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The Dirndl in Munich – traditional clothing for Oktoberfest

When you visit Munich, be sure to check out the Dirndl dresses that the well-dressed Bavarian lady is wearing this season. I was intrigued by the number of classy shops showing evening versions of the traditional Bavarian costume in their shop windows. 

You or I might choose a little something by Valentino or Versace for our big night out. But, the ladies of Munich clearly enjoy sporting their traditional German clothing in gorgeous silks and velvets.

Dirndl Fashions from Munich
Dirndl Fashions from Munich

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In southern Germany, the dirndl is the outfit of choice for any formal evening events, a visit to the Opera or any social event with a traditional flavour. And of course if you are attending Oktoberfest be sure to rent or buy a Dirndl to wear as your Oktoberfest outfit, or you’ll stick out among all the locals sporting their dirndls and lederhosen. 

Dirndl Fashions at Ed Meier
Dirndl Fashions at Ed Meier
Dirndl Fashions at Ed Meier
Dirndl fashions at Ed Meier

Interesting facts about the Dirndl

  • The Dirndl costume consists of a skirt, apron, tight bodice and short sleeved blouse worn underneath and perhaps a shawl or scarf at the neck.
  • The Dirndl is the typical dress for waitresses and barmaids in pubs and beer gardens in Southern Germany
  • The placement of the knot of the apron denotes your marital status – on the left means you’re single and available, on the right means you’re married, engaged or taken, and at the back means you’re a widow.
  • The Oktoberfest, the famous beer and folk festival held in Munich (in October since you ask) is a favourite place to wear your dirndl for tourists as well as locals – even Paris Hilton wore one when she was at the Oktoberfest.
  • This is not just a fashion your Mum would wear – the teenagers really get into it as well and the fashions change every year.
Dirndl fashions in Munich
Dirndl fashions in Munich
Dirndl fashions in Munich
Dirndl fashions in Munich

Where to buy or rent a dirndl in Munich

If you’re in Munich for the Oktoberfest and want to know where to buy a dirndl, new or second-hand, it will probably cost you from €100 up to hundreds or thousands for a top end or bespoke Dirndl – these are some places to buy or rent your dirndl in Munich.

Paris Hilton wearing her Dirndl
Paris Hilton wearing her Dirndl

Other Munich articles to enjoy

Visiting the Munich Christmas Markets – Podcast
Drinking Feuerzangenbowle to warm the spirits in Munich
Postcard from the Christmas Markets in Munich

Munich Resources

We stayed in Munich at Hotel Falkenturm, a comfortable, 2 star hotel which is well-located for sightseeing – read my review of Hotel Falkenturm here

Hotel Falkenturm

Stay at the comfortable pension style Hotel Falkenturm in Munich

Read my review here

The guidebook I used on this trip was the pocket sized DK Eyewitness Top 10 guide to Munich, which I found ideal for sightseeing if you are there for a short time.

DK Eyewitness Top 10 Munich

Need a guidebook for Munich? We recommend the DK Eyewitness Top 10 Munich guide

Official Munich Tourism Website

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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Monika Zechetmayr

Tuesday 30th of July 2013

Dirndl in Bavaria are also worn to weddings and those will cost you a few E 1000s as they are most elaborate and decorated. These are found foremost in the more traditional Alpine, Oberbayens, areas, villages.

Heather Cowper

Tuesday 30th of July 2013

@Monika I think they are beautiful and great that traditional dress still has a place in modern life

Dirndl – oder doch nicht? | Meine Mode - "Fesche" Fashion

Sunday 22nd of April 2012

[...] für Männlein als auch für Weiblein Pflicht. Ich trage nun schon seit Jahren mein blau-weißes Dirndl und ich glaube, es hat so langsam ausgedient. Ich überlege dieses Jahr dieses Jahr die Tradition [...]

There's much more to Munich than the beer! | Heather on her travels

Tuesday 27th of December 2011

[...] The latest dirndl fashions in Munich Visiting the Munich Christmas Markets – podcast Empty splendour in the Residenz palace in Munich [...]

Heather Cowper

Saturday 18th of December 2010

@ London photographer. As you say the dirndl was once what you wore every day but now it's a fashion form. I think the ones I saw were for party wear but I didn't see too many tourists wearing them. I think tourists would buy them for the Oktoberfest though

London Photographer

Saturday 18th of December 2010

Nice Dirndl! The original ones a much more plain. The ones shown are for tourists...