Many ladies come to Munich excited to try on one of the gorgeous local outfits; the Dirndl. However at first it can be rather intimidating as there are so many options and styles to choose from. So with the help of my friend Schatzi Dirndl, I have for you a little example guide.

The Vocabulary

First things first, what the heck are these dress pieces called?

The Dress: Dirndl

Corset or bodice: Mieder or Dirndl oberteil

Blouse: Bluse

Apron: Schürze

Bow: Schleife

The Traditional Dirndl

Here we have a simple style in some very typical colours.

  Traditional Dirndls are often found in Red, Blue and Green ( particularly Tannenbaum grün) They are paired with either a checkered dress or schürze and a full shoulder covering bluse

The Modern or Couture Dirndl

This Dirndl is a very unique option to show the modern flare seen nowadays at Oktoberfest. In Some areas and zelts it can be a very big fashion competiton and many woman strive to have the most unique dirndl.

In General, the modern dirndl is highlighted by the variations of colours and patterns. Some years I have seen them with wild patterns, mountains of ribbons, jewels and even pearl embeleshments.

Two other differences would be the mieder and Bluse

The modern bodice style is still rather traditional but instead of ties, goes together with man hidden metal clasps. In terms of the blouse, this is often a longer 3/4 sleeve style, often with a bit of lace or decorative piece around the collar.

Tying the Schürze

One of the most frequently asked questions for dirndls is which side to tie the bow.

When tying the schleife on your dirndl, the location in which you put it can send off a couple different messages.

Left: This means you are in a relationship or married

Right: Single ( and ready to mingle)

Middle: Child or virgin

Back: Kellnerin or widow

What do you think about Dirndls? have you gotten yours this year yet?

I hope this post helped you out a bit! let me know if you have any other dirndl related topics and I’d love to chat with you

Happy shopping

xxA

Dirndls curtesy of Schatzi Dirndl  and Trachtlerin