If you're planning to attend Oktoberfest, it’s important to know what not to wear. As a celebration of Bavarian culture, there are certain guidelines and customs that should be respected when attending the festival. Unfortunately, more often than not, some people stand out as the “THAT American” with their apparel.
To avoid being that person, it is important to be aware of the fashion faux pas at Oktoberfest so you can dress accordingly and not become a spectacle of mockery or judgement. In this blog post, we will explore what not to wear to Oktoberfest so you can enjoy the festivities without fear of embarrassment. Let’s get started!
Do Not Wear This Type ofGerman Dirndl
When it comes to what not to wear to Oktoberfest, the first piece of advice is DON'T WEAR ANYTHING GERMAN-THEMED FROM PARTY CITY OR AMAZON! Not only will you look like a walking billboard for these stores, but you'll also stick out from the true Bavarian fashion.
That garbage dirndl or those lederhosen you bought online are no match for the real thing. Not only will you look out of place, but you may even end up on the worst-dressed list in the local Bavarian newspaper!
Sure, dressing up is part of the fun at Oktoberfest, but if you truly want to fit in, opt for a traditional Bavarian outfit that won't stand out like a sore thumb. Let's keep the Party City and Amazon looks at home!
Incorporate Your Personal Style
DirndlDo Nots
But, that being said, if you show up in a dirndl that costs less than your boots… you may want to re-think that choice. Here are a few more things to avoid:
- Thigh high tights
- Anything labeled as “beer wench”
- Teeny tiny hats
- Skirts that are not longer than your fingertips
- Excessive amounts of cleavage
Lederhosen Do Nots
The same goes for Lederhosen. Lederhosen literally translates to Leather Pants. So, if they’re not made of leather, spoiler alert… they're not lederhosen. We recommend Ernst Licht for Lederhosen in the US
When people ask me what will make them stand out at Oktoberfest…. looking like that... that will make you stand out and not in the way you want. #thumbsdown
My Advice
Remember, that dirndl dresses are a part of German heritage. There's true meaning behind each element of a German dirndl or lederhosen.
Be thoughtful of that when you're shopping for a German dirndl outfit, and if you do opt for Amazon, try not to have you "filter price" set low to high. You'll definitely see some not so cute outfits that mock the culture.
Have more questions about what to wear to Oktoberfest or the design elements of a German dirndl? Put them in the comments below!
Looking for more Dirndl Style tips & tricks? Click the link to get access to our official style guide! >>https://bit.ly/dirndlstyle
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Ever wonder which dirndl style you are? Click here to take our quiz and find out now!
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March 01, 2022 — Erika Neumayer
FAQs
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 ...
What to wear to Oktoberfest if not dressing up? ›
If you don't want to dress up for Oktoberfest, here are some suggestions: A pair of trousers and a checkered shirt are a terrific choice for males. You'll feel cozy while maintaining a festive appearance. A pretty top, skirt, or sundress are usually nice options for women.
What do most people wear to Oktoberfest? ›
Both locals and tourists wear traditional Bavarian and Bavarian-inspired clothing. For women, it is a Dirndl and for men, it's Lederhosen. A Dirndl typically consists of a sleeveless dress with a blouse underneath and an apron at the waist.
Can you go to Oktoberfest in normal clothes? ›
You definitely can wear regular clothes and still have a great time, but you will be missing out on a key piece of the Oktoberfest experience.
What is the female outfit called at Oktoberfest? ›
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.
What does the dress mean at Oktoberfest? ›
The dirndl is the traditional Alpine dress for women. Originally, the dirndl was a costume for servants in noble households but eventually it was worn more and more by women in the Alpine regions and summer visitors for private and festive occasions.
What color shirt to wear with lederhosen? ›
Bavarian shirt
The next-most important component of your Oktoberfest outfit. Classic Bavarian shirts are made of linen or cotton, and although many are checked, they don't necessarily have to be: white or natural shades are very common too.
What is the etiquette for the dirndl? ›
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.
What is the bad side of Oktoberfest? ›
The potential dangers of festivals
Dehydration and hangovers: The diuretic effect of alcohol can lead to dehydration, causing symptoms like fatigue, dizziness and dry mouth, while hangovers, characterised by headaches, nausea and confusion, are a common aftermath of binge drinking.
Do you wear a bra with dirndl? ›
Always select the right colour bra to wear under your dirndl blouse. It's best to try on the bra underneath your dirndl and blouse to find the perfect bra to go with your outfit.
Since Oktoberfest originates in Munich, Bavaria, blue and white have become the official colors of Oktoberfest. Of course, to change things up a bit you can decorate in black, red, and yellow, the colors of the German flag.
Are purses allowed at Oktoberfest? ›
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.
Can you wear jeans to Oktoberfest? ›
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).
Can you wear sneakers to Oktoberfest? ›
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.
Do females wear lederhosen? ›
The idea of a girl in lederhosen used to sound quite tomboyish, but for a few years now, Oktoberfest ladies have been proving that lederhosen can look great on women too – and that they don't need to borrow their boyfriends', either.
