Oktoberfest Womens Tshirts That Look Like a Dress
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Being an Oktoberfest tour guide and attending various other German festivals a-plenty, I am constantly being asked about what to wear to Oktoberfest.
What do you wear to Oktoberfest? Where do you get it? What are the outfits for Oktoberfest called again? Do you have to wear Oktoberfest clothing?
Answering all of these, I almost always end up giving away too much information on my cup size. This Oktoberfest clothing guide will be no different. But also, all the actually relevant stuff you need to know about how to dress for Oktoberfest.
This post was originally published in April 2017 but has been completely updated for Oktoberfest 2022.
Traditional outfits for Oktoberfest
When choosing what to wear to Oktoberfest, the traditional outfits for Oktoberfest are simple: a dirndl for women and lederhosen for men. (But this is 2022, obviously there are exceptions to both.) And yes, most people wear these traditional Bavarian outfits, whether they are traditional Bavarians or not.
Both women's and men's outfits for Oktoberfest come in endless styles and colors, and each comes with its own suggested type of shoes and socks and sweaters too, depending on how dedicated you are to authenticity.
When deciding how to dress for Oktoberfest, as long as you stay away from anything with the words "Oktoberfest costume" on it, you're probably fine. (Unless you're throwing an Oktoberfest-themed party at home, then you can wear whatever the heck you want.)
The dress for Oktoberfest – what is a dirndl?
A dirndl is a traditional Bavarian dress women wear to everything from formal events to festivals and beyond. Dirndls consist of three parts: a dress, an apron, and a blouse.
The dirndl dress
The dress part of a dirndl is available in a few basic silhouettes (a fashion word I learned from getting married). It comes in various lengths and materials and infinite designs and colors. But the best part? Dirndls look good on every body. Yes, even yours.
It's designed to fit pretty snuggly and zips either in the front or the side. Sometimes a dirndl dress has criss-crossy ribbons in the front, sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes it has pockets. If you buy your dirndl in Germany, the dress will have one pocket. I feel rage just thinking about this.
A dirndl is also designed to cover your boobs. Do not wear a dirndl that goes under your boobs – this is not "authentic" and will put you quickly into Halloween costume territory. Let your push-up bra do all the pushing – that's what it was genetically bred in a secret laboratory on Venus to do.
While you're getting all your Oktoberfest gear in order, check out my free Oktoberfest playlist on Spotify to get in the spirit!
The dirndl apron
A dirndl without an apron is… just a really tight dress. The apron makes the dirndl, because sometimes the fashion gods throw us a bone. Forget what to wear to Oktoberfest, methinks we need more practical household items to become fashion statements in general.
Dirndl aprons also come in infinite colors and designs but essentially all follow the same pattern. Apron + really long tie = bow. Look at that, you're Bavarian now. Dirndl aprons are always included when you buy a dirndl, but can often be purchased on their own for mixing and matching purposes.
Want to make your own dirndl apron for something a little more unique and personal? Check out my post on how to DIY upgrade your dirndl for some easy Oktoberfest clothing hacks!
The dirndl blouse
A dirndl blouse is the white shirt you wear under a dirndl. I use the term shirt very loosely here despite the garment's sheer death grip. It's basically a tight bra cover with sleeves. Let's just say… PHENOMENAL COSMIC POWERS, itty bitty living space.
Most of the time you'll see dirndl blouses in white, though they do come in just about any color, pattern, or sleeve-length a pretzel-loving girl could ask for. I've lost count of how many dirndl blouses I own at this point and all but one of them is white. (I wear a black one with my little black dirndl.)
Pro tip: Use my exclusive promo code to get 10% off your purchase at Rare Dirndl. Click that link and use promo code MYWANDERLUSTYLIFE.
How to properly wear a dirndl
Deciding what to wear to Oktoberfest is easy enough when you know just how to properly wear your outfits for Oktoberfest. Here are the biggest things to remember:
Don't wear a costume.
The #1 Oktoberfest clothing tip is to avoid anything remotely resembling an Oktoberfest costume. For the love of all that is good and pure, stay away from anything that says "beer wench," "beer garden babe," "lederhosen honey," or my favorite so far "German servant" on the package. In fact, never buy a dirndl that comes in a package. Stay very far away from this look. We're talking time zones here.
Dirndls are sexy enough as it is—there's no need to bring slutty beer wench to the party. Oktoberfest is a merry celebration where friendly, kind-hearted people from all over the world come together to celebrate their love of beer and Bavarian culture in a warm and welcoming environment. But they will judge the sh*t out of you.
Sure, dirndls can get expensive, but you actually don't have to spend loads of money on a good dirndl. You can find great ones that are still affordable and don't mock the local culture.
Besides knowing what to wear to Oktoberfest, there are many more things you should definitely know! For that, I have a whole post on the super detailedOktoberfest tips that gives you all of the most important info and tricks.
How long should your dirndl be?
Dirndls typically come in one of three lengths: mini, midi, and long/floor length. Just say no to mini unless you're a small child. Nobody wants to see your schnitzel.
Maxi/floor length is typically worn by the oldest women in the room. You may see a handful of these at Oktoberfest, but it's definitely not the norm here in the 21st century.
Midi is your just right happy medium. Almost everyone wears a midi-length dirndl that falls somewhere between your knees and ankles.
When shopping for dirndls, you'll see these lengths listed with these roundabout measurements:
- Mini = 50 cm / 19.5 in
- Midi = 65 cm / 25.5 in
- Long = 90 cm / 35.5 in
Don't wear a dirndl without a blouse
There are a few select times and dirndls when this is okay… but otherwise it's weird. I tried it once. It feels weird. It looks weird. Just wear the blouse. (Only the high-neck dirndls should be worn this way.)
How to tie your dirndl bow
It's true –where you tie your dirndl bow matter. (I mean matters in a fun, silly way, not like your life will depend on it.) When on your body you tie your bow silently implies your relationship status to the world.
- Tying the bow on your right means you're taken
- Tying the bow on your left means you're single
- Tie the bow on the front/center if you're a virgin and just really want everyone to know for some reason
- Tying the bow in the back means you're a waitress (or widow)
Obviously, the dirndl bow rule is not strictly enforced or anything, but it has become such a thing that you're likely to get comments on your bow placement. I made a video to illustrate this very point! Did you catch it at the beginning of this post?
So why does tying your bow on the right mean you're taken? Unlike here in the U.S., married people in Germany wear their wedding rings on their right hands. If you don't know, now you know.
What to wear to Oktoberfest: Men's Oktoberfest clothing
The outfits for Oktoberfest that men wear are collectively called lederhosen. Lederhosen are leather shorts that can be worn with matching suspenders + bib, or on their own. They can be short (right at knee level, see below), over the knee length, or long. They also come in a variety of colors (really, just various shades of brown/black), a few stylistic differences, and a few different kinds of leather.
Lederhosen are worn with a long-sleeve button down shirt that's either checked or white. Blue, red, and green checked shirts are the most popular. And nowadays you see a lot of the locals wearing vests as well (or as they call them: waistcoats).
How long you choose for your lederhosen is up to you, but knee-length (short) lederhosen are the most popular (and the best looking, I might add). Over the knee lederhosen are equally popular as Oktoberfest clothing. Long lederhosen isn't something you see ever.
Lederhosen for women – Ladyhosen
Though not at all traditional, lederhosen for women have become a thing somewhat recently. If you're considering what to wear to Oktoberfest, know that you will see some women in lederhosen, but the vast majority are in dirndls.
Lederhosen for women (ladyhosen, as I like to call them) are not super taboo, so if that's the route you want to take in your Oktoberfest clothing, feel free to do so! My friend has this pair of ladyhosen and loves them. You can also find them here in various lengths and colors!
Lederhosen for women come in colors beyond brown or black and are almost always above the knee. You would also wear either a checked or white shirt with them, but for these they sell more "feminine" cut shirts with short sleeves.
Did you know you can get just about anything you want to drink at Oktoberfest… besides beer! It's true – find out where to find all your favorite non-beer drinks in my non-beer drinker's guide to Oktoberfest.
Do you have to wear the traditional outfits for Oktoberfest?
"Do you have to wear the traditional Oktoberfest clothing?" is one of my most frequently asked questions as an Oktoberfest expert. And the answer is always "No, but…"
Do you have to wear a dirndl or lederhosen to Oktoberfest? Officially? No. Wear whatever you want. Jeans and a t-shirt are fine. Unofficially? Yes! Don't you dare wear jeans and a t-shirt!
Ok, I kid, but hear me out. You don't have to wear the traditional outfits for Oktoberfest, but you definitely should. Out of the many thousands of people you'll see at Oktoberfest each day, the vast majority of them are dressed accordingly.
If you're worried you'll be the odd man/woman out, fear not! If you're concerned that it might seem weird/offensive to wear traditional Bavarian attire even if you're as far from Bavarian as you can get, fear not!
Plus, wearing the traditional Oktoberfest clothing adds SO MUCH more fun to the whole experience. Show up in regular attire if you want, but there's a good chance you'll feel like you're missing out. Oktoberfest clothing is a major part of the entire experience. Partake, my friend!
What to wear to Oktoberfest: socks and shoes
For women, it doesn't matter too much what kind of shoes and socks you wear with your outfits for Oktoberfest. There's a traditional style, but anything resembling a mary jane style pump works just fine. Here in modern times, you'll also see a lot of cute ankle booties and white sneakers too. I wear a little bit of them all.
For men, yes there's a specific type of shoe and sock to wear with your lederhosen. What to wear to Oktoberfest is, like, one of the few areas where the men's dress code is so much stricter than the women's and I AM HERE FOR IT.
See all of this year's hottest Oktoberfest shoes and socks for women in this post.
With lederhosen, the "proper" shoes to wear are called loferl, and the socks are called haferl. The shoes are kind of part loafer/part sturdy boot and the socks are wool calf warmers + ankle socks essentially.
And since you probably don't want to drop a ton of money on a pair of shoes you might never wear again, check out my post on Oktoberfest shoes and socks to find some more affordable look-alike Oktoberfest shoes that will work just fine.
But do you know where to buy shoes at Oktoberfest in an emergency? Find out in my post on the 26 Oktoberfest facts you probably don't know but definitely should!
What to wear to Oktoberfest: accessories
As far as outfits for Oktoberfest goes, less is more in the accessory department. Keep it simple, keep it to a minimum. Personally, I put on a pair of pretzel earrings and a pretzel necklace and call it a day. But, to each her own. Here are a few suggested pieces of Oktoberfest jewelry:
- Pretzel earrings – in gold, these are the ones I have and I love them!
- Simple pretzel necklace in gold, silver, or rose gold
- 2-pack silver & gold pretzel necklaces – friends that Oktoberfest together stay best friends forever
- Black velvet edelweiss choker – Classic
- Natural gemstone bracelets with pretzel and edelweiss charms – too perfect!
Besides jewelry, here are a few more popular Oktoberfest accessories:
Alpine hats and flower crowns – These are something you can pick up at Oktoberfest as a great souvenir, or purchase a super cute one in advance. I love my Rare Dirndl flower crown.
Wiesn gluperl – Get one of these made when you get to Oktoberfest. You can choose from a variety of icons and they'll burn your name (or whatever) into the clip.
Lebkuchenherzen – These make great accessories, so get your fella to give you one (as tradition dictates). Just remember they are made for wearing, not eating. (I found this out the hard way.)
Charivari – Even men have Oktoberfest bling! Charivaris are chains that go across the front of your lederhosen that hold a variety of charms.
Outfits for Oktoberfest – purses
Ladies, this is about to get real simple. You cannot bring a purse bigger than 3 liters into Oktoberfest. To us in the U.S. that means your purse cannot be bigger than 8 in. x 6 in. x 4 in. and they will deny you entrance if your purse is too big. (Ahem, guilty…)
Seriously, just bring the smallest purse you can find. All you really need are ID, cash, chapstick, your phone, and your EpiPen. No? Just me? I also always recommend traveling with an anti-theft purse. Here are a few perfect purses for Oktoberfest that are both anti-theft and the proper size:
- Travelon Stadium-Compliant Mini Bag – This one is perfect for Oktoberfest. Might as well get the smallest possible purse that holds just the necessities.
- Pacsafe Citysafe Anti-Theft Square Crossbody – Perfect travel purse with many anti-theft features
- Travelon Anti-Theft Double Zip Crossbody Clutch – A simple clutch design that'll look great with a dirndl
Best bra to wear with a dirndl
Maybe you need a little help in this category, maybe you don't. Maybe you have all those glorious back problems I keep hearing about, or maybe you look like a boy in a bandeau. If you're in group A (also known as group DD), you can skip this section.
If you're here with me in the group that had to have two sets of padded cups sewn into her wedding gown, listen up.
While trying to figure out what to wear to Oktoberfest for the first time, I walked into Victoria's Secret and asked the saleswoman, "Alright. How much cleavage can you get me?" To which she replied, "Oooh honey." And thus my beautiful, enduring friendship with the Bombshell was born. Hello there, D squad; mama's home.
The Victoria's Secret Bombshell push-up bra promises to add 2-cup sizes, and they ain't lying. They are incredibly soft, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors (but just get the one that best matches your skin color – apparently I am "sweet praline").
Add a bra shaper
A LOT of my readers also purchase this Magic Bra Shaper to complete the look. The look being "check out how I can rest my chin on my boobs everyone!" It was a few years before I tried one but seeing as how many people get them every year, I decided to try them out.
I purchased this Boolavard Magic Bra Shaper and this Joyshaper Posture Corrector (ok, who do you think you're fooling with that description?) to compare and contrast. I have a very weird job. TL;DR: They work! Get one!
How to pack your bra for Oktoberfest
To pack your bras for Oktoberfest (and other trips of course), I highly recommend a hard-shell bra travel case. These are great for protecting your bras and I've been using mine for years. Such a game changer! When the game is cleavage, that is.
What to wear to Oktoberfest in cold weather
Some years at Oktoberfest the weather is sunny and beautiful and the outdoor beer gardens are overflowing. But some years it's rainy and cold or downright arctic.
Inside the beer tents is mostly warm, but you'll still have to walk there and back. Then outside for a Nutella-filled crepe and back. And then all over Oktoberfest anyway. When deciding how to dress for Oktoberfest, here are some optional cold-weather additions to consider:
Consider a petticoat – My petticoat keeps my butt and legs warm and comfortable. Plus, its super fun to wear because you get to twirl all day like the early 19th-century saloon wench you always wanted to be. This simple crinoline underskirt will do the trick.
Wear leggings – Leggings are a perfectly acceptable addition to your outfits for Oktoberfest on the years it gets super cold. You can wear full-length tights that match your skin (apparently I am "light toast" now), some dirndl-length capri leggings, or wear something like spandex workout shorts, like I do.
Where to buy outfits for Oktoberfest
When shopping for Oktoberfest clothing, know that there are tons of both online retailers and stores in Munich to get dirndls and lederhosen. If you want a great authentic piece that also makes a great souvenir, wait and get yours in Munich.
If you don't want to waste time in Munich on shopping, get yours ahead of time. There are a ton of factors that go into when and where you get your outfits for Oktoberfest, but those are the main issues I hear the most.
Beware of the many dirndl and lederhosen scams out there. Check that link for what you need to know about these and other Oktoberfest scams.
Rare Dirndl – I'm obviously a big fan of Rare Dirndl and have a few of these already. Erika makes such quality items right here in the U.S. and offers free shipping and free returns. Check out these favorites:
- Die Heimat Dirndl – probably my favorite of them all
- The Everyday Dirndl – simply perfect (I have this one in gray)
- The Floriculture Dirndl – reminds me of the Alps
Don't forget to use my exclusive promo code to get 10% off your first purchase atRareDirndl.com! Click that link and use promo code MYWANDERLUSTYLIFE.
Alpenclassics – It's so easy to find something you'll love at Alpenclassics and they sell both dirndls and lederhosen and all the accompanying parts you could ever want. They're based in the UK and I have had great experiences buying from them.
But before you buy, make sure you read this post on the 9 things you need to know when buying a dirndl online!
Oktoberfest clothing shops in Munich
If there's one thing Munich, Germany does superbly after beer and brats for breakfast, it's dirndl pop-up shops. Small (but often pricey) dirndl shops are prevalent throughout the city.
There are a few near the Marienplatz, some in the Hauptbahnhof train station, but the most I saw were on the walk from the Theresienwiese to Hauptbahnhof. This short walk will yield more cleavage-producing dresses than a stroll down the Vegas strip. Quality be damned, but you will find yourself a dirndl.
In short, you will not have a problem finding Oktoberfest clothing shops in Munich, but not paying through the roof for a piece of garbage is a different story. If you simply want something a bit better than the first thing you see that qualifies as "outfits for Oktoberfest," start with these shops:
- Trachten Rausch – Ruppertstrasse 32, Munich
- Angermaier Trachten – Landsberger Strasse 101-103, Munich
- H&M – Forum Schwanthalerhöhe shopping center
- Galeria Kaufhof – Kaufingerstraße 1-5, Munich
Oktoberfest clothing pro tips
If I know one thing, it's how to dress for Oktoberfest. And if I know two things, it's how to do so in the most comfortable, less-risky way possible. Here are some additional tips regarding what to wear to Oktoberfest:
Wear shorts under your dirndl – In a continuing effort to not star in America's next viral video, anytime the combination of a dress and dancing on benches is involved, I wear more than underwear underneath. Call me an old hag if you like, just don't call me "Drunk Chick at Oktoberfest Falls Off Bench and Shows Crowd Her Hoo-Ha." So, I wear simple yoga shorts under my dirndl, and you probably should too.
Memory foam – Oktoberfest involves a lot of walking, dancing, and standing for long, long hours. The beer helps numb some of this, for everything else there's memory foam insoles.
Braided headband – If you're like me and have the dexterity of a penguin wearing oven mitts, skip the YouTube braid tutorials and just pick up a braided headband.
Oktoberfest hairstyles
That being said, there are so many adorable Oktoberfest hairstyles out there to go with your cute Oktoberfest clothing. I am incapable of creating most of these looks myself, but I bet you're not! (The one I have been able to pull off so far is this pull-through side braid.)
Don't forget to include braids and buns and pigtails and fishtails in your plan of what to wear to Oktoberfest. (And then teach me your ways!)
Outfits for Oktoberfest to avoid
Knowing how not to dress for Oktoberfest is just as important as knowing what to wear to Oktoberfest. Because wearing the wrong thing can literally get you kicked out. Check it:
Do not wear a costume to Oktoberfest
I've already covered how you should never wear a cheesy, mocking Halloween "Octobeerfest" costume to Oktoberfest, with a k. But what I mean here is all other kinds of costumes too.
You may be able to make it into the Wiesn wearing a "Carry Me to Oktoberfest" costume (see below) or even dressed as Jesus (both things I saw in 2019). However, you will not be allowed into any of the beer tents.
Should you be able to sneak in anyway, the Terminator-looking security guards won't be happy as they toss your ass out into the street, Uncle Phil/Jazzy Jeff style.
Consider skipping the cheesy T-shirts
While this won't get you kicked out, I would definitely think twice before wearing a cheesy lederhosen t-shirt or dirndl t-shirt. Unless your goal is actually to look like a completely clueless tourist, that is. Which it very well may be; and in that case, you do you! You will not be the only one, I assure you.
No open-toed shoes or sandals
OMG I cannot stress this enough – sandals, flip-flops, or any kind of open shoe does not constitute Oktoberfest clothing. Besides possibly losing your shoes at Oktoberfest (gross), you could also really hurt yourself.
You could fall off a bench or step on glass. So much glass. Someone could drop a maß on your foot. You could risk secondhand splash in the bathroom. There are just so many gross and dangerous reasons to only wear proper shoes for Oktoberfest.
Don't bring a big bag
Circling back to what I said about purse size – they will stop you from entering the Wiesn if your purse is bigger than 8 in. x 6 in. x 4 in. Have I been turned away at the gate because my purse was too big? Absolutely. Was it because I have no idea how big "three liters" is in purse-size? Pretty much.
Luckily, my hotel was right next door, but yours might be an hour away. There is baggage storage at Oktoberfest if you found you have miscalculated too, so for more info on that, check out my Oktoberfest FAQ post.
How to dress for Oktoberfest – FAQ
As always, if there's a What to Wear to Oktoberfest question you have that I didn't cover in this post, please feel free to reach out. The fastest way to get to me is through the comment section of this post. Plus, you just might help out someone else who has the same question.
Is there an Oktoberfest dress code?
No, there is no Oktoberfest dress code (beyond the no-costume thing). Oktoberfest clothing is highly recommended, but you are free to wear whatever you want (ahem, within reason).
Do I have to get a different dirndl/lederhosen for each day?
No, you do not have to get multiple dirndls/lederhosen for multiple days at Oktoberfest. Just because I have a different dirndl for each of the 16 days of Oktoberfest doesn't mean you have to too. It just means I have problem and should probably seek counseling.
Feel free to wear your trachten multiple days in a row – no one will care or notice. However, if you don't want all your photos looking the same, simply mix and match your pieces.
For dirndls: Instead of purchasing multiple dirndls you can simply purchase (or make) some extra pieces. Swap out your criss-crossy ribbon for a different color, pick up a second apron, or a different blouse design to create a whole new look.
For lederhosen: Get a second shirt to swap out. Boom, done. (Like swap this green one for a blue one the next day.)
What to wear to Oktoberfest if you don't plan to dress up
If you don't plan to dress up for Oktoberfest, well, I'm shocked you made it this far through this post. Kudos to you, I appreciate it!
Otherwise, if you don't want to wear the traditional outfits for Oktoberfest, simply wear whatever you would normally wear. As long as it's not inappropriate or offensive, obviously.
There will still be plenty of people in regular street clothes – even local Germans. Stick with whatever is comfortable, practical, and makes you happy above all else.
Besides that, you can also wear whatever you want. Just because the traditional outfit for women is a dirndl doesn't mean Oktoberfest is even a dress-required kind of event. In fact, I can't recall a single woman at Oktoberfest who has worn a non-dirndl dress. It's either a dirndl or something casual like jeans and a top.
Again, wear whatever you feel the most comfortable in! That is always the most important part so you can concentrate on having a great time.
Is it ok to wear dirndl/lederhosen around Munich?
A million times yes! No matter where you go in and around Munich during the two weeks of Oktoberfest, you'll drown in a sea of dirndls and lederhosen. (But what a way to go!)
The Oktoberfest celebration isn't 100% reserved for inside the Wiesn. You'll see people in "Oktoberfest clothing" at grocery stores, train stations, bars and restaurants, walking around town, even while shopping for more Oktoberfest attire. (Yes, that was probably me.)
What to pack for Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is great and all (okay, it's the greatest), but I hope you stick around and spend some more time in Germany. Regardless, in addition to all the things you'll need for your outfits for Oktoberfest, here are some things to add to your Oktoberfest packing list:
- European plug adapter – Grab this 6-pack to make sure all your devices get charged.
- Sunglasses – For the times Oktoberfest weather is beautiful, you'll need your sunglasses for the beer gardens. My favorites are these polarized shades.
- Germany guidebook – Make the most of your time in Munich and Germany. I love both Rough Guides and Fodors.
- Culture Smart Germany – These pocket-sized customs and culture guides are a must when visiting a new country.
- Ibuprofen – or whatever you prefer to take for your post-drinking headaches
- Liquid IV – I take these hydration packets everywhere, especially when copious amounts of beer drinking are involved! (Acai berry is my favorite.)
- Travel insurance – Probably the most important thing you'll buy for your Oktoberfest trip. Most policies cover stuff like trip cancelation, lost/stolen items, medical emergencies, and way more. I always use World Nomads (get an instant quote in that link) and here's why.
- Oktoberfest passport cover – Such a fun way to keep your passport, ID, Global Entry card, CDC card, travel credit cards, and more in one convenient place. Check out more fun Oktoberfest travel gear here.
Which outfits for Oktoberfest will you be wearing this year?
Let me know in the comments below!
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Source: https://www.mywanderlustylife.com/how-to-dress-for-oktoberfest/
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