The Austrian Dirndl: A Traditional Dress For Women

The dirndl is a feminine dress that originated in German-speaking areas of the Alps and is traditionally worn in some Alpine regions of Austria, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. The garment is made up of a close-fitting bodice with a low neckline, a blouse, a wide high-waisted skirt and an apron.

The dirndl is regarded as a folk costume and is considered the traditional dress for women and girls in German-speaking parts of the Alps. The dress is also worn as an ethnic costume by German diaspora populations in other countries.

Dirndl dresses are worn in other parts of the world, not just Austria

The dirndl dress is a feminine dress that originated in German-speaking areas of the Alps and is traditionally worn in some Alpine regions of Austria, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. The name comes from the word "Dirndlgewand", which means "maid's dress" in German. It developed as a regional and local folk dress, with the traditional dirndl worn by women from the same valley or village looking the same. It became a sort of "village uniform".

The dirndl consists of a wide skirt, an apron, a bodice and a blouse. The skirt usually starts at the waist or a little lower, and can be ankle-length for formal occasions, knee-length for everyday wear, or a mini-dirndl for parties and beer festivals. The bodice used to be a separate item, but since the 1930s, it has been sewn to the skirt. It comes in various styles, with different necklines, and is fastened with buttons, hooks or ribbons. The blouse is worn under the bodice and can have short puff sleeves or elbow-length sleeves. The apron is now a decorative item, with aprons for everyday wear and more elegant aprons for special occasions.

In recent years, there has been a revival of traditional Bavarian clothing, including the dirndl, and it is now more popular than ever. This is partly due to the Munich Oktoberfest, where traditional Bavarian costume is often worn. However, dirndls are also worn at local festivals, special occasions such as Christmas or weddings, and as bridalwear.

Dirndls are also worn outside of central Europe, particularly at Oktoberfest celebrations around the world. They have also become popular as wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses or party dresses. Contemporary versions of the dirndl come in a range of styles, colours and patterns, and can be made from silk, cotton, linen, velvet or leather. They are available in different lengths, including mini, midi and maxi, and can be purchased ready-made as a set, or as separate pieces.

The dirndl has become popular in other parts of the world, too. In South Tyrol, Italy, for example, which was part of the Austrian county of Tyrol before World War One, Tyrolean traditions, including the wearing of the dirndl, remain deeply integrated into the culture. The dress is worn on festive occasions, such as processions of the Catholic Church.

In Liechtenstein, the national dress for women corresponds to the definition of a "dirndl" in English, although the local tracht association discourages the use of the term. The official national dress features a black skirt and a white blouse, with a bodice and apron made of silk. Accessories include a black bonnet and white lace gloves.

In Switzerland, an Austrian or German traditional dress is called a "dirndl", but their own traditional dress is referred to as a "tracht". As in Liechtenstein, the use of the term "dirndl" for a Swiss dress is discouraged. Swiss traditional dress varies by region, for example, the Bernese Tracht.

In the German diaspora, the dirndl has become an ethnic costume, worn as an identity marker by members of the German-speaking diaspora and their descendants. This includes German Americans, who have dozens of German-American cultural or heritage clubs where participants often dress in traditional outfits such as dirndls.

The history of the Dirndl, from peasant dress to the present

The dirndl is a feminine dress that originated in the German-speaking areas of the Alps and is now regarded as a folk costume. It first emerged as a workwear dress for maids and rural women during the 16th to 18th centuries. The basic dirndl consists of a dress with a tight bodice, a full skirt, and an apron. The name "dirndl" comes from the Bavarian word for "young woman".

During the late 19th century, the dirndl was adopted by the upper and middle classes as a fashionable garment. This transformation was influenced by the nationalist movement that celebrated regional identity. The Wallach brothers, Julius and Moritz, played a significant role in popularising the dirndl by blending traditional elements with high fashion. They organised a costume parade at Oktoberfest in 1910 and designed a dirndl for Princess Marie-Auguste of Anhalt, gaining international recognition.

By the late 19th century, the dirndl had become a symbol of the affluent summer lifestyle in Austria and Bavaria. The garment was adapted by the upper classes, who used luxurious fabrics and ornate details, transforming the dirndl into a symbol of wealth and status.

During World War I, the dirndl became a popular and affordable clothing option for women due to economic hardships. Its popularity continued to surge, especially after the 1910 Oktoberfest traditional costume parade. However, its association with Nazi propaganda during World War II led to a decline in its acceptance. The Nazis used the dirndl to promote their vision of German nationalism and conservative gender roles.

In recent decades, the dirndl has experienced a resurgence, particularly in Austria and Bavaria. It is now considered a symbol of cultural heritage and modern fashion, shedding its negative connotations from the past. The dirndl is worn at various festivals and formal occasions, such as church services, weddings, and Oktoberfest. Today, dirndls come in various styles, from traditional to modern, and are embraced by people of all ages.

The different types of Dirndl, and when to wear them

Dirndl dresses are feminine garments that consist of a bodice dress, a wide skirt, a colourful apron, and a blouse with short or long sleeves. The skirt usually starts at the waist or slightly lower, and can be ankle-length for formal occasions, or knee-length for everyday wear. The bodice is typically fastened with buttons, hooks, or ribbons, and is often decorated with embroidery. The blouse is usually white, and may have a sweetheart or off-the-shoulder neckline. The apron is tied at the waist, with the bow placed on the left to indicate the wearer is single, or on the right if they are in a relationship.

There are several different types of dirndl, which vary according to the region they originate from. Here are some of the most traditional varieties:

• Montafoner Dirndl
• Lutzmannsburger Dirndl
• Gailtaler Dirndl
• Wachauer Dirndl
• Bregenzerwald Dirndl

In addition to these traditional styles, there are also contemporary interpretations of the dirndl, such as the mini-dirndl, which targets a younger demographic. Dirndls can range from classic, retro, ethnic, and even lascivious, which may be why the style has endured for so long.

How to wear a Dirndl, including accessories and hair

Dirndls are traditional dresses from Bavaria, often worn during Oktoberfest and other celebrations. They consist of a blouse, a skirt, and an apron. The blouse is worn beneath the bodice of the dress and is usually cropped beneath the bust. The bodice is then laced up to create a form-fitting silhouette. The skirt is wide and gathered at the waist, falling in pleats. Finally, the apron is tied at the waist, with the bow placed on the left to indicate the wearer is single, or on the right to indicate they are in a relationship.

When it comes to accessories, a small, heart-shaped cross-body bag is a popular choice, often decorated with a sweet message. As for jewellery, a necklace with a large charm or "kette" is typical, sitting just above the cleavage. A velvet choker is another option. To finish the look, black shoes are traditional, whether that's heels, flats, or boots.

As for hair, braids are the most common hairstyle worn with a dirndl, but it's really up to the wearer. Two long braids, a braided crown, or a French braid all work well. Flowers and floral pins can also be added for a festive touch.

Where to buy a Dirndl, including shops and outlets

Dirndls are worn in Austria and are considered an important part of Alpine folk culture. The dress is made up of a wide skirt, a colourful apron, a bodice, and a short or long-sleeved blouse. There are many different styles, colours and patterns to choose from, with prices ranging from EUR 500 to EUR 1,600.

If you're looking to buy a dirndl, there are several shops and outlets to choose from, both online and offline. Here are some options:

Online Shops

• Etsy: A variety of dirndls are available on Etsy, with prices starting as low as USD 35.
• Lederhosen Store: This online store offers a range of men's lederhosen and women's dirndls in the latest Bavarian designs and colour combinations. Prices for dirndls start at USD 99.95.
• Amazon: Amazon offers a good selection of dirndls, with prices starting as low as USD 130.

Shops and Outlets in Austria

• Gössl: This Salzburg-based family business offers a range of traditional and contemporary dirndls made with fine materials and attention to detail. Prices start at EUR 500. Address: Weihburggasse 5, 1010 Vienna.
• Tostmann: A popular choice among traditional Viennese, Tostmann dirndls are known for their beautiful fabrics and simple, elegant designs. Address: Schottengasse 3/3A, 1010 Vienna.
• Mothwurf: With a strong contemporary touch, Mothwurf dirndls break with traditional folk styles and are more wearable outside of Austria. Address: Herrengasse 19, A-1010 Vienna.
• Lanz: Lanz dirndls represent some of the finest quality folkwear, with feminine colours and shapes. They also have a collection of festive silk dirndls in vibrant colours. Address: Kärntner Strasse 10, A-1010 Vienna.
• Lena Hoschek: Lena Hoschek combines traditional craftsmanship with nostalgic patterns and contemporary designs. Her dirndls are a mix of traditional patterns with 1950s fashion elements. Address: Goldschmiedgasse 7A, 1010 Vienna.
• Original Salzburger Trachtenoutlet: This outlet store offers dirndls at high street prices or less. You can find original style dirndls from different regions in Lower Austria, as well as fun and quirky Austrian folkloric gear. Address: Weihburggasse 8, A-1070 Vienna.
• Naschmarkt Flea Market: For inexpensive dirndls, the Naschmarkt in Vienna is a good option. You can find children's dirndls for around EUR 30 and sometimes vintage dirndls as well.

Frequently asked questions