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Wear traditional costume correctly

Author: Ann-Kathrin
Ann-Kathrin writes with passion about dirndls and traditional costumes, combines tradition with modern trends and inspires her readers with tips and stories about traditional costume fashion.

Wearing traditional Trachten can make you feel comfortable and attractive. And when the Trachten outfit is worn correctly, you might just turn heads as people admire your look.

What is considered beautiful in Trachten fashion is certainly subjective, but there are still rules on how to wear it properly. It’s up to you whether you want to follow these guidelines or create your own style.

To help you avoid any fashion faux pas at Oktoberfest, Spring Fest, or the Wiesn, we have put together some Dirndl tips and information on how to properly wear Lederhosen.

From Trachten Fashion Don’ts to Dos

In this list, we outline some common don’ts in Trachten fashion and provide corresponding dos so you can confidently and stylishly wear your outfit. Of course, it’s ultimately up to you how seriously you take these guidelines, but if you want to wear Trachten properly, these are important points to consider:

  • Wearing incomplete Trachten: Since Trachten is a detailed outfit, the little things matter. The combination of individual pieces creates the perfect look. A Dirndl or a Lederhosen should always be paired with Haferl or traditional Trachten shoes. There are also modern, comfortable variations of these shoes that you can wear. Lederhosen should be worn with the right knit socks. Depending on the length of your Lederhosen, the socks should either be folded down or pulled up over the knee. If the pants are very short, the socks are rolled down. For knee-length Lederhosen, the socks should extend over the knee so that no skin is visible.
  • Buying Trachten anywhere: Purchase your Trachten attire from specialized retailers like MOSER Trachten, Bavaria’s largest Trachten outfitter. Since traditional clothing is highly region-specific, details can vary from district to district. If you are not yet a Trachten expert, mistakes can easily happen when buying, and you might overlook important details. This leads to another important "Do": A high-quality Trachten outfit is an investment meant to last for many years. It may be a bit more expensive, but in return, you are wearing a true quality product.
  • Leather pants that are too loose: Wearing Lederhosen correctly means that they must fit snugly and should not create folds at the back. Of course, a proper pair of Lederhosen should be made from real leather!
  • Too clean Lederhosen: Proper Lederhosen should already show some wear. They should be dark brown and have a soft, well-worn leather texture.
  • Brightly colored, inappropriate shirts: For a traditional look, a white shirt with some embroidery is ideal. If you prefer a more relaxed style, a checkered shirt is also acceptable. The look is completed with a Janker made of knit, felt, or loden when the weather is cool.
  • Plain blouses and mismatched jackets: If you want to wear your Dirndl properly, a white blouse with lace-trimmed sleeves is recommended. If it is cold and you need a jacket, it should be a matching knit cardigan. Alternatively, you can wear a woolen shawl with your Dirndl.
  • Too short, shiny polyester Dirndls: The Dirndl should be knee-length and made of high-quality fabric (preferably cotton).
  • Inappropriate accessories and misleading signals: Hairstyle, jewelry, scarves, and bags should complement the overall look. And, of course, don’t forget to tie your apron bow correctly to communicate your status:
    • Tied on the right: Taken
    • Tied on the left: Single
    • Tied in the middle front: Virgin
    • Tied in the middle back: Widow

Trachten Fashion by MOSER Trachten

One of the most important "Do's" is always ensuring that you feel comfortable in your Trachten attire. We want to help with that through our assortment and expertise. As Bavaria’s largest Trachten outfitter, we offer a wide variety of traditional clothing. From classic and heritage-inspired to trendy styles, our collection includes over 15,000 Trachten items. In addition to expert and friendly customer service, we provide an in-house tailoring service, free parking directly at our stores, and customized outfit solutions for special occasions.

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