Damon Mcknight
Traditional Austrian clothing, known as 'tracht', is still worn by Austrians during official occasions like weddings and festivals. The clothing is also adapted into contemporary fashion, with the production of 'dirndl' and 'lederhosen' being a thriving economic branch. In the past, dirndls and lederhosen were worn by the rural population, but with the emergence of tourism in the mid-19th century, it became familiar in towns as well. Traditional Austrian clothing is known for its durability and warmth, with boiled wool being a popular fabric choice. The process of making Loden fabric, which is used to create sleek and elegant coats and sweaters, has remained largely the same, with the knowledge being passed down through generations of artisans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Style | Sophisticated, elegant, conservative |
| Clothing type | Formal, stylish, smart casual, smart business |
| Colours | Dark, solid, neutral, earth tones, pastels, bright |
| Materials | Wool, boiled wool, leather, cashmere, merino wool, silk, fur |
| Footwear | Comfortable, stylish, flat shoes, boots |
| Accessories | Pashmina, shawl, scarf, hat, gloves |
| Suitability | Weather-dependent, activities-dependent |
| Traditional clothing | Loden coats, boiled wool sweaters |
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What You'll Learn
- 'Tracht' is the traditional Austrian clothing worn in the countryside
- Dirndls are worn by women and consist of a bodice, apron and blouse
- Men wear lederhosen, knee-length trousers or short-pants made from leather
- Boiled wool is a traditional Austrian fabric used for sweaters and coats
- Loden is a fabric used in Austrian clothing, made using traditional methods
'Tracht' is the traditional Austrian clothing worn in the countryside
Austrians tend to dress in a sophisticated and fairly conservative manner. Clothing that is considered overly revealing is generally frowned upon. In general, Austrian clothing is known for its durability, warmth, and excellence.
One notable aspect of traditional Austrian clothing is the use of boiled wool, which is renowned for its ability to keep the wearer dry and warm. The process of making boiled wool garments, such as Loden coats and sweaters, has been passed down through generations in Alpine Mills. The dense fabric is wind and water-resistant, yet breathable, making it ideal for the cold Austrian climate.
Tracht is the traditional Austrian clothing worn in the countryside. It embodies the skills, diligence, and culture of the Alpine regions. Tracht for women usually consists of a dress, often made of boiled wool or dirndl-style with a blouse, apron, and skirt. The skirt is typically long and full, falling just below the calf or to the ankle. The blouse is usually made of a light fabric such as cotton or silk and may be embellished with embroidery or lace. The apron, or "Schürze," is a key component of the outfit and is typically made of a colourful fabric with intricate patterns or embroidery.
For men, Tracht typically includes leather lederhosen shorts or knee-length pants made of wool or leather. These are often worn with a shirt, usually white, and a vest or waistcoat. The pants may be held up with suspenders, and men also often wear a hat, such as a Tyrolean hat or a felt hat with a feather.
In addition to the clothing itself, Austrians pay close attention to their choice of footwear. When packing for a trip to Austria, it is essential to bring comfortable and supportive shoes as the country is very walkable, and you will likely be on your feet all day.
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Dirndls are worn by women and consist of a bodice, apron and blouse
Dirndls are a traditional dress from the German-speaking Alpine regions, including Austria. The dress is made up of a bodice, an apron, and a blouse, with each component contributing to the overall timeless appeal of the outfit. The bodice, known as the "Mieder" in German, is the fitted upper portion of the Dirndl, designed to cinch the waist and accentuate the bust, creating the signature silhouette of the dress. It is traditionally stitched like a corset, with a low neckline, wide shoulder straps, and a centre front closure achieved through lacing, buttons, or modern zippers. The bodice can be made from various fabrics such as cotton, linen, or silk, and may be adorned with intricate embroidery, lace, or trims.
The blouse, or "Bluse," is a key part of the Dirndl, worn under the bodice to enhance its design. This cropped blouse ends just below the bust, allowing the bodice to fit snugly. Blouses come in various sleeve lengths, from short and puffed to long and fitted, and with different neckline styles, ranging from high and modest to low and revealing. They are crafted from breathable materials like cotton or lace and may feature delicate embroidery or lace trim.
The apron, the third component of the Dirndl, is placed over the bodice and can be made from cotton, velvet, silk, or even semi-transparent fabric. The colour of the apron always matches the colour of the bodice, and the way the apron bow is tied communicates a woman's relationship status—the left side indicates that she is single, while the right side signifies that she is married. Together, the bodice, apron, and blouse create a unified dress that is considered a traditional national dress in Austria and other German-speaking regions.
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Men wear lederhosen, knee-length trousers or short-pants made from leather
Lederhosen are traditional leather breeches worn by men in Southern Germany, Austria, South Tyrol, and Slovenia. They are usually cut above the knee for added mobility, especially in the steep slopes of the Eastern Alps. However, there are also versions that go past the knee, typically worn for special occasions. The knee-length variety is called Bundhosen, and they are cuffed at the bottom.
Lederhosen are typically made from goatskin, deerskin, or cow suede, and they provide superior comfort for long-day wear. They are durable and perfect for outdoor activities, such as hiking. In the past, they were worn for hard physical work. Today, they are mostly worn as leisurewear and during local festivals, such as Oktoberfest.
The colour of lederhosen varies by region. In Swabia, for example, most lederhosen are black, while the region's winemakers wear yellow. In contrast, brown is the most common colour in other regions. The garment is often worn with a white linen shirt and a colourful vest, most commonly red.
In addition to lederhosen, men in Austria generally wear collared shirts, well-fitting earth-toned pants, and pullover wool sweaters. Austrians tend to dress in a sophisticated and fairly conservative manner, and this applies to both locals and tourists. It is recommended to pack classic pieces in neutral shades that can be easily mixed and matched. Thermal underwear and waterproof jackets are also essential for Austria's freezing temperatures.
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Boiled wool is a traditional Austrian fabric used for sweaters and coats
Austrians tend to dress in a sophisticated and fairly conservative manner, and this is reflected in their clothing choices. Boiled wool is a traditional Austrian fabric with a long history in the Austrian Alps, where the challenging and harsh climate demands durable, warm, and weather-resistant clothing. The fabric is known for its sleek and elegant lines, supple yet durable shell, and rich earth-tone colours.
The process of making boiled wool, or Loden, has remained largely unchanged for centuries. It involves carding and spinning the wool with attention to strength, fineness, and crimp. The yarn is then carefully woven into fabric and fulled for hours with warm water and tension. One traditional method is to beat the wet fabric with wooden hammers to shrink it. The fabric is also brushed with teasels before being sheared to create the right balance of weight, loft, and warmth.
The result of this specialised process is a fabric that is thicker and more durable than traditional woven wool. Boiled wool is highly resistant to water and wind, with a dense, felt-like texture. It is also remarkably wrinkle-resistant while retaining the natural advantages of wool, such as breathability and warmth.
In Austria, boiled wool is commonly used to create timeless and elegant garments such as sweaters and coats. These pieces exude confidence and reflect the rich Alpine culture and heritage of the region. The dense fabric keeps the wearer dry and warm, making it an ideal choice for the freezing Austrian temperatures.
When visiting Austria, it is essential to pack clothing that is comfortable and stylish. Thermal underwear, waterproof footwear, and insulated jackets are key to staying warm in the cold Austrian climate. Layering with classic, neutral pieces that can be mixed and matched is also recommended.
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Loden is a fabric used in Austrian clothing, made using traditional methods
Loden is a dense, woollen fabric with a rich history in Austrian clothing. Originating in the Alpine region of Tyrol, Austria, Loden was originally worn exclusively by peasants to keep warm and dry during freezing winters. The fabric is crafted through a meticulous process involving washing, carding, spinning, and a distinctive fulling and milling technique.
The process of making Loden has remained largely unchanged since its inception, with knowledge of production passed down through the generations by artisans in Alpine Mills. The art of creating Loden is part science, utilising techniques such as carding, spinning, and fulling with warm water and tension, and part tradition, with the mineral content of the mountain stream water used to treat the wool playing a crucial role in the unique character of the fabric.
Loden fabric is renowned for its density, water resistance, and breathability, making it ideal for the varying weather conditions in the Alps. The wool fibres are woven tightly, creating a fabric that is nearly impenetrable to wind and water while maintaining a certain loft that traps air to keep the body warm. This blend of heritage and functionality has led to a resurgence in the popularity of Loden, with the fabric finding its way back into contemporary Alpine fashion.
Loden is used for a variety of purposes, from outerwear and pants to home furnishings like upholstery, pillows, and blankets. The fabric can be made in different weights and finishes depending on its intended use, with Loden coats typically weighing between 300-600 grams per meter. The durability and timelessness of Loden have made it a staple in Austrian clothing, with the fabric known for its ability to last a lifetime and be passed down through generations.
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Frequently asked questions
The traditional clothing in Austria is called 'tracht'. Women wear 'dirndls', which are close-fitting bodices combined with aprons in different colours. Men wear 'lederhosen', which are knee-length trousers or short pants made from leather, worn with rustic shoes and wool socks.
Austrian traditional clothing is worn more often in the countryside than in cities. In urban areas, 'tracht' is typically reserved for special occasions like weddings, receptions, and other formal events. In the countryside, 'tracht' is worn more regularly, including for folkloric events and festivals.
Austrian traditional clothing is renowned for its durability and warmth. One of the most popular materials is boiled wool, which is woven tightly so that the fabric is nearly impenetrable to wind or water. The production of boiled wool is a meticulous process that involves carding and spinning the wool with regard to strength, fineness, and crimp.
If you're looking to buy Austrian traditional clothing, there are several specialist stores and markets in Austria. In Vienna, you can visit the Flohmarkt, which is an open flea market that sells traditional clothing and is open on Saturdays. In Salzburg, there are around 20 makers of traditional costumes and specialist stores, including well-known brands such as Sportalm, Geiger, and Tostmann.
