Best Undergarments to Wear with Dirndl Outfits

Underneath every great German dirndl is a great set of underwear. Sometimes the perfect bra can make or break your Oktoberfest look. So let's start at the top and work our way down — here's what Rare Dirndl recommends for dirndl undergarments, and what to avoid.

The Ideal Bra for a Dirndl

There are so many different types of bras out there... probably to go along with all types of boobs! I find the key to making your girls fit properly in your dirndl starts with the right bra. I have small ones, so I use the Victoria's Secret Bombshell push-up and I love it! It really makes my dirndl fit so much better and creates the illusion of an even smaller waist. If you have big boobs, my friends use the Body by Victoria's Secret Demi Bra. Since I am not an expert in the large boobie department, I asked one of my well-endowed bffs and she said: "My bra has natural support, no extra padding or push-up... it lifts them up without pushing them all out and in your face!"

Your bra doesn't have to be from Victoria's Secret. The key is giving your bust a nice shape, having a bra that fits well, and putting the ladies where they are supposed to be.

Nude Bras are a MUST

Whether you have big tatas or you are a member of the itty bitty titty committee, my number one advice is a NUDE bra! One of the biggest bra mistakes I see women make is wearing a bright color or a print. It's the easiest way to find yourself looking silly when your bra color shows through your dirndl blouse. Sometimes even with a black blouse, you can run into trouble. So if you're going to spend the money on a dirndl bra, go nude. You won't regret it!

Some people like to use a basic bustline shaper to help with extra cleavage. I have never personally used one, but they definitely help push up the girls if that is the look you're going for.

Tank Top or Camisole

If you're concerned it may be chilly, a simple way to give yourself more layers without changing the look of your dirndl is to wear a tight tank top. A slim-fitting tank that doesn't interfere with your blouse neckline is best. I tend to wear one under my blouse and dirndl most times when it's not 80+ degrees outside.

Simple and Comfortable Underpants

Everyone has their panty preferences, but with a dirndl I have two general rules: cotton and comfort. Chances are you'll be polkaing and partying or eating, drinking, and socializing... or all of the above! Cotton gives you the breathability you want (so you avoid the dreaded swamp ass) and comfortable underwear makes it easy to enjoy all the fun. My current favorite brand is Pact Apparel.

Bloomers — Yes, BLOOMERS!

Whatever underpants you decide on, you will most likely want a pair of bloomers too. Also sometimes called pettipants, these are cute blousy shorts to wear under your dirndl so you don't make any Omas blush while you're dancing at the next folk festival.

You'll need bloomers if you plan on:

• Polkaing your heart out
• Performing with your dance group
• Chasing after a toddler (ask me how I know zis)
• Drinking a lot of good German beer (falling without bloomers may result in a show you weren't expecting)
• Doing a lot of spinning (for whatever reason)
• Standing on tables
• Going somewhere super windy
• Playing with kids, which may involve crawling, sliding, or swinging

Bloomers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. I love our fun cotton prints and elegant satin options — not too hot, not too long... just right to protect your booty from wandering eyes. Click here to check out our bloomer styles.

Petticoat or Slip?

Both of these may be garments you put away in a box in 1998 or have only seen your Oma still wear... but when it comes to dirndls, it's worth learning a little more and potentially busting these bad boys out of the attic.

Petticoats

These super flirty and fun skirts add fullness to your dirndl and also add a layer of protection — not from falling on your butt, but from sunlight! Even heavy fabrics can appear see-through in direct sunlight. A petticoat puts multiple layers of soft nylon and lace between your dirndl skirt and your legs, making seeing through your skirt impossible.

You may want to wear a petticoat if:

• You love poofy, flirty skirts
• It's a tad chilly outside (they are quite warm)
• You plan on doing a lot of spinning (for whatever reason)
• You're feeling extra flirty and girly
• Your skirt is looking a little lackluster and needs some oomph

We searched everywhere to find the perfect dirndl petticoat — made in the USA, not too poofy, not scratchy, juuuuust right. Available in white, black, and red in two lengths: mini (20") and midi (26"). I find myself grabbing for my petticoat more often than not. It's just too much fun to wear! Click here to see the dirndl petticoats.

Slips

Like a petticoat, a slip provides a layer of fabric to avoid the see-through effect that happens in direct sunlight. Even black skirts can give you shadow legs in the sun, but a slip stops that light dead in its tracks. A slip also doesn't add any fullness to your skirt, so if the idea of wearing a petticoat makes your skin crawl... a slip is for you!

You'll want to wear a slip if:

• You're going somewhere very sunny
• You can't imagine adding any more fullness to your dirndl skirt
• It's way too hot outside to even consider putting on a petticoat
• You hate bloomers
• Your dirndl skirt is a very light color like ivory, silver, or baby blue

While I don't have any slips on the Rare Dirndl website, I found one on Amazon that works great for dirndls. It comes in black, nude, and white (I recommend nude) and in a variety of lengths! Click here to check it out.

Tights or Socks... or neither!

Let's talk dirndl socks for a second. WHA?! There are dirndl socks? Yup! They're white knit knee-high socks that can be super cute... and also slip down your leg while dancing, which is subsequently super annoying (nothing a thin rubber band can't fix, like the ones that come on green onions).

Some folks love the look of the sock, others can't stand them. I personally prefer to wear them based on what the dirndl calls for. Some dirndl styles lend themselves better to traditional socks while others don't. Wearing them is not a rule — you can certainly wear tights, nylon stockings, or nothing at all. Side note: thigh high "sexy" socks... not recommended. I'm going to go right out and say no. Don't wear those with your dirndl.

Tights can add a personal spin to a traditional dirndl and are a great way to stay warm when it's chilly. Control top tights can also give you a more slimming shape if that's something you're looking for. (That Schweinehaxen can sneak up on ya... ask me how I know zis.)

Basically, whatever makes you feel most confident and fabulous... wear that!

Looking to order some dirndl socks? These are my favorites.

Dirndl Undergarments FAQs

What bra should you wear with a dirndl?

The best bras for dirndls are push-up bras, demi bras, or lightly padded bras. Dirndl bodices are structured and designed to lift the bust, so a bra that provides shape and support helps the dress fit properly. The goal is lift and definition, not flattening.

Should you wear a nude bra with a dirndl blouse?

Yes, almost always. Dirndl blouses are often made from lightweight cotton or lace, which means bright colors and patterns can show through. A nude bra that matches your skin tone is the safest choice.

Do you need to wear bloomers under a dirndl?

Bloomers are not required, but they are highly recommended. They provide extra coverage when dancing, sitting on benches, climbing onto beer tent benches, or chasing kids around at festivals. They also help prevent wardrobe malfunctions during spinning or on windy days.

Should you wear a petticoat with a dirndl?

A petticoat is optional but fun. Petticoats add volume to the skirt and give your dirndl a fuller, more flirty shape. They can also help prevent skirts from becoming see-through in bright sunlight.

What is the difference between a petticoat and a slip?

A petticoat adds volume and fullness to the skirt. A slip adds a thin layer underneath the dress to prevent transparency but does not change the shape of the skirt. Both can be useful depending on the dirndl fabric and the weather.

Do you wear socks with a dirndl?

Sometimes. Traditional dirndl socks are white knit knee socks that pair well with shorter dirndls. However, many women also wear tights, stockings, or no legwear at all. There is no strict rule — it depends on the style of the dirndl and the weather.

Can you wear shapewear with a dirndl?

Yes. Some people wear shapewear or control-top tights under a dirndl for a smoother silhouette. This is completely optional and depends on personal preference. The most important thing is comfort.

So there you have it — my full rundown on the undergarments you'll want to consider when wearing your dirndl. Do you have go-to brands or recommendations to share? Write them in the comments! We love to hear from you.

Looking for an all-encompassing guide on what to wear to Oktoberfest? Check out our guide for what to wear to Oktoberfest.

-

Ever wonder which dirndl style you are? Click here to take our quiz and find out now!