Traditional fabrics and their processing methods

The Natural Fiber Linen

Linen, also known as flax fiber, is harvested in the form of fibers that are spun into yarn. The spun or finely woven linen fabric promises particularly high quality as well as excellent skin-friendly properties. Additionally, its airy, cool, and breathable texture ensures high wearing comfort. This makes linen-based Trachten fashion especially suitable for warm days. Other advantages include:

• Shape retention
• Extreme durability
• Pill resistance
• Dirt-repellent properties
• Easy cleaning

However, it is important to note that the natural fiber linen changes when washed. Therefore, Dirndls, Trachten shirts, and similar garments made of linen should not be washed hotter than 40 degrees and ideally on a gentle cycle. Additionally, the fabric should always be ironed slightly damp and with steam. For especially careful and professional care, your Trachten garments can also be cleaned at a dry cleaner.

Loden – Warming Fabric for Trachten

Loden is a product made from sheep’s wool that is particularly durable, windproof, temperature-regulating, and breathable. This fabric, commonly used in the production of Dirndls, jackets, and vests, is also very easy to care for since it is naturally water-repellent and dirt-resistant. A special feature of Loden fabric is that it stretches slightly with body heat, fitting like a second skin.

Cord – The Warming Fabric

Soft and cozy corduroy fabric is ideal for Trachten fashion worn during the autumn and winter seasons. It is particularly easy to care for, durable, and even warming. This is why corduroy is often used for long skirts, such as Dirndl skirts, or jackets.

The fabric is primarily made from cotton and mixed with elastane, providing high wearing comfort and ensuring an attractive fabric appearance. The well-known vertically running ribs and velvety texture are created through a special weaving technique in which the weft thread is split.

Elegant and Soft: Velvet Fabrics

High-quality velvet was historically made from silk, though today, it is primarily composed of cotton, synthetic fibers, or artificial silk. The fluffy top layer of the fabric is achieved through an integrated pile weave. Velvet is easy to work with and is known for its durability while maintaining a soft texture. Nowadays, velvet fabric is widely used in Trachten fashion, especially in Dirndl bodices, as well as in various skirt and jacket collections. Velvet gives garments an elegant yet modern touch, particularly due to its shimmering surface. The velvety material makes colors appear more vibrant and glossy.

Jacquard – The Exclusive Fabric

Jacquard refers to fabrics that feature woven or knitted patterns. Common base materials include cotton, viscose, or synthetics. The most well-known jacquard fabrics are brocade, damask, and matelassé. Brocade is a heavy, firm, and patterned fabric made from cotton and artificial silk. During production, golden or silver threads are woven in, giving the fabric a shimmering appearance and an especially elegant look. Damask was traditionally made from silk, but nowadays, cotton and blended fabrics are more commonly used. The fabric’s distinctive feature is its reverse pattern effect on the opposite side. Matelassé, made from cotton, silk, and viscose, is known for its padded texture with relief-like patterns.

Artfully Crafted Lace

Lace fabrics consist of decorative yarn structures with unique hole patterns and a mesh-like appearance. Various production techniques create either dense or delicate, transparent lace. Due to a small proportion of integrated elastane, lace fabrics also offer slight elasticity, making them especially popular for blouses.

Patterns and Colors for Your Trachten Outfit

The most well-known and popular patterns in Trachten fashion include stripes and checks, as well as floral motifs, hearts, or small Trachten symbols. Most Trachten garments are traditionally in classic colors such as black, white, red, green, or blue. However, the latest spring collection trends show an increasing preference for soft pastel tones combined with natural materials like linen or cotton. In contrast, winter Trachten fashion highlights velvet in rich tones such as rust red, deep blue, and dark green.