Tracht Look — The Essential Dos and Don'ts for Dirndl & Lederhosen

So you don't go wrong when choosing your Dirndl, we've put together a handy checklist you can use as your go-to guide.

1. Fit:

Your Dirndl should fit well and suit your figure. The bodice should fit snugly without being restrictive, the waist should be accentuated, and the skirt should fall beautifully.

2. Dirndl length:

The Dirndl should not be too short — it needs an appropriate length. Traditional midi Dirndl or long Dirndl are particularly popular here. The Dirndl should be at least knee-grazing, which is always a safe choice.

Dirndl lengths at a glance:

• Mini Dirndl (40 to 50 cm): Modern, but only for young women and casual occasions
• Midi Dirndl (60 to 70 cm): The classic — always right
• Long Dirndl (80 to 90 cm): Traditional and festive

3. Blouse:

The Dirndl and blouse should complement each other in style. The classic Dirndl look is always worn with a blouse. Exception: Dirndl without a blouse with a high neckline.

4. Colour and material:

Make sure that colours, materials and patterns don't create too wild a mix. Most classic Dirndl are made from cotton, so always avoid cheap, shiny fabrics here.

No-go materials and patterns:

• Cheap shiny fabrics
• Animal prints
• Neon colours
• Too many different patterns
• Synthetic fabrics that look cheap

5. Footwear:

Choose shoes that are both comfortable and appropriate. As much as we love sneakers for comfort — they are a definite no-go with traditional Tracht. Opt for ballet flats or pumps with a block heel instead, and remember that you'll need to be on your feet in them for hours.

Do:

• Block-heel pumps
• Ballet flats
• Closed-toe shoes
• Haferlschuhe (traditional)

Don't:

• Sneakers (except with modern Dirndl looks)
• Flip flops
• High heels with a thin stiletto
• Sports shoes

6. Accessories:

Match your hairstyle and accessories to your Tracht look. You can't go wrong with classic accessories such as Charivaris, scarves, bracelets, Tracht bags or ankle socks.

7. Apron:

Always wear an apron with your Dirndl. At the perfect length, it ends two to three centimetres above the hem of the skirt. Also make sure you tie your bow correctly to avoid sending the wrong signals.

Tying the bow correctly:

• Tied on the right: Taken or married
• Tied on the left: Single and available
• Tied in the centre front: Virgin
• Tied in the centre back: Widow or waitress

Simply use our checklist and work through it step by step. That way your Dirndl look will be absolutely perfect.

Not the Dirndl type and prefer to show up to the festival in Lederhosen as a woman? These days, that's absolutely no problem. Women in Lederhosen have become an indispensable part of the Oktoberfest scene and can really pull off this look — as long as the trousers are good quality and long enough.

Tips for women in Lederhosen:

• Choose a well-fitting pair of Lederhosen
• The length should be at least knee-length
• Pair with a feminine blouse
• Accessories can be feminine
• The Lederhose should be made from genuine leather

The gents among us can also make quite a few mistakes when choosing their Lederhosen. So do your research in advance and keep a few key points in mind to find the right Tracht look for you.

The Lederhosen checklist for men:

1. Genuine leather:

First things first: Lederhosen absolutely must be made from genuine leather. Faux leather or cheap imitations are a complete no-go and will be spotted immediately.

2. The right length:

Lederhosen that are too short should be avoided. The ideal length ends just above the knee. Find out more about men's Tracht in our detailed guide.

Lederhosen lengths:

• Short Lederhose: Ends well above the knee
• Kniebund (knee-length): The classic — ends at the knee
• Long Lederhose: Rare but traditional

3. The fit:

Lederhosen should fit nice and snugly — beware of baggy pairs. A well-fitting Lederhose is close-fitting but never cutting in.

4. The right shoes:

Be careful with your shoe choice. Skip the Chucks and sneakers. What you want here are Haferlschuhe — true classics of the genre.

5. The right shirt:

When it comes to tops, a T-shirt is absolutely out of the question. A great shirt — whether plain or checked — makes a real statement with this look.

Shirt options:

• Checked Trachten shirt (blue and white, red and white, green and white)
• White shirt (elegant and festive)
• Long-sleeved or short-sleeved depending on the weather

6. The Trachten waistcoat:

An absolute do and always very popular: the Trachten waistcoat. Not only does it make your look impeccably stylish, it's also a true classic. Choose a waistcoat made from high-quality materials with a classic pattern and you'll get far more wear out of it.

1. Dirndl too short:

A Dirndl that ends well above the knee is only suitable for young women and very casual occasions. At a traditional Oktoberfest it often looks inappropriate.

2. Wrong shoes:

Sneakers, flip flops or excessively high stilettos don't work with traditional Tracht. Choose classic shoes that are comfortable.

3. No apron:

A Dirndl without an apron is not a proper Dirndl. The apron is an essential part of the look — no exceptions!

4. Cheap materials:

Shiny synthetic fabrics or faux leather are spotted immediately and look cheap. Invest in quality.

5. Bow tied incorrectly:

The position of the bow carries meaning. Make sure you're sending the right message!

6. Too many patterns:

A wild mix of different patterns and colours looks overdone. Keep it harmonious.

7. T-shirt with Lederhosen:

Men should always wear a shirt with their Lederhosen — never a T-shirt.