Traditional costumes are not compulsory when attending Oktoberfest; however, they have become highly popular among local and international visitors. Modern visitors choose to dress up in Bavarian attire, with Lederhosen men outfit and dirndl for women being the most demanding choices. Originally associated with the Alpine region, these outfits have evolved from their practical roots to a cultural symbol of festivals. Many modern variations and interpretations of these traditional German dresses have emerged in recent years.
As traditional German clothing becomes more diverse, people planning to visit Oktoberfest are highly concerned about how to style them perfectly. This guide covers the best trendy Oktoberfest outfit ideas for women and men.
What to Wear to Oktoberfest?
Wearing traditional German clothing at Oktoberfest is a great way to embrace the authentic Bavarian culture fully. Here are a few ideas for dressing up perfectly for Oktoberfest in Munich.
Traditional Oktoberfest Costume
The traditional Oktoberfest outfits include authentic lederhosen and dirndl. These dresses are deeply rooted in Bavarian tradition and started as practical wear for Alpine peasants in the 18th and 19th centuries. Over time, they have transformed into festive clothing, incorporating authentic design elements with a modern twist.
Lederhosen for Men
Lederhosen are knee-length breeches that provide an authentic Bavarian look when styled perfectly. Beyond knee-length, these leather trousers come in sorter and calf-length options for a modern twist. You must choose this costume dress made of authentic leather like goat suede, deerskin, cowhide, etc. Brown is the most common, but black and green are also popular. Go for a shade that complements your lederhosen shirt and accessories.
Lederhosen Styling Ideas
- Classic: Pair embroidered Lederhosen with a white linen shirt or checkered shirt, suspenders, and Bavarian leather shoes.
- Formal: For a formal take, consider wearing Bundhosen, a leather trouser that extends below the knee. These outfits have a higher waistline, eliminating the need for suspenders. Bundhosen can be effortlessly paired with a checkered or white button-down shirt.
- Modern: Wear black or grey Lederhosen with a dark-colored shirt and replace suspenders with classic belts. Wear knee-length boots to enhance the contemporary touch.
- Casual: Pair short lederhosen with a chambray shirt or t-shirt along with loafers or sneakers for a relaxed festive look.
- Winter: For colder days, include a trachten jacket or traditional waistcoat with Lederhosen. This gives you a timeless style along with added warmth.
- Accessorize: Complete your look with decorative traditional socks, Bavarian shoes, and a Alpine hat.
Dirndls for Women
A dirndl is a traditional Bavarian dress featuring a fitted bodice, blouse, skirt, and a classic apron. The dirndl skirts vary in sizes and you can choose from knee-length to midi-length and maxi-length options. Usually, these outfits are made of cotton or linen, but other variations include silk, net, velvet, or brocade for a luxurious festive look. Choose a vintage German dirndl style that reflects your personality, from vibrant florals to elegant solids.
Dirndl Styling Ideas
- Classic: Pair a knee-length embroidered dirndl or maxi dirndl with puff sleeves in a traditional color like red, green, or blue. Complete the traditional Oktoberfest look with a white blouse and a decorative contrasting apron.
- Modern: Choose a Midi-length dirndl with off-shoulder or playful cap sleeves in bold prints. A well-fitted blouse and a statement necklace further enhance the contemporary festive appearance.
- Casual: Combine a short dirndl dress with a chambray blouse to enjoy a relaxed yet festive vibe at Oktoberfest.
- Winter: Wear a knitted cardigan or sweater over your dirndl dress for timeless style and added warmth during colder days.
- Accessorize: To complement your traditional Bavarian dirndl, consider wearing a pearl necklace and statement earrings. Choose comfortable shoes like flats or low heels to explore the festive grounds. Furthermore, a small dirndl purse or clutch adds to your overall appearance.
Lederhosen for Women
Lederhosen, traditionally associated with men, has also become a trendy option for women at Oktoberfest. These leather shorts create a unique blend of style and rustic charm when paired with a blouse and suspenders. Women's Lederhosen are designed to fit the female form, emphasizing style, comfort, and authenticity.
Female Lederhosen Styling Ideas
- Traditional: To embrace the classic vintage look, pair a knee-length embroidered Lederhosen in rustic shades with a checkered shirt and suspenders.
- Modern: Calf length or short Lederhosen is ideal for bringing a contemporary twist to a traditional look. You can pair it with a belt instead of suspenders, a stylish T-shirt, or a blouse.
- Winter: Wear a traditional cardigan, sweater, or a trachten jacket over your outfit for added warmth during colder Oktoberfest days.
- Accessorize: Complement your outfit with decorative socks, traditional Bavarian shoes, a Tyrolean hat, and a classic leather bag.
Other Oktoberfest Outfit Ideas
Apart from the German trachten clothing, you can express your unique style through many other dress-up ideas for Oktoberfest. Here are some alternative options for those seeking to wear something else beyond the classic dirndl and Lederhosen.
Tourists are allowed to Wear Jeans and T-Shirts
People who do not come from the region or have little to do with this tradition can celebrate Oktoberfest in casual wear like jeans and a t-shirt. However, to add a little tracht element to your attire, consider wearing traditional shoes or just putting on a Tylorean hat. The city of Munich writes on the official Oktoberfest website: "It's up to you whether it's traditional or modern. Just buy what you like and what suits you.” But to avoid faux pas, you must not wear cheap leather trousers, T-shirts under the dirndl and don silly Seppl hats.
Even hoodies are Fine
Like everyday fashion, Oktoberfest allows for a blend of classic and contemporary styles. Fashion consultant Sonja Grau suggests an exciting twist for men. She suggests pairing traditional deerskin or suede Lederhosen with a casual t-shirt or sweater instead of the usual button-down shirt. "Even hoodies can find a place at Oktoberfest," she says, "as long as they complement the overall outfit and add a touch of personal style." This approach encourages the Oktoberfest visitors to embrace the festive spirit while incorporating their fashion sense.
Women can also wear plaid blouses and jeans
Fashion brands continuously expand their collection by offering alternative Oktoberfest outfits other than Lederhosen and Dirndl. The focus is on the modern country house style. Women, for example, can wear jeans with a checkered blouse or a white blouse with a colored bodice over them. Also, they can wear a dirndl skirt with a simple white top.
Comfort is Key When Selecting Oktoberfest Outfits
Whether you choose traditional Oktoberfest costumes or a casual festive vibe like jeans or a t-shirt, your outfit should provide the utmost comfort, breathability, and ease of movement to explore Oktoberfest activities without restriction. Consider buying festive clothing from reputable brands as they ensure better stitching, durable materials, and comfortable fit.
FAQs
How much does a Lederhosen cost?
Lederhosen’s price starts from around €70 for a basic pair and over €1000 for custom-made, high-quality options. Lederhosen made from deerskin or cowhide are expensive that can cost between 1,500-1,800 euros.
How much does a Dirndl cost?
The prices range from 70-150€ for a decent set, up to 250-600€ for high-end versions, and over 1000€ for custom-made dirndls.