How to wear a Dirndl?

First things first, what is a dirndl dress? It is a folk-style dress worn in Germany, but also Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

A dirndl skirt is a traditional German and Austrian folk dress that is worn by all types of women in Germany, Austria, and the Alps region. A dirndl (pronounced "dirndel") skirt or dress is derived from the word dirndl, which means a young woman or girl. When you hear somebody mentioning dirndl, he or she either refers to the girl or to the dress.

A dirndl consists of a full tight bodice, an integrated blouse that has a very low neckline, short, 3/4, or long sleeves, and a skirt. An apron is attached to the skirt which can either be short or long. You will see this type of dress during Oktoberfest and other traditional festivals. It is not a good idea to wear this type of dress for Halloween.

How you tie the apron has certain meanings, so if you wear a dirndl make sure you know how to tie that apron. 

Wearing the bow to the left means the woman is single and you can approach her. Wearing the bow on the right means she is either married or taken, so stay away. 

The bow on the front means she is a virgin and wearing the bow on the back means she is a widow. Children also wear the bow towards the back.

So all you Schürzenjäger (womanizers and philanderers) now know. The term says it all because Schürze means apron and jäger a hunter. Therefore someone who is hunting for aprons, in this case, those who wear the apron bow on the left.

Oktoberfest is not celebrated all over Germany, nor do all German women wear this type of dress, it is mainly a Bavarian Holiday with lots of eating and drinking and of course singing.

Whatever festival you celebrate we wish you a wonderful time. Drink responsible and do not chase all the aprons you see. Stop by the Retreat if you want to be in the German Forest or just want to hang out.