Finding the Perfect Fit: A Guide to Sizing for Dirndls

For this year’s Oktoberfest, are you considering purchasing a dirndl? If you’ve never purchased one of these traditional Bavarian dresses, keep reading because there are several things you can get right when purchasing a dirndl that will give you the perfect Oktoberfest look and transform you into a true Alpine queen!

If you’ve never purchased a dirndl, you may not be familiar with its composition, sizes and fits, colours, patterns, materials, prices, or any of these other factors. You can use the Q&A below as a checklist to make things nice and simple, and you’ll be the talk of the festival if you do!

What is a dirndl?

The term “a dirndl” is a bit misleading because, in reality, a dirndl, as you need it, is more of an outfit than just a dress. It comprises an apron, a dirndl dress (bodice and skirt), and a dirndl blouse. Check to see if you get the entire outfit or just the dress when you purchase your dirndl. You can buy dresses, aprons, and blouses separately at some stores, while others sell three-piece dirndl outfit packages. You can also find two-piece outfits, typically a dress and an apron.

What are the Fundamental Components of Design?

Dirndl outfits include all three pieces in addition to several other essential components. First, the dress’ bodice should have a traditional lace-up front (even if it has a zip-up back for convenience and comfort). The traditional dress is made to be worn with a blouse, so it should have frills or other details around the neckline since it will be on display, along with the shoulders and arms, as opposed to some designer versions, which go higher. This brings us to point number three. A dirndl dress has relatively narrow shoulders concerning number four because, like in number three, the blouse is the main focal point.  According to point five, the apron should match the dress in a complementary or contrasting colour and end about an inch above the hem.

What Traditional Hues and Patterns Are There?

The traditionally strict rules about what could be used on Bavaria’s iconic women’s dress have significantly loosened as fashion designers have entered the field in recent decades. Dirndl outfits come in a full variety of colours and patterns. However, the vast majority of designs continue to incorporate traditional elements; after all, that is the point. As a result, you’ll see a lot of checks, particularly small-square gingham in blue and white or red and white. Pinks and purples are traditional check colours as well. Along with various pastel colours, from taupe to cream, peach, beige, and grey, floral patterns are traditional and currently in style. Avoid using garish or big-check designs.

Which Materials Are Used?

Cotton was traditionally used to make dirndls. However, most dirndls are made of polyester-cotton blends because they are durable, washable, and breathable. This eliminates the need to spend hours searching for the few pure-cotton dirndls that are still available. A dirndl will look cheaper if it contains a lot of polyesters, and anything made of acrylic, modal, or similar material is probably a cheap knockoff rather than the real thing. Although they typically contain cotton, aprons may also contain other materials to give them a sheen or mere appearance. The apron is the main piece that people see, so choose an eye-catching and festive fabric. It is almost as important as the dirndl dress in terms of fabric. 

How Does Sizing Work?

German dress sizes typically used for dirndls range from 32 (XXS in international sizing, or 28′-22′-32′) to 48 (41′-34′-43′, or two sizes past XXL). Some retailers also feature plus sizes up into the 50s. A dirndl’s function in terms of fit is to highlight your hips and chest while emphasizing your midriff; however, the outfit accomplishes this due to the low-cut dress, puffy blouse, and A-shaped skirt, so there’s no need to go down a size. In fact, given the litre-tankards of beer and warm tent environments, doing so could make for a very uncomfortable Oktoberfest.

Historically, dirndl dresses reached the ankles; however, in modern times, even the more traditional styles typically end at the mid-calf (80 cm). Most Bavarians believe dirndls above knee length (60-70cm) are ideal. Younger girls may occasionally wear one that ends 50 cm above the knee, but this is the maximum. Simply put, anything above that is considered slutty. Miniskirts are not dirndl dresses; respectable retailers won’t carry anything shorter than 50 cm.

What is a Realistic Price?

You can still expect a decent product at the lowest price of about €150 for three pieces. However, we advise setting aside about €200, which, with postage and packaging, will get you a good-quality dirndl dress, blouse, and apron from Germany.

How Should I Accessorize? 

Smart footwear is worn with dirndl outfits; leather pumps are the traditional choice, but nice ballerinas are also acceptable. Although many older women prefer the support of a bootee, and you will see some girls wearing them with trainers (often in floral print), the classic match is still a low-heeled pump. Many women like to accessorize their décolleté with a necklace, and the most common shapes are heart- or flower-shaped pendants, particularly alpine edelweiss blooms.

A small, felt or leather bag is the other essential piece of dirndl accessorizing. This choice is practical and traditional, as large bags are prohibited at the Munich Oktoberfest and many other beer festival events. The best bags are small shoulder bags and clutches.  Also common among women are Bavarian felt hats, which, depending on your face shape, can be a great addition to your ensemble. Cute cardigans are the most common addition to authentic dirndl dress when covering up as the evenings grow cooler.

We sincerely hope that this brief Q&A has provided you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision when buying dirndl, and we will be happy to respond to any questions you may have on Twitter. Feel free to contact our sponsors for more details and to make a direct purchase.