Buying a dirndl for the first time? Worried about messing it up? Well, your concerns are not baseless, but we have a solution for that. Dirndl is a very intricate, traditional attire, buying which may be complicated at times.
There goes a lot in dressing up perfectly for Oktoberfest. The dress requires great attention to detail and extensive decision-making regarding accessories.
So, to make your life easier, we came up with this guide to buy the best dirndl so you may enjoy the tradition to its core.
What is a Dirndl?
A dirndl is a traditional Bavarian dress that came into being in the early 18th century. The underprivileged parts of the community initially wore it. However, in the 19th century, the attire rose to fame and was worn as a sign of heritage, tradition, and sometimes leisurewear.
A dirndl is a dress and a sign of tradition being rejuvenated and enjoyed. The dirndl dress has a lot of historical importance and should always be worn in its true spirit.
Parts of a Dirndl Dress:
A dirndl comprises many clothing articles that make it the amazing attire it is. These parts come together to make one great dress that speaks for the Bavarian traditions and its heritage.
The main part is the skirt which is attached to the bodice. An apron is worn over the skirt, which is tied with the help of a knot, underneath the bodice, a short-sleeved, light-colored blouse is worn that complements the dark tones of the skirt and the bodice.
How to Buy the Best Dirndl:
As mentioned earlier, buying an authentic and the best dirndl may become a tedious task for a first-time buyer. So, to help you with your journey, here are some things to look for to get an authentic German dirndl dress.
Lace-up Bodice Only:
The corset of the dirndl should be lace-up only. The reason for this is that the laces allow you to adjust the sizing as per your liking. However, the bodice may have a zip in the back for ease of wearing.
Blouse Style:
The blouse of the dirndl dress should be a short-sleeved, light-colored shirt with fringes or patterns. The sleeves should be short and puffed to compliment the tight-fitting style of the bodice.
The neckline of the dress should not be very deep. Fringes or patterns are a must and should be present on the sleeves and the front.
Apron:
The apron should always match the dress. It should either complement or accentuate the colors of the blouse. The material mostly used for aprons is cotton. It may have other materials to add some sheen.
Aprons should have checks on them. The checks are mostly in red-white, blue-white, or other combinations using colors like purple and pink. Some new aprons also come in pastel checks, giving them a modern yet authentic look.
The patterns on the apron should always be floral. Avoid anything other than the traditional Bavarian patterns.
Materials:
Dirndls are made from cotton traditionally, but it is very hard to find pure cotton dirndls nowadays. Instead, a cotton-polyester hybrid is readily available in the market and Dirndl Online Shop; this serves the purpose and is not very different to look at.
However, stay away from anything with huge polyester content. Such products look fake and plastic-like, totally not on-brand for the best dirndls.
Sizing:
The dirndl dresses come in German sizing. Sizes start from 32 (XXS) and go up to 48(XXL) with an increment of twos every time. Some retailers also offer a size 52, but that is hard to find and expensive.
It is always good to buy the size closest to your measurement and nothing baggy. The reason for this is that the dirndl itself is meant to make sure that your waist looks smaller while accentuating your chest and hips; a loose-fitted dress won’t be able to do that.
You can always use the laces on the corset to adjust it as per your liking.
Accessories:
It may seem that accessories are unimportant for German Dirndl dresses, but you are mistaken about this. If you want to keep the tradition alive in its true spirit, choose the accessories that complement the attire and make it more authentic.
Low-heeled leather pumps are always the best option when it comes to shoes. They will not only make you look the best but will also protect your feet from the glass and spillage at the Oktoberfest. These shoes are very easy to walk in and cause the least fatigue.
You can wear a bonnet, hat, or scarf to cover the head. Heart-shaped necklaces are also worn to complete the look.
Conclusion:
So, this covers most of what you need to know before buying a dirndl. Things to look out for are the material, patterns, designs, and quality. If you keep these in mind, you should not have a problem purchasing the real deal.
We hope the guide helps you find the dirndl of your dreams.
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