The Dirndl Bow: How to Tie It Correctly – Meaning, Tips & Instructions

Dirndl bow tied on the left: You are single. If your apron is tied on the left, it means: You are free, ready to flirt, and open to nice encounters. Perfect for risking a little heartbeat at the next festival.

Dirndl bow tied on the right: You are taken, engaged, or married.

Anyone who wears their bow on the right is usually taken, engaged, or married. A subtle sign to everyone: Please, no flirting attempts!

Dirndl bow tied in the center front: You are either a virgin or don’t want to give information. In the past, it was clear: Center front meant “virgin.” Today, it’s not interpreted that strictly anymore. Women who wear the bow here are usually unsure of how they want to position themselves – or simply don’t want to make their relationship status public.

Dirndl bow tied in the center back: You are widowed or belong to the service staff. Especially at folk festivals, the latter is very common.

So with just a simple bow you can send clear signals – without saying a single word.

How to Tie Your Dirndl Bow Correctly – Step-by-Step Guide

You’ve decided on the right side – but how do you tie the dirndl bow correctly so it sits nicely and holds for a long time? With these simple tips, it’s guaranteed to work:

Neatly ironed is half the battle

Before tying, make sure that your apron and the bow ribbons are clean and, above all, smooth. Creased areas from the last festival can quickly look careless.

Tip: Iron the apron inside out – it protects the fabric!

The waist is the goal

The dirndl bow is not tied on the hip (like with jeans), but at the waistline. This emphasizes your narrowest point and automatically creates a prettier silhouette. Also make sure that the ribbons overlap exactly at the back – this looks especially elegant.

Little trick: Let someone help you tie it from behind – the result often looks much neater.

Clean cross at the apron band

Now bring the ribbons forward and cross them directly above the waistband of the apron – and keep them smooth. This is the basis for a perfect bow.

Now it’s time to loop

Once the ribbons lie smoothly over the waistband, it’s time for the actual bow tying – which works much like a classic shoelace knot:

1. Lay one side of the ribbon over the other.
2. Form a loop with the second side.
3. Tie the first side around the loop and pull through – like a classic bow knot.

Important: Pull everything smoothly and evenly – this looks the neatest.

No double knots, please!

Even if it might hold more securely – a double knot rarely looks good. Most of the time the ribbons become too short and the bow loses its charm.

Don’t forget the finishing touches

Once the bow is in place, it’s time for the finish: Now arrange the ends so everything falls evenly. Make sure both ribbons are the same length and the bow doesn’t look oversized – it can stand out, but shouldn’t dominate the look. With a bit of finesse, you can bring everything into the perfect shape.

Still got questions? Check out the following video.

“How to Tie Your Dirndl Bow Correctly!”

The Perfect Look – How to Combine Bow, Dirndl & Accessories

To make sure your dirndl bow comes into its own, here are a few styling tips:

• Color-coordinated aprons elegantly highlight the bow.
• A large bow looks playful, a smaller one more classic and subtle.
• Combine the bow with a modern dirndl blouse or with striking traditional jewelry.
• In the mood for something new? Then discover the latest dirndl trends at MOSER Trachten

Your Dirndl Bow, Your Message – and Your Style

The dirndl bow is a real statement – not just about relationship status, but also about your personal style. Whether you stick to tradition or make a modern statement: You are the one who decides!

In the MOSER online shop you’ll find everything you need for your appearance in traditional dress – from the classic cotton dirndl to extravagant trend pieces like dirndls made from Peach Fuzz. Get inspired by our ideas and browse through our idea world!