Types of Dirndl - Munich

I came across different kinds of Dirndl - the "balkonette" like a low-scoop-neck, and the "Sound of Music's Maria's style - and would like to know

1. How many styles of Dirndl are there?
2. Where is a particular style from?
3. Can you tell just by looking?
4. Besides the material used, how do you tell if a Dirndl is "high class", "echte" (real) or not?
5. HOW to wear them??

Sounds silly but do you wear a blouse under EVERY those sleeveless-round neck (to the top) Dirndl too? Because in this:

"Out sind Landhausmode (Möchtegern-Tracht), ultrakurze Dirndl, Frauen in Lederhosen und Dirndl ohne Bluse darunter.

In sind echte Trachten (am besten das Dirndl von Mutter oder Oma aus dem Schrank kramen), edle Seidentücher, alter oder neuer Trachtenschmuck und schlichte schwarz-weiße Dirndl."

I googled but wasn't able to get far because my German ain't good enuf Appreciate your sharing.

According to the article you mentioned: Landhausmode, super short dirndls, lederhosen and wearing a dirndl without a blouse are all tracht no-nos at this year's Oktoberfest. Instead more traditional look is 'in'... something about wearing a dirndl that looks as though it was passed down from your Mother or Grandmother to you ... genuine Tracht jewellry and silk neckerchiefs ... wearing your hair up and not too much make up ... If you want to look extra schick wear a black and white dirndl or purple ... or something ...?? I don't remember exactly now

But I am tipsy and have a short attention span at the best of times so maybe I'm not the best person to translate this article for you!

Thanks for translating but I wasn't looking for translation. I found it funny to read that no-no is not wearing a Dirndl blouse inside so I want to know HOW to wear a Dirndl, the origin etc. And these are the information my German knowledge doesn't seem to get me too far on

Didn't someone post a link to a page with all the different styles of 'traditional' bavarian outfits and how they are worn once before??? (I could be wrong ... I am not entirely sober at the moment and could be imagining things).

Are you interested to know for purely research purposes/curiosity or are you thinking of buying a dirndl?

Zimmer I think you have started an interesting topic here.
But what exactly is that sentence saying? Because you have lost me.

No kidding. I got a bit lost here ...


At first I thought it was 'dirndl fashion advice wanted' post. My mistake.

Maybe I should include a picture

So, for this Dirndl, I would expect not having to wear a Dirndl blouse underneath but that's the thing I'm not sure about. So that got me wondering about the right way to wear a Dirndl and the list of questions of its origin, the region a certain style is from etc. Any idea??

You can say that I'm looking for 'dirndl fashion advice wanted'. It's to know what to buy & wear a Dirndl myself. Just felt it would be ridiculous if I wore something the wrong way!

P.S. I did a search but didn't find something. If you do, please link me to it. THANKS!

OK, a traditionalist writes
1. How long is a piece of string? Seriously. The site from BR that canuck posted is a good one (look at the photos if you don't speak German).
2. Well you should maybe try and get a copy of the Trachtenzug brochure, it has pictures and descriptions of the Tracht displayed in this year's parade. Have a flick through that at your local newsagents or tourist office.
3. Yes. Although to be honest, most of what is worn at the Wies'n isn't true Tracht, it is Landhausstil (*spits*) as the real stuff is too precious to risk the damage.
4. The stitching, the cut, the fit, the decoration, the accessories (high heels? No. Trainers? Ha ha Flat ballerinas, a fringed silk scarf, a Charivari, fresh flowers, a velvet choker? Oh yes, yes and more), the length (the knees should be covered - I tend to wear the 60s-70s length as it swings better for dancing but do also have full length ones). The colours used (hot pink? Nee).
5. With Lebensfreude. A huge grin helps.
Yes you should have a close fitting blouse under the high-neck ones. You won't have stones chucked at you in the street if you don't though (although my Bavarian pals who wear that style do indeed wear a very close fitting blose underneath).
Don't forget the pettitcoat (slip/underskirt)!

Did I write this? Because it does sound like me ha ha

I've been interested in this as well. I found this website (only in German I'm afraid) that shows examples of tracht in the different regions.

THANKS! That was informative. Now I know a little more about the Dirndl I have, I can tell people (who ask) where it is from etc.

If there are any rock-bitches interested in alternative dirndl. Go to Pyrate-Style at Promenadeplatz 2-6 (just to the right of the Bayerischer Hof main entrance) and take a look at the dark red leather dirndl in there for €2000,-

Hubba! Hubba! Oo! Oo! Oo!

http://www.toytowngermany.com/munich/Tracht -- info on "authentic" dirndls in English. Feel free to expand it. Also see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracht

It's been rumoured that there is a particular way to wear/tie the apron when wearing a dirndl. Does anyone know what the rules are?

At the shop where I bought my dirndl, the girl said that if you tie the bow of the apron on your left side you are single, on the right side you are married, and if you tie it at the back it means you are a waitress. However I have also been told the opposite story - that right side means single and left side means taken so am a little confused as to how I should tie my apron now! (A bunch of us were discussing this at ETH's leaving do actually).

Sounds strangely like the 'rules' regarding wedding rings...

Don't worry though, most of the guys won't care one way or the other. And really, who cares, as long as your not wearing jeans and a t-shirt?

right is taken (married, engaged, have a boyfriend / girlfriend whatever), left is available.

@Gen

Are you saying what's left is available ?

We had this discussion on Saturday. The woman in the shop where I bought mine said that left was single, right was taken at the back is a widow and in the middle at the front is a virgin!!

Oerrrrr Missus this gets worse and worse !

But where do you tie it if you are married and available?

My question exactly!!!

@ zimmer
I think there is no easy answer to your questions as Dirndl/Tracht is spread all over Bavaria and Austria. Every valley/town/region would have their own style. There are different meanings to hair style/decoration etc...
And I would never wear my "original" Dirndl to the Octoberfest, I am will be wearing a cheap version where drinks and dirt don't matter!

Right is for bought and paid for (and preferably rubber stamped by the Catlicks as we're in Bayern I suspect).
Left can also be for reserved items but if you can't produce the receipt, it's still tied on the left.

Reminds me a wee bit of certain gay clubs and the hankie in the back pocket thing really.

A comma here, a comma there and this sentence certainly clears up a few things about the women at the Oktoberfest.

One for the traditionalist(s)

From today's Suedduetsche Z.

Gotta love it when the non-Germans are judging the Tracht the Germans are wearing

What is better? Short or long skirt???

Short

@ Kza

Short it is then...

Or else.

You don't have to be a chicken to judge an omelette.

good point, personal preference is a proper dirndl, long skirt, high-neck blouse but such Tracht is not practical at the Wiesn. Too hot and too valuable to spill beer all over. Therefore I have bought myself cute little cheapo dirndl that will double as a halloween costume when I go home.

Personally, I think the long ones are better because when you are standing on those benches and people are sitting next to you, well, the shorts ones are perfect for people wanting to watch the scenery. And when you fall off the bench because you are (most likely) drunk, with a longer skirt, the skirt is less likely to fly up and show everyone everything.

The long ones are slightly warmer but I really hadn't noticed that I was really warm in mine. Still cooler than lederhosen, I would imagine. The long ones drag on the floor (in the beer etc) when you sit down.

The important thing is it's easy to use the bathroom!! Just hike up the skirt, drop the knickers and well, that's it. Wonderful.

What matters is the top!! That is where all the attention is going!

I would have thought if you are at the falling off the bench stage you are not really going to be worrying about your marketing campaign anymore ?

Silva is right though, cheapo dirndl and disposable cameras.

That's why you need an Unterröckchen!

even better: bloomers


Looking for that pic I found this page of pictures from a Bristol Renaissance Faire where lots of ladies are wearing dirndls. I bet they didn't realize that people in Germany still wear them sometimes.

http://www.thurs.net/dan/personal/Bristol/...2003/Index.html

Or boxer shorts ... that is what I'm going with anyway.

but the mini-Dirndl is above-knee, no?

And?

Katrina's Pratical Tip of the Day: Whatever you wear on top, don't wear tummy-flattening knickers because the queues for the toilets are long and peeing yourself is so not a good look.

no wonder the clubs here would only stamp on your right hand when u've paid entry.

Queues for the toilets??? This is oktoberfest not high tea with her majesty QE2. Just grab an empty mass and put it under the table!

*Kza in Classy Shocka*
Alternatively for the laydeez

Then put it back on the next table for beer stealers.

for those who don't have a petticoat. My advise for short dirndls are to get one of those underwear hotpants in H&M. You can wear them on top of tights even. So if somebody dares to look U still look pretty and decent

This coming from a girl who knows neither where nor when the Wies'n starts...

Hand down I have never seen so many gorgeous Dirndls as this year.

Purple/lavender seemed to be a popular choice. Also many fancy silk ones. The peasant dirndl was definately out, and the hemlines had become long again.

But the guys will be happy to know the neck lines were plunging, and breasts were out on full display.