Do you want to celebrate Munich Oktoberfest in style? Next, get yourself the right outfit, usually known as tracht or traditional Bavarian clothing.
Where once only the proudest Bavarians wore these clothes for the festival, since the 1990s tourists and other Germans have joined in the fun. Most people are already familiar with the leather pants known as lederhosen , but there are also charming Bavarian dresses known as dirndl.
There is a range of qualities and prices and Munich offers all the options and the best places to buy lederhosen. If you are concerned about standing out in the marquees, keep in mind that up to 75% of festival goers will be dressed in some form of clothing .
Top Lederhosen Brands
Trachten styles and prices vary widely; you can get a short and daring dirndl for as little as 40 euros or a richly embroidered dress tailored for hundreds.
Either way, it’s a fun way to be a part of the festivities, but the price and brand will influence the longevity of your outfit. If you plan to use your tracht multiple times, it is worth the investment to get a decent one. After all, many Bavarians swear by ‘lederhosen for life’, investing in a quality pair to see during festivals year after year. And there is no better German memory.
If you are looking for quality lederhosen, keep in mind that true lederhosen are only made from goatskin or more exclusive deerskin. The best models are still handcrafted and offer traditional details like buttons made of horn, but you can even find international designers who dive into tracht like Tommy Hilfiger.
Lederhosen are long or short, and generally black, brown, or gray. Garters can be in ‘V’ or ‘H’ style with a fantasy embroidered cross piece ( stegträger ). The long variety can be worn strapless. Common accessories include a vest or Janker (jacket), knitted socks, and a vivacious felt hat known as a Gamsbart, complete with the feather.
Some of the best brands for lederhosen include:
- Stockerpoint – This top-of-the-line manufacturer still produces traditional handmade lederhosen using techniques like hand polishing and tanning. This natural approach is becoming increasingly rare and buying this brand supports traditional clothing.
- Krüger: options for men, women and children in traditional and modern styles.
Common mistakes to avoid with Lederhosen
While most people are happy for people to celebrate Bavarian culture through clothing, there are a few things you need to know about lederhosen before buying.
As mentioned above, authentic Bavarian lederhosen are always made from goat or deer leather, no exceptions. Imitations of leather, cowhide, etc. they are not authentic.
Never wash lederhosen . Seriously. If made from traditional materials, it naturally repels liquids (as spilled beer is unavoidable) and is extremely durable. There is a much softer stance for dirndls , although the blouse and apron are commonly washed. If you are looking for a discount dirndl, it is actually called a wasch-dirndl .
This is more of a matter of opinion than a rule, but the German love of nudity extends to optional underwear under leather pants . Less revealing than the kilt, some Bavarians swear that it is tradition to forgo boxers or briefs.
While you may feel like you’ve already shell out enough euros for the leferhosen, don’t skimp on the accessories. Sneakers can ruin an outfit while haferlschuhe can.
Many stores sell a variety of tracht, as this used to be everyday clothing (and for a minority of Bavarians, it still is). Ask about Oktoberfest tracht if you want the special styles of dress versus the country style.
Lodenfrey
Direction
Maffei Straße 7, 80333 Munich, AlemaniaGet directions
Telephone
+49 89 210390
Web
Visit the website
Loden-Frey is one of the main department stores in Munich with its store in the city center offering a wide selection of clothing, old and new. There is also an excellent selection of authentic dirndls and lederhosen .
From exclusive designer brands to entry-level outfits, they have it all. High quality at Lodenfrey comes at a price, but you can get great deals if you head to Loden-Frey’s shop, Trachtenhäusl, on the outskirts of Munich.
Angermaier
Direction
Rosental 10, 80331 Munich, AlemaniaGet directions
Telephone
+49 89 23000199
Web
Visit the website
For more than 70 years, the Angermaier specialty shop has focused on selling Bavarian costumes at all prices. They offer everything from leather pants and dirndls to accessories and shoes.
During Oktoberfest, Angermaier offers a complete set “Wiesn-Special” so you know you have everything you need. Lederhosen combos consist of shorts, shirt and shoes for around 200 euros, while the sets of dresses, blouses, aprons and dirndl shoes start at just 129 euros. It’s a bargain, but you risk seeing similar equipment in the tents.
There is a complete online shopping site, as well as several stores in Munich, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Nuremberg.
Steindl costumes
Direction
Neuhauser Str. 15, 80331 Munich, AlemaniaGet directions
Telephone
+49 89 55298681
Web
Visit the website
Steindl Trachten is a Munich-based family fashion company. They focus on traditional Bavarian clothing and push the frontier of what is new and modern in Tracht .
There are five stores in Munich that sell everything from the latest designer fashions to vintage tracht and classic second-hand options. Here you can also buy the complete Oktoberfest outfit at discounted prices. .
Trachten intoxication
Direction
across from the district administration department, Ruppertstraße 32 , 80337 Munich , AlemaniaGet directions
Telephone
+49 89 69309000
Web
Visit the website
This small traditional shop offers a catalog and a full range of services for international customers. The staff are well versed in all things Bavarian and can offer expert advice on style, fit and budget. They offer a ‘Lederhosen set for beginners’ that starts at just € 129. Open all year round, be prepared for it to be quite busy during Oktoberfest.
Bavarian Suppliers
Direction
Auenstraße 31, 80469 Munich, AlemaniaGet directions
Telephone
+49 89 74034500
Web
Visit the website
If you want to dress up for the role but fear you missed out on beers, foreigners can rent their gear from Bavarian Outfitters. You can rent lederhosen or dirndl for a fraction of the price of buying them.
There is a handy online booking option and a shop in Munich to try on your outfit. Lederhose starts at just € 32.90 per day with full sets at 49.90. Dirndls cost € 42.90 per day. And if you don’t want the party to stop, second day rentals are just 50% of the price.
Department store
If you are looking for a discount option, German department stores like K&L may be the ideal option. They generally have more limited options and sizes, but also more affordable prices. This might also be the only place you find an outfit outside of Bavaria.
All Munich department stores have affordable dirndls and lederhosen in September, and deeply discounted suits in mid-October.
Online
Another option is to buy an outfit online. This can offer significant savings, but remember that it is best to test your Tracht before you buy. Go to a local store and experiment with your options and measure carefully before buying virtually.
Also check eBay for new, used, and heavily discounted suits.
