Oktoberfest Costumes: Can you Wear Normal Clothes to Oktoberfest? (2024)
Emily Kammerlohr
my new friends at Marienplatz in Munich.
Table of Contents
Absolutely fam. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
My mom had a beer at theHofbräuhaus during her grand tour of Europe in 1978 in jeans and a t-shirt. Leading up to my trip to Munich, she couldn’t understand my panic at the price of an authentic Dirndl because she didn’t even think I should get one.
Just wear jeans, Emily! No one will care!”
But Mom, yes they willcare!
Need a ride to Oktoberfest? Consider using Flixbus.
enjoying a pretzel instead of trying on Dirndl after Dirndl the day before Oktoberfest
You see, I read countless blogs before going to Oktoberfest and most of them had the same thing to say (in essence) about wearing Dirndls at the festival:
You have to wear a Dirndl or you’ll look lame because literally everyone else is gonna be in one, but you have to spring for an authentic Dirndl and not get one of the costume-quality ones because that’s offensive to Bavarian culture and you’ll look stupid in your cheap Oktoberfest costume and everyone will laugh at you.
See also:
Don’t Like Beer? Not Drinking at Oktoberfest Can Still Be Fun!
I was like daaaaang. Looks like I’m spending $200 on a dress I’m literally going to wear one time.
pondering how much dirndls cost
But then I thought, wait a minute. I’m a Kammerlohr. My family is literally Bavarian, so how can wearing a cheap Oktoberfest costume be offensive to my own people?
So I looked it up again:Can you wear normal clothes to Oktoberfest? but basically got the same answer: no (see reasons above).
By this point, I was in a full blown panic. I didn’t want to spend lots of money on a Dirndl, butI’m also a compulsive planner, so buying an Oktoberfest outfit last minute in Munich was too stressful for me.
Cheap Oktoberfest costumes run small, so definitly size up. I normally wear a 14 in dresses, got the XXL, and still had to have my friend’s mom sew velcro panels into the sides at the last minute.
I was pumped. I bought a relativity cheap Dirndl. I practiced braiding my hair to look barmaid AF. I was ready.
Smoky and I in our Dirndls. She got hers online and paid big money.
YES! ABSOLUTELY! 100 %.
There were tons of girls there in normal dresses, jeans, and even shorts (y’all it was cold — not sure what they were thinking). And you know what? Their cloths didn’t matter at all. While there were lots of people there wearing traditional Dirndls and Lederhosen, the people who weren’t didn’t seem out of place or like they were having any less fun.
No one cared that I was in a cheap Oktoberfest Dirndl. They wouldn’t have cared if I was in normal clothes, either.
Besides — most of the people there were too busy getting white girl wasted to notice what people were wearing.
Turns out, my mom was right. But isn’t she always?
Wear what you want to Oktoberfest, but if you’d like to get a cheap Dirndl, check out Amazon. I really liked this one, but it wouldn’t ship by when I needed it since I waited too late. So I got this equally cute one. Also, I’m pretty sure when they talk about “offensive costumes” they mean ones like this, but you do you girl.
Pin it:
**This post contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase an item via these links (or in the same session) I get some cash money, at no extra cost to you. You can learn more in myPrivacy Policy.
Emily Kammerlohr
Emily’s all over the place. She’s an expert on working holidays, studying abroad, and turning your #GapYear into a #GapLife. Learn how here.
Follow:
You may also enjoy:
Overnight Buses in Europe: the Berlin to Amsterdam Flixbus
Art Museum Snapchats: the National Portrait Gallery Edition
Fashion and Function: What To Wear in Rome To Pass as a Local
You really don't need to buy a pair of cheap Lederhosen or a trashy Dirndl
Dirndl
A dirndl consists of a close-fitting bodice with a low neckline, a blouse worn under the bodice, a wide high-waisted skirt and an apron. The dirndl is regarded as a folk costume (German: Tracht). It developed as the clothing of Alpine peasants between the 16th and 18th centuries.
Their cloths didn't matter at all. While there were lots of people there wearing traditional Dirndls and Lederhosen, the people who weren't didn't seem out of place or like they were having any less fun. No one cared that I was in a cheap Oktoberfest Dirndl. They wouldn't have cared if I was in normal clothes, either.
Although a little bit harder to come by, if you want to get the Oktoberfest vibes without wearing a dirndl a German-inspired sweater or vest is a stellar way to make your plain outfit into a German one.
Personally, I wouldn't want to spend that much money on a dress that will likely see little use outside Bavaria but hey, you do you! Going to Oktoberfest in regular clothes is totally fine too. this is the way, either buy a proper one or none at all.
Put on the Dirndl dress, ensuring that the bodice fits snugly and that the skirt falls just below the knee. Tie the apron around your waist, with the bow on your left side if you are single, on your right if you are married, or in the middle if you are a widow. The bow should be neat and not too large.
Dirndls, for women, and lederhosen for men and some women, make up Munich's Oktoberfest trachten, or traditional costumes, and with well in excess of 90% of revellers in the beer halls sporting some kind of Oktoberfest dirndl or lederhosen, for even the short-term visitor an investment in some Oktoberfest outfits can ...
Mobile, cash, MVV ticket, keys, Kleenex, lipstick – there are a few things you definitely need to take with you at the Oktoberfest. The bag you bring them in can be up to 3 liters in volume or no bigger than 20 cm x 15 cm x 10 cm (approx.8 in x 6 in x 4 in). For example that is a small handbag or a mini-rucksack.
The right bra underneath the Dirndl is crucial for the perfect fit and the ideal effect of the traditional dress. Often it is difficult for customers to choose the right Dirndl bra - but if a few tips are taken into account, nothing stands in the way of a combination of sensuality and comfort.
yes, many foreign visitors wear Dirndl and Lederhose, the traditional Bavarian clothing. Some of the strictest and most conservative Bavarians oppose this and think only the real Bavarians should wear Tracht.
When it comes to dressing up for Oktoberfest or a traditional German event, there are plenty of options of shoes to choose from. You can go for classic black patent leather Mary Janes or try something more daring like bright red ankle boots. For a more casual look, you can also opt for some stylish sneakers or loafers.
A dirndl is the name of a woman's dress traditionally worn in southern Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Alpine regions of Italy. The dirndl is a folk costume (in German – Tracht), and today is generally regarded as a traditional dress for women and girls in the Alps.
Many participants wear kilts to attend due to the Celtic roots of the festival and its participants, and so it is a perfect occasion to don a Tartanista outfit.
Absolutely! Lederhosen socks are not limited to men. Women can wear them to achieve an authentic Bavarian look, pairing them with dirndls or other Oktoberfest attire.
However, do keep in mind that this type of footwear is more for a summer festival. Open toed shoes are NOT recommended for Oktoberfest in Munich… too much potential spillage. For a trendy look: Go with trendy booties — this is really all the rage at Oktoberfest lately.
Whatever you choose to drink, make sure to enjoy it in a festive atmosphere! You don't have to like beer to enjoy Octoberfest! There are plenty of other ways to celebrate this Bavarian festival. Octoberfest does not have to be held in a traditional bierkeller.
A dirndl is the name of a woman's dress traditionally worn in southern Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Alpine regions of Italy. The dirndl is a folk costume (in German – Tracht), and today is generally regarded as a traditional dress for women and girls in the Alps.
Address: Apt. 994 8891 Orval Hill, Brittnyburgh, AZ 41023-0398
Phone: +26417467956738
Job: District Marketing Strategist
Hobby: Embroidery, Bodybuilding, Motor sports, Amateur radio, Wood carving, Whittling, Air sports
Introduction: My name is Prof. An Powlowski, I am a charming, helpful, attractive, good, graceful, thoughtful, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
