. Otherwise, you can always perform a few tests to verify. For example, original leather pants will always have imperfections, as you will see pebbles on them.
Founder & Editor of Textile Learner. He is a Textile Consultant, Blogger & Entrepreneur. Mr. Kiron is working as a textile consultant in several local and international companies. He is also a contributor of Wikipedia.
