From September 20 to October 5, 2025, the Theresienwiese will once again be in a state of emergency. The world’s largest beer festival, the Oktoberfest in Munich, attracts millions of visitors from all over the world. It is also a festival of superlatives: around 6 million visitors are served 500,000 roast chickens and 60,000 hectoliters of beer by 12,000 workers. There is also music, fun, pretzels and gingerbread hearts. And of course the very special, exuberant Wiesn atmosphere!
A suitable outfit is now very important for a visit to the Oktoberfest – whether casual, elegant, sexy or traditional – it should definitely be “traditional”! Today we have a few tips on how to cut a good figure at the Oktoberfest.
Traditional costume at Oktoberfest – an old custom?
Today it is almost unbelievable that the traditional costume only became “in” at the Wiesn around the year 2000. The Oktoberfest dates back to the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese on October 12, 1810 – hence the name. Countless private and public celebrations were held to mark the occasion, at which guests wore festive attire.
When the Oktoberfest became an event for all Munich residents, it was customary to wear casual clothing. Even today, there is no dress code at the Wiesn. However, as traditional costume is very appropriate and, above all, very chic for a Bavarian folk festival, the traditional costume outfit has finally caught on at the Wiesn over the last two decades.
Women in dirndls
A dirndl is a great piece of clothing for women of all ages. Whether mini, knee- or ankle-length – the wide skirt with apron perfectly conceals any “hip gold” and emphasizes the waist. The tight bodice and the white, lace-embellished dirndl blouse create a beautiful décolleté. Depending on the style of the dirndl, a small pouch bag, traditional scarf and traditional shoes with a buckle, as well as color-coordinated high heels or ballerinas, can be worn with it.
The selection of dirndls is huge. There are classic, rather simple styles that can be assigned to individual regions in Bavaria and Austria in terms of their colors and patterns. For example, the Lower Bavarian costume worn by the women of Passau includes a gold hood, while the women of Hinterskirchen wear blue knee socks. Although these dirndls are hardly everyday wear, they are still very authentic. Of course, there are also great, colorful, richly decorated fantasy dirndls that are especially popular at the Oktoberfest – whatever you like is allowed!
What the bow on the dirndl apron reveals
The way the apron bow was tied signaled the wearer’s relationship status – because Facebook didn’t exist back then. This signal is still often used today. It is therefore particularly useful for male visitors to the Oktoberfest to know what the position of the bow is all about: If the ribbon is on the right, it means that the woman is married or engaged. On the left, on the other hand, it indicates that the wearer is still single. Widows wear the ribbon at the back, virgins at the front.
Whether this is actually the case, especially with female visitors from abroad, is uncertain. But at least it gives men an imaginative start to a conversation with a smart dirndl wearer!
Lederhosen for men
There are also different lengths of traditional leather pants decorated with embroidery: Either short models in Bermuda-short length or the classic knee-breeches, which wearers combine with the matching, coarsely knitted knee socks and the so-called Haferl shoes. Tight men’s calves are shown off to their best advantage!
When buying, remember that deerskin leather becomes more supple and pliable over time, so the new piece should fit more snugly! If the wearer’s weight remains the same, leather trousers can last a lifetime. The lederhosen are washed for cleaning – as soon as the dirt patina makes the leather a little stiff. It is then advisable to go to Bavarian experts who will wash your lederhosen properly and with specialist knowledge.
If the lederhosen have straps, be sure to wear them crossed at the back. A white traditional shirt or a shirt with a typical checked pattern goes well with traditional lederhosen. A velvet, linen or brocade vest completes the Oktoberfest outfit.
“Tracht light” at the Oktoberfest
If you feel “dressed up” in traditional costume or otherwise don’t have the opportunity to wear a traditional outfit, you can still keep up with the fashion: Simply combine your jeans with a traditional blouse or checked shirt. Sturdy, flat shoes, possibly with green shoe laces, enhance the Tracht appeal. Trachten jackets also go well with jeans. Subtle styles can also be worn for other occasions without looking “dressed up”.
Traditional hats and floral hair accessories are back in fashion this year. A traditional scarf or belt or a braided hairstyle will also make your outfit suitable for the Oktoberfest.
If you’ve now got a taste for traditional costume, Munich is the place to be. Countless traditional costume stores offer outfits in all variations and for every budget – just ask us!
Buy traditional costumes near the Boutique Hotel Erb in Parsdorf
Are you still looking for the right lederhosen or dirndl of your choice? You’ll find excellent shopping opportunities in the immediate vicinity of the Best Western Plus Hotel Erb in Parsdorf. In the nearby Parsdorf City Outlet Shopping Center, several specialist stores await you with a large selection of dirndls, lederhosen and traditional costume accessories. Here you will find both modern interpretations and classic designs – perfect for a visit to the Oktoberfest in Munich. Thanks to the short distance from the hotel, you can choose your traditional costume outfit at your leisure and then round off the day in the hotel.
