What to Wear at Oktoberfest: The Complete Guide to Wearing a German Di (2024)

Being a Dirndl designer, it is part of my job to make sure you are ready for any trip to Oktoberfest in Munich you may take, so here is my complete step-by-step guide to wearing a Dirndl dresses at Oktoberfest. So if you are asking, "do you have to dress up for Oktoberfest"... let's dive in!

In this Article

  • What is Oktoberfest?
  • What do you wear to Oktoberfest?
  • All the pieces of a Dirndl.
  • How to wear a Dirndl.
  • Accessories to go with your Dirndl.
  • Oktoberfest clothing FAQs

      What to Wear at Oktoberfest: The Complete Guide to Wearing a German Di (1)

      What is Oktoberfest?

      Oktoberfest is a magnificent annual festival held in Munich, Germany. Attended by an average of 6 million people from all over the globe, this event is one for the bucket list!

      How did the tradition of Oktoberfest start? The very first Oktoberfest took place on October 12, 1810. It was an event to celebrate the marriage of Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen and the crown prince of Bavaria (who would go on to become King Louis I). This celebration lasted for five days. Over time, it expanded into an epic 2-week festival that included a parade, large beer halls, amusement rides, music, and dancing.

      What to Wear at Oktoberfest: The Complete Guide to Wearing a German Di (2)

      So why is Oktoberfest celebrated in September? The answer is simple… as the festival got longer, the start date was pushed back into September because the weather is typically better and the days are longer.

      Why do you hear Oktoberfest called the Wiesn? The grounds on which Oktoberfest takes place is called the Theresienwiese… Wiesn, short for Theresienwiese. This is what most locals call Oktoberfest.

      What to Wear at Oktoberfest: The Complete Guide to Wearing a German Di (3)

      What do you wear to Oktoberfest?

      If you are planning a trip to Oktoberfest, be it this year, next year, or sometime in the distant future, dressing for the Wiesn is a must! (I guess technically… it's not a requirement, but this just adds more fun to the event). 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. (It’s what the St. Pauli Girl wears).
      • Lederhosen literally translates to leather pants. It is the quintessential embroidered leather pants with suspenders typically worn with a plaid or white shirt.

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        All the pieces of a Dirndl Set

        Unlike your typical cocktail or sundress, a Dirndl has many pieces. Here are all the parts of a Dirndl.

        Dirndl Bodice

        This is the top part of the Dirndl from the waist up. It has either a zipper or button closure. More intricate styles will have braids, trimming, ribbons, chain etc on the bodice. Some folks will add pins or other accessories to the bodice.

        Dirndl Skirt

        The skirt is often attached to the bodice at the waist. It is a full skirt with gathers or pleats. Some Dirndl dresses have pockets. (cough cough ALL Rare Dirndls have 2 pockets). Dirndl skirts come in a variety of skirt lengths. The general rule of thumb is that you don’t want your skirt to be shorter than the tips of your fingers when your arms are down. Mid-calf is a very classic Dirndl skirt length.

        Dirndl Apron

        This is a gathered or pleated piece of fabric that drapes over the front of the skirt and is tied in the back or front in a bow.

        • Where you tie this bow matters! Tie the bow to your left, if you are single. Tie it to the right if you are in a relationship. If you tie it in the center front, it will signify that you are a virgin and if you tie it in the back, it says you are widowed or a waitress working the fest. Just pick right or left.

        Dirndl Blouse

        The blouse is worn under the Dirndl and is typically white or ivory. Black blouses are also available and very stylish. These can be changed based on the event, personal style, or the weather. Some styles are designed to be worn without a blouse or have sleeves already attached, in which case the Dirndl blouse is not necessary. Looking into getting a blouse from Rare Dirndl? Check out my Blouse Sizing Guide blog.

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        Bloomers or Pettipants (optional)

        These go underneath the skirt, so if you choose to dance on a bench, table or polka very quickly… any wandering eyes will see adorable little pants under your skirt instead of your undies.

        Petticoat (optional)

        Also worn under the skirt, a petticoat adds fun and flair to a skirt. This extra poof is not required but is a cute look. Note the lace of a petticoat should never peek out too much below the hem of the skirt.

          What to Wear at Oktoberfest: The Complete Guide to Wearing a German Di (6)

          How to wear a Dirndl

          Undies

          Wear a good bra. It doesn’t need to be a push-up bra, but it does need to put the girls in the right place.

          Bloomers

          If you plan on getting your polka on, bloomers are a wise choice. Not everyone is going to be looking up your skirt, but there are sure to be some wandering eyes and some judging Oma’s should your skirt go a-flyin... better safe than sorry.

          Blouse

          Whether it is the classic off-the-shoulder, full puff-sleeve sweetheart blouse or our newest innovation the blouslette, that is what goes on next.

          Dirndl

          Most Rare Dirndls have a center front zipper, so throw it over your head or step into it and zip. Dirndl dresses typically have a snug fit. You don’t want it to be uncomfortably tight, but you also don’t want it to be gapy and loose.

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          Lace-Up Front

          If your German Dirndl has a lace-up or corset-style front, you’ll likely find the corresponding ribbon and or chain. Start by putting the ribbon or chain through from the top hooks and then crisscross and go down from there and tie it in a bow (or knot if its chain) at the bottom.

          Apron

          The final touch is the apron. The apron gets tied at the natural waist, covering the front seam. You can either tie the apron in a bow in the back or bring the ties around the front and tie it in a bow. Put the bow on the left side if you are single and on the right side if you’re married.

          If you’re having trouble tying the perfect bow, I’m somewhat of a master. Check out my blog (with video) on how to tie the perfect bow for any of your dirndl dresses.

          Accessorize!

          To complete the look add the accessories of your choice.

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          Accessories to go with your Dirndl

          Jewelry

          While you can certainly wear any jewelry that you like, classic Dirndl jewelry motifs include pretzels, edelweiss, beer steins, cuckoo clocks, and deer.

          Tights or Socks

          Yes, there is such a thing as Dirndls socks. They are not a MUST, but they are cute. You’ll want to choose socks vs. tights based on the weather and how you like to style your Dirndl look.

          Shoes

          For Oktoberfest, your number one shoe priority should be comfort. There is A LOT of walking to be done at the Wiesn, so leave those heels at home. Classic low-heel mary-janes, ballet flats, booties, or stylish sneakers are among the most popular choices.

          Here’s some footwear inspiration from yours truly.

          Purse

          Keep it small! You will not be allowed into the fest with a large purse, bag or backpack. Small cross-body purses, fanny packs, or an apron purse is recommended.

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          Bavarian Hat

          Traditional Bavarian hats are similar to a fedora, but with feathers and flowers and oh so fun! Great for cooler days. Shop Rare Dirndl hats here.

          Flower Crown

          For that happy-go-girly look, a flower crown is a must. This look adds joy to any outfit, especially a German Dirndl.

          Sweater

          Oktoberfest takes place in September and October, so it is typically cooler, especially in the evenings. A light sweater is recommended. Something easy to carry when you are inside, but warm enough when you are walking home.

          Looking for outerwear inspiration? Check out our blog.

          Wiesn Glupperl

          Originally used by the wait staff to hold their orders to their Dirndl dresses, this engraved and adorned clothespin has become a super cute accessory to pick up while you are at the Wiesn.

          Lebkuchenherz

          This is the heart-shaped cookie necklace which is another fun accessory to get at Oktoberfest. However, eating it is not recommended… because it is not tasty… at all!

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          Oktoberfest clothing FAQs

          Q: Do I have to wear a Dirndl?

          A: No, you are not required to wear a Dirndl to Oktoberfest, but it sure is more fun to dress up!

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          Q: If I go more than one day, do I need more than one Dirndl?

          A: That is up to you. However, you can easily wear the same Dirndl with a different apron, different blouse, and different accessories to create a whole new look .

          Q: Should I buy a Dirndl in Munich or before I go?

          A: There are pros and cons to both - Here is an article all about it .

          Q: Are there any Dirndl no-nos?

          A: YES! Do NOT, I repeat… DO NOT wear a doofy cheap-ass Halloween costume. It’s disrespectful and you’ll look stupid.

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          Q: Do you have to dress up for Oktoberfest?

          A:If by dressing you mean in a Dirndl or Lederhosen... no, but it's more fun that way. If by dressing up you mean fancy, then also no. Jeans and a t-shirt are fine. Boring... but fine.

          Q: Will I be able to wear a Dirndl outside of Oktoberfest?

          A: HELLZ Yes! There are Oktoberfest-themed festivals and folk festivals all throughout the US that you can wear your German Dirndl to. Or to a local German restaurant, or wherever the heck else you want to wear it. Here is a little list of places you can wear your Dirndl.

          Q: Where should I buy a Dirndl online?

          A: Rare Dirndl!

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          Looking for more Dirndl Style tips & tricks? Click the link to get access to our official style guide! >>https://bit.ly/dirndlstyle

          -

          Ever wonder which dirndl style you are? Click here to take our quiz and find out now!

          What to Wear at Oktoberfest: The Complete Guide to Wearing a German Di (2024)

          FAQs

          What is the best outfit to wear to Oktoberfest? ›

          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 ...

          Do you wear a bra with dirndl? ›

          Always wear a special dirndl bra. Incorrectly fitting and visible bras are an absolute no-go. 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.

          What do German girls wear during Oktoberfest? ›

          Traditional Dirndls:

          The staple of a woman's outfit at Oktoberfest in Munich is a white blouse under a tight-fitting Bavarian dirndl (DEERN-dul) dress with an apron tied around it. A dirndl dress can come either all in one piece or in two pieces with a separate bodice and skirt.

          Do you wear socks with a dirndl? ›

          Socks and stockings are commonly worn in the colder months with a dirndl dress. It can get fresh in autumn, and stockings are the best way to keep yourself warm. Dirndl can be worn without socks and stockings in the hotter summer months, as long as it suits the footwear.

          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).

          What do German men wear at Oktoberfest? ›

          Men's Oktoberfest outfit: The Lederhosen. Yep, that is me! No other traditional clothing is more readily associated with Bavaria (and Germany as a whole) than the Lederhosen.

          How should I wear my hair with a dirndl? ›

          Many of the most popular Dirndl hairstyles are braided, which also looks great with bob or shoulder-length hair. If you have fine hair, it's best to use a curling iron before braiding to create extra volume. Hair professionals use salt or sugar spray or dry shampoo before styling to give the hair more grip.

          What do you wear on your legs with a dirndl? ›

          Dirndl Petticoats – Undergarments To Help You Stay on Trend

          You can also wear tights beneath your petticoat, however, if you're uncomfortable with the idea of your legs being on display or to stop you from getting cold.

          Do you have to wear a blouse with a dirndl? ›

          A dirndl is always made up of a dress and an apron; in most cases, you also wear a dirndl blouse underneath the low-cut bodice of the dress.

          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 traditional German outfit? ›

          Dirndls and lederhosen may quickly come to mind as traditional German clothing. These outfits originated in Bavaria but have been widely adopted elsewhere. A dirndl is a dress consisting of a blouse, bodice, skirt, and apron. Dirndls were originally worn by servants or peasants.

          How tight should a dirndl be? ›

          A dirndl dress is designed to fit very snugly. It should be form-fitting when you put it on, and even tighter once you lace it up.

          Do you need to wear a bra with a dirndl? ›

          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.

          What shoes do Germans wear with dirndls? ›

          Traditionally, one would wear a Mary-Jane style shoe with a low heel and dirndl socks. (Click here to order my favorite dirndl socks) For a more modern take on the Mary-Jane, look for shoes with some edgier details to them like buckles or laces.

          What can I wear to Oktoberfest if I don't have a dirndl? ›

          #3 – A Sweater or Vest

          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.

          What do you wear to an Oktoberfest party if you don t have a dirndl? ›

          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.

          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 are the colors of the Oktoberfest? ›

          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.

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