Oktoberfest Fashion – How to Dress for the Fest

Let’s kick things off a little differently and go back to the routes of Oktoberfest. If you don’t already know, Oktoberfest started from the royal wedding of Kronprinz Ludwig (King Ludwig I) and Princess Therese of Same-Hildburghausen on October 12, 1810. All Munich citizens were invited and the celebration lasted 5 days. If you’re looking for a twist on what to wear, consider wearing your finest royal ensemble. We’re sure you have your royal garbs lying around, but if not, have some fun with it.

DIY Tips: Think long floor-length coats, faux furs, velvets, floor-length empire dresses with lace and silks, jewels, tassels, swords, and of course, your crowns.

Fun Fact: Beginning in 1835, a traditional costume parade honoring the wedding has become a highlight of Oktoberfest and one of the world’s largest parades of its kind.

It’s not Oktoberfest without the iconic lederhosen, aka, leather breeches. The traditional Bavarian outfits that were originally worn by workers for hard physical labor because of the durable fabric. Today, they’re the most common outfit seen at Oktoberfest. Traditional lederhosen usually have two side pockets, one hip pocket, one knife pocket, and a codpiece (drop front). They’re usually paired with a checkered or white collared shirt and stockings.

DIY Tips: Tan or brown shorts with suspenders, or overalls. Attach (with a safety pin, fashion tape, or sew if you’re more skilled than me) a small piece of matching fabric (scarf, fabric napkin, bandana) to form the middle codpiece. Pair with a white or checkered collared shirts, thick socks or stockings, and hat.

Fun Fact: While the traditional lederhosen is worn short and knee-length, longer ones are known as Bundhosen or Knielbundhosen. Originally worn by men, the demand for women’s lederhosen has increased in recent years.

What good is an epic lederhosen outfit if you don’t have the accessories? I bring you, the Tyrolean Hat. Also known as a Bavarian Hat or Alpine Hat, it first came from Tyrol a region in the Alps. Almost as iconic as lederhosen, the hat is a staple of the fest.

DIY Tips: Any fedora will do, or dress it up with a German ribbon and feather.

Fun Fact: These hats vary in shape but typically have feather or flowers attached known as a “brush”, or gamsbart.

Next up, loferls. These are not your ordinary socks. Loferls are ‘calf warmers’, for the lower leg, and commonly worn with lederhosen. Also known as stutzn or beinhösl, they are worn below the knee with sock liners. To do this right, you need to show a little skin between your calf and foot. Don’t be shy, that’s what leg day is for after all!

DIY Tips: Get a pair of leg warmers and cut em up.

Fun Fact: Tradition demands a matching look between ederhosen, tracht, and loferls. Color and pattern coordination is key.

Looking for something a little more feminine? The dirndl is for you. Made up of a low cut, fitted bodice with a blouse worn underneath, it’s paired with a wide, high-waisted skirt and an apron. Dirndls are usually seen with braids, jewelry (necklaces, chokers, earrings) and brooches.

DIY Tips: Any blouse, apron, and high wasted long skirt will do the job!

Fun Facts: Some of the most expensive dirndls can run up to $100,000 dollars, filled with crystals and diamonds.

Last up, some modern flair. While we think these options are a great and festive way to help your Oktoberfest fashion, we know not everyone is into playing dress up. If everyday clothes are more your thing, try checking out some of the local fashion worn today in Germany. Some popular German fashion sites include: Zalando, C&A, and H&M.