Which Dirndl Suits Me? Figure, Style, Occasion and Look Guide

We girls unfortunately often tend to focus on our supposed flaws: strong thighs, a small bust, unloved little rolls at the hips.

But it really is not about the small individual imperfections that even supermodels find on themselves if they look long enough. On the contrary, our different shapes are exactly what make us unique and interesting!

Real women, who simply walk around in real life un-photoshopped, have the most diverse proportions: broad or narrow shoulders, a small or large bust, barely any or a strong waist, short or long legs, generous or rather boyish hips, to name just a few of the things that make every body unique.

But instead of standing critically in front of the mirror for hours and secretly envying one another, the rule is: rethink! Different proportions should not be a reason for grief but should be shown off proudly and confidently. So forget your flaws and focus on your overall look.

Luckily, fashion, including Dirndl fashion, is very diverse and therefore offers plenty of visual tricks to show your figure off to its best advantage. The right style, the fitting length and a look that matches your occasion make the difference. To put your proportions in the right light through flattering details, you can balance your figure with cuts, fabrics, colours, patterns and accessories, often with an incredible WOW effect.

You are an H girl if:

• Your waistline runs relatively straight, with almost no or only a gentle curve
• Your shoulders and hips are roughly the same width
• You have rather straight and long legs and arms
• Your body looks rather athletic and androgynous and has no explicit focal point

Rather low on curves, but usually beautiful long legs and arms: those are among the most important features of the H girl. Girls with an H figure sometimes look a little androgynous. The reason for this is the barely defined waist and few curves at the bust, bottom and hips. With a Dirndl, the usually somewhat lanky figure can be turned into a curvy wonder in no time.

The perfect Dirndl for the H girl:

• Mieder with a V neckline for more curves
• A wide A-line skirt
• A close-fitting, tight top
• Feminine details: ruffles, lace, bows
• Midi skirt length grazing the knee
• Flat shoes such as ballerinas or sneakers
• Patterns that start at the hem and fade towards the waist
• Single-colour Dirndl or strict linear patterns

You are an O girl if:

• Your body's centre of gravity is mainly in the waist, tummy and hip area
• The narrowest point of your upper body is not at your waist but a little higher, just below your bust
• Your forearms and wrists are relatively delicately built
• Your body's centre of gravity is rather in the middle
• Your legs, especially the calves and ankles, are rather delicately shaped compared to the rest of your body

As an O girl you are more of a tummy person. Your curves in the middle of your body are impossible to miss and otherwise too your figure is wonderfully soft and femininely rounded. From the hips down you impress with great legs and slim ankles, and your forearms and wrists are also very delicate and look almost fragile.

The perfect Dirndl for the O girl:

• Skip charivaris or contrasting-colour ribbons
• Matte, plain fabrics in the middle of the body
• Wide or V-shaped necklines
• Emphasise your décolleté with necklaces or brooches
• A Dirndlbluse with a boat neckline and wide straps
• Three-quarter sleeves or wide sleeves for delicate wrists
• Eye-catching details on your beautiful legs
• Soft fabrics that fall loosely (not constricting)

You are a Y girl if:

• Your upper body is stronger than your lower body and the focus lies on the shoulder and chest area
• Your shoulders are broader than your hips
• Your shoulders are rather angular in shape and do not slope gently
• Your waist is almost straight or only gently curved
• You have a rather large bust and a large underbust measurement
• Your hips are very narrow and almost boyish
• You have long and slim legs

Your body's centre of gravity lies on the upper body. You have broad, often quite angular shoulders and a large chest measurement. In contrast to this is an almost girlish and petite lower body. In between lies a rather straight waist. Your highlight is your wonderful long legs and your narrow hips.

The perfect Dirndl for the Y girl:

• Avoid puff sleeves and shoulder details
• Close-fitting, understated tops
• A V neckline or collar
• Discreet, narrow apron ties
• Voluminous elements on the lower body
• A shiny skirt or shiny apron
• Dark, matte colours on the upper body
• Light, strong colours with patterns on the skirt
• Single-colour Dirndl for a longer vertical line

Besides your figure, the occasion plays an important role when choosing the right Dirndl. The style, the length and the fit should always suit the setting.

Oktoberfest and folk festivals: here cheerful colours, patterns and a joyful look are called for. Midi lengths grazing the knee are the most practical. The Mieder may be fitted and laceable. Accessories such as Trachten jewellery and a colour-matched apron round off the style. The fit has to be right, since you are out and about all day.

Weddings and festive occasions: here more elegant fabrics such as silk or high-quality cotton satin, longer skirt lengths and a calmer style are recommended. The Mieder may also come in classic muted colours. The look should feel festive without being overloaded. Keep accessories discreet: a fine necklace, classic shoes.

City festivals and everyday wear: short to midi Dirndl in natural colours, light fabrics such as cotton or linen and a relaxed look without too many accessories. Less is more.

The fit remains decisive for every occasion. A Dirndl that fits perfectly always looks stylish, whether at a folk festival or a wedding celebration. Match style, length and occasion to one another and you will always be right.