The Dirndl in Munich – traditional clothing for Oktoberfest

When you visit Munich, be sure to check out the Dirndl dresses that the well-dressed Bavarian lady is wearing this season. I was intrigued by the number of classy shops showing evening versions of the traditional Bavarian costume in their shop windows. 

You or I might choose a little something by Valentino or Versace for our big night out. But, the ladies of Munich clearly enjoy sporting their traditional German clothing in gorgeous silks and velvets.

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In southern Germany, the dirndl is the outfit of choice for any formal evening events, a visit to the Opera or any social event with a traditional flavour. And of course if you are attending Oktoberfest be sure to rent or buy a Dirndl to wear as your Oktoberfest outfit, or you’ll stick out among all the locals sporting their dirndls and lederhosen. 

Interesting facts about the Dirndl

• The Dirndl costume consists of a skirt, apron, tight bodice and short sleeved blouse worn underneath and perhaps a shawl or scarf at the neck.
• The Dirndl is the typical dress for waitresses and barmaids in pubs and beer gardens in Southern Germany
• The placement of the knot of the apron denotes your marital status – on the left means you’re single and available, on the right means you’re married, engaged or taken, and at the back means you’re a widow.
• The Oktoberfest, the famous beer and folk festival held in Munich (in October since you ask) is a favourite place to wear your dirndl for tourists as well as locals – even Paris Hilton wore one when she was at the Oktoberfest.
• This is not just a fashion your Mum would wear – the teenagers really get into it as well and the fashions change every year.

Where to buy or rent a dirndl in Munich

If you’re in Munich for the Oktoberfest and want to know where to buy a dirndl, new or second-hand, it will probably cost you from €100 up to hundreds or thousands for a top end or bespoke Dirndl – these are some places to buy or rent your dirndl in Munich.

• Lola Paltinger/Lollipop and Alpenrock – high fashion by former Vivienne Westwood designer (where Paris & Salma like to shop)
• Trachten Peterandl – Custom made, high end dirndls
• Loden-Fry – Top Munich Department Store with a dirndl department
• Bavarian Outfitters – a selection of dirndls and lederhosen to rent

Other Munich articles to enjoy

Visiting the Munich Christmas Markets – Podcast
Drinking Feuerzangenbowle to warm the spirits in Munich
Postcard from the Christmas Markets in Munich

Munich Resources

We stayed in Munich at Hotel Falkenturm, a comfortable, 2 star hotel which is well-located for sightseeing – read my review of Hotel Falkenturm here

The guidebook I used on this trip was the pocket sized DK Eyewitness Top 10 guide to Munich, which I found ideal for sightseeing if you are there for a short time.

Official Munich Tourism Website

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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