Wiesn Outfits 2024: That’s why dirndls and lederhosen are mandatory

It was October 12, 1810, when Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese tied the knot in Munich. Their wedding was celebrated for days in the Bavarian capital – both privately and publicly: Among other things, a horse race took place on October 17, which is considered the birth of the Oktoberfest. Today, the event revolves around one thing above all: culinary delicacies, carousels and clothing. The latter is of particular importance, as traditional costumes have a long tradition. It is therefore hardly surprising that millions of people from all over the world show up in dirndls and lederhosen – but the many outfits lack important details that are actually a must on the Theresienwiese. What these are and how you can dress up perfectly for the Wiesn 2024 is explained in this article.

The Dirndl

The traditional costume dress is usually cut a little longer, are significantly shorter or “only” knee-length. Which model you ultimately choose is of course up to you – a real Oktoberfest outfit consists of the following components (besides the dress): the dirndl blouse, a dirndl bra, a dirndl apron, a dirndl jacket and dirndl shoes.

The blouse
Under the dirndl, women usually wear a classic although in recent years significantly more colours have been added – and the materials can also vary. Currently, the trend is mainly or with lace appliqués, which are usually cut deep to emphasize the cleavage. But here too, you can decide according to your own taste and also choose a Choose a dirndl blouse. It is always recommended to wear a white blouse with a colorful dirndl and a colored blouse with a plain dirndl.

The bra
If you want to particularly emphasize your cleavage, you can wear a special dirndl bra. Unlike a normal push-up, which only pushes your breasts upwards, this one has a strong underwire to lift your breasts. The balconette cut also has the advantage that no bra cups or bra straps are visible if you choose a low neckline.

The apron
Most dirndls come with an apron, but you can vary it. In any case, it is important that it ends at the hem of the dress. The dirndl bow has a special meaning – or more precisely, the way it is tied: On the right means that you are taken. In other words, in love, engaged or married (since the wedding ring is also worn on the right). On the left means that you are still looking or single. If the bow is tied in the middle, it is said that the woman is still a virgin – nowadays, however, the dirndl bow is only tied in the middle for children. A final variant would be to tie the bow in the middle at the back, but only widowed women do this.

The jacket
Since most of the attractions at the Oktoberfest take place outdoors, you should never leave the house without a jacket. Even though the Oktoberfest starts at the end of September, that is no guarantee of warm temperatures. So that you don’t have to hide your beautiful outfit under an ordinary jacket, there are special (so-called Janker) made of felted sheep’s wool – but the material also has its price. Alternatively, there are many beautiful in different colors to keep you warm.

The accessories
Everything you like is allowed here. Particularly popular accessories are or with flowers that are either incorporated into the hairstyle or simply pinned to the head. Another classic is the so-called which is intended to decorate the neck and accentuate the décolleté. In terms of jewelry, Oktoberfest hearts are very popular or traditional and . And even with the handbag there are with edelweiss motifs – an alpine flower.

The shoes
There are no special traditional shoes for women, but certain models have become popular in recent years that are one thing above all: comfortable. This applies in principle to all or flat shoes like ballerinas. Because the fact is: If you spend the whole day at the Oktoberfest, dancing and swaying, strolling and promenading, you will feel your feet more clearly than ever in the evening. If you still don’t want to do without your high heels, pumps are still a better choice than high heels. What is absolutely not appropriate for the Oktoberfest, however, are sneakers or boots. You risk critical looks here.

The hairstyle
Again, there are no rules about how you should wear your hair – but if you want to follow the trend, braids are the best choice. Whether you simply braid your hair into one or two regular braids, tie a traditional braided crown or peasant braid, or create a tricky fishtail braid: there is no right or wrong.

The Lederhosen

Lederhosen were worn at the first Oktoberfest in 1810, but they only became socially acceptable towards the end of the 20th century. Nowadays, the undergarments made of deer or cowhide are not only a popular item of clothing at the Oktoberfest – in Bavaria, traditional trousers have long been part of everyday clothing and are worn in many places. The special thing about them is primarily the robust material, which can withstand external influences. Apart from the fact that the It is hardly surprising that more and more women are seen at the Oktoberfest who prefer to wear the feminine than the dirndl. And this is how the Oktoberfest outfit for men is completed:

The shirt
Similar to the Bavarian flag, many traditional shirts also have a check pattern. It doesn’t matter which color you prefer – any shirt looks good in combination with leather trousers. However, the most popular are , and Models celebrate the Oktoberfest every year.

The calf warmers
In Bavaria they are simply called Loferl, Stutzn or Beinhösl: the calf warmers. They are worn below the knee on the lower legs to accentuate the calves. The material is usually made of wool to warm the legs. According to tradition, the not combined with socks, but only with invisible socks that are worn inside the traditional shoes. Trainers, sandals and sneakers are considered a no-go when wearing short leather trousers.

The shoes
For men, traditional shoes are a must at the Oktoberfest. They were invented in the Allgäu region, more precisely around 1800 – by Franz Schratt. The Oberstdorf shoemaker recognised the need for sturdy leather shoes, which (in contrast to wooden shoes) would give the wearer more security when walking. This resulted in the so-called which is still a household name in Bavaria today. And is not only worn by local residents at the Oktoberfest, but also by many visitors who want to present a genuine Wiesn outfit.

Leather care
Real leather trousers are extremely durable and long-lasting. But after the Oktoberfest, the material will have soaked up the fat, beer and sweat. The “greasy feeling” is part of it and is supposed to make the trousers even softer in the long term, but a thorough cleaning every now and then doesn’t hurt. Especially if the material hardens due to the high level of dirt. However, the sensitive leather has absolutely no place in the washing machine; instead, you should clean the leather with a special to remove the coarse dirt. If you prefer to wash the trousers, you have to do it by hand – but never use hot water, as this will harden the leather! Use only lukewarm water and a soap, then let the trousers dry in the air. Or you can leave the cleaning to a professional.

More information can be found here.