Modern Dirndls
Let your personality and fashion sense shine!
HISTORY | STYLING | SHOPPING
from the alps to the streets
Evolution of the Dirndl Dress
The dirndl dress has a long and interesting history. It originated in the Alpine regions of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland as a traditional dress for women, typically Alpine peasants. The style is believed to have existed since the 19th century, but it gained more widespread popularity during the 1960s. Since then, it has become a popular fashion trend and expression of cultural heritage all over the world.
The Dirndl is a calf-length traditional dress with a natural waistline and full skirt. It usually has distinctive features such as buttons, bows, ribbons and other decorative elements. The traditional Bavarian costume also includes an apron that is often ornately decorated. Today, you can find contemporary variations of the Dirndl in many styles and fabrics, making it a great choice for any occasion. From everyday wear to special events, a modern dirndl is always a fashionable and fun choice!
In addition to its history, Dirndls have a really deep and personal meaning for those who wear them. Sure, you may wear a dirndl dress to dance, go to a traditional German festival, and more - but there's an added layer of meaning. By wearing a dirndl dress, you are representing and displaying your appreciation for history and culture - a special tribute to the past. If you're wearing a traditional Dirndl, you're showing your personal style while also honoring the long-standing traditions and culture that inspired it. Contemporary Dirndls didn't just appear - its roots are in the centuries of heritage and customs that have come before. And now we have a variety of special occasions to wear these traditional garments to!
Women's Dirndl Personal Styling
Channel your our vibe into your Oktoberfest Look
Find which dirndl style fits your personality
Dirndl Style Quiz
Who doesn't love a good quiz? Our "Which Dirndl Style Are You?" quiz will help you unlock your perfect dirndl dress style and inspire you to embrace your unique flair.
Regardless of your style preferences, our quiz will guide you on a journey of self-discovery when it comes to your Oktoberfest outfit.
WHERE YOU TIE YOUR APRON BOW MATTERS
Did you know that where you tie your apron bow on your traditional German attire... even if its' a more modern design, can tell people about your relationship status? True story.
Dirndl aprons are full-length aprons that are traditionally worn in Germany. They feature a skirt-like shape and often have intricate detailing such as pleats, ruffles, lace or even embroidery. Dirndl aprons can be tied at the waist with either a bow or a knot. The type of knot or bow you use can indicate your relationship status, so that potential partners can know whether or not they can approach you!
Bow on the Right Side
According to tradition, a dirndl apron bow tied on the right means that you are taken... so in a serious relationship or married.
Bow on the Left Side
Tied on the left means that you are single and ready to mingle babay!
Bow Tied in the Center
Dirndl dresses with the apron tied in the center front means that you are a virgin. (Typically where you children tie their bows.)
Tied in the Back
Tied in the center back means that you are waitressing or windowed. This one I don't really know about though because sometimes those apron ties are just not long enough to tie in a nice bow in the front... so... ya...
Whichever way you choose to tie your bow or knot, it’s important to remember that tradition still holds strong at a folk festival in Germany.
How Should a Dirndl Fit?
Finding the perfect fit for your modern dirndl is key to creating a stunning look. The blouse should be snug and secure, but not too tight or too loose. Make sure it fits comfortably without feeling too constricted when you move around. Dirndls have nice firm bodices that should fit snugly around the bust and waist. It should just skim your body in a flattering way. The best fit will help create a beautiful silhouette that looks effortless yet stunning! The skirt should fall to your knees, or mid-calf length. The fit of the apron is also important – it needs to be tight enough to stay in place but loose enough that you can move around freely when walking or dancing.
Fashion Dirndls have more styling range than their more traditional counterpart, however, the fit of this Oktoberfest outfits for ladies is the same
PLUS SIZE DIRNDLS
Shopping for modern dirndls at any size starts the same way, finding the right size. The key is to start with body measurements and reviewing the sizing chart. It's also important to measure yourself wearing the undergarments you intend to wear with your Dirndl: bra, shapewear etc.
If you know that you prefer to wear clothes that really hold their shape, look for Dirndls with bodices made of suede, brocade or cotton.
At Rare Dirndl, we add a layer of interfacing to the bodice pieces for sizes 18 and up. This creates a stronger foundation to keep curvy women feeling more comfortable and confident while tearing it up on the dance floor. You can rest assured that even our satin and poplin Dirndls hold their own and you don't need to worry about the bodice fiber content.
We've also worked closely with customers to tweak and make edits to our 18+ patterns to ensure that you have coverage where you want it without losing the flattering curves that Dirndls are known for.
While many Dirndl stores and sites do not carry extended sizes or only offer a limited selection of styles, that is not true for Rare Dirndl. We have a range of sizes up to 26 and offer a "made-to-measurements" option for anyone who would prefer to have a size customized. All body types deserve to have a garment that celebrates not only German heritage but their figure as well.
Easy Ways to make it your own
Aprons, Blouses & Accesories
The most popular way to take any dirndl and make it your own and more modern is to change the blouse, apron and add accessories! By simply changing from a white sweetheart dirndl blouse to a black blouse or from a floral apron to a bold pattern, you can change the entire vibe of your dirndl outfit.
Add socks or a hat! Wear your bold statement jewelry or a quirky bag. They way you style your dirndl dress is all YOU!!
Buying a Dirndl Online - FAQs
How do I know what size dirndl to buy?
The best way to make sure a traditional dirndl dress will fit when buying online is to take your body measurements wearing the bra you plan on wearing with it and compare it to the dirndl size chart.
Why are some dirndls sizes 6, 8, 10 etc and others are 38, 40, 42?
Dirndls made in the US are going to be sized in US sizes 2-30 whereas dirndls imported from Germany will have European sizes 32-54.
How long does it take to ship?
Depends on the company, but here at Rare Dirndl, if a dirndl dress is not labeled as MADE-TO-ORDER or a PRE-ORDER then it can ship within a day or two of being ordered.
Can a Dirndl be returned if it doesn't fit?
A Rare Dirndl can! We offer free returns and exchanges on all our dirndl dresses. Other companies, we couldn't tell ya
Related Articles
Customer Spotlight: Sunny Anderson - The Food Network Star's Oktoberfest Dress!
Join us as we revisit the Food Network star, Sunny Anderson's unforgettable trip to Oktoberfest in 2023, where she turned heads and stole the show in three Rare Dirndls. From the sleek Little Black Dirndl to the playful Harlequin Dirndl and the earthy Herbology Dirndl, Sunny's fashion choices added an extra layer of excitement to the festivities. Get ready to indulge your taste buds and ignite your sense of adventure—because with Sunny, every bite and every outfit is an experience worth savoring.
6 Ways to Incorporate Your Heritage into Your Wedding
When my husband and I were planning our wedding, one of the things we were passionate about was making sure that we incorporated our Donauschwaben and his Swiss heritage into our big day. Our culture is such a big part of our everyday lives, how could we not include it on our wedding day? From the little details to the major components, there are essentially 6 ways to bring your heritage into your wedding and I’ll use our wedding as an example. These ideas can also be applied to pretty much any culture!
Krupa's Custom Sari Dirndl - Indian German Mashup
When Krupa decided to celebrate her 40th birthday at Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, her initial Oktoberfest dress search didn't go as well as she had hoped. She wasn't finding anything that really spoke to her in any online dirndl shops. Because what she really wanted for this milestone trip, was a dirndl that seamlessly blended the elegance of her Indian roots with the charm of traditional Bavarian festival attire. Luckily for Krupa, she found Rare Dirndl!