Complete guide to German Trachten clothing including Lederhosen and Dirndl

The Complete Guide to Trachten: Lederhosen, Dirndl, and Oktoberfest Outfits Explained

By German Outfits Team

on Jul 13, 2026

Trachten (German for "traditional costume") is the umbrella term for Bavarian and Alpine folk clothing, and it covers a wider range than most people realize. Lederhosen, Bundhosen, Dirndls, Trachten jackets, and the accessories that go with them all fall under this one word. This guide is the hub for everything on our site about Trachten – use it to jump into the specific topic you need, or read straight through for the full picture.

What Counts as Trachten?

Trachten broadly splits into menswear and womenswear, though a handful of pieces (socks, shoes, jackets) cross over between the two.

Menswear

Lederhosen – short or knee-length leather shorts, traditionally in goat, deer, or cowhide suede.
Bundhosen – the knee-length, more tailored cousin of Lederhosen, often buttoned just below the knee.
Trachten shirts – checkered or plain cotton/linen shirts worn underneath.
Trachten jackets and vests (Janker) – wool or velvet layers for cooler weather.

Womenswear

Dirndl – a fitted bodice, full skirt, and apron, in mini, midi, and long lengths.
Dirndl blouse – worn underneath the bodice, usually with puff sleeves.
Women's Trachten jackets and vests – wool or velvet layering pieces cut for the Dirndl silhouette.

Shared Accessories

Belts, suspenders (Hosenträger), wool socks, and Haferlschuhe (Trachten shoes) finish the look for men, while shoes, jewelry, and sometimes a Dirndl vest do the same for women.

Where Trachten Comes From

Trachten originated as everyday rural clothing in Bavaria and the Alpine regions of Austria in the 18th and 19th centuries, worn for its durability – leather trousers held up to farm work far better than cloth, and wool jackets kept out the mountain cold. Bavarian royalty later adopted Alpine dress for hunting and countryside life in the 1800s, which helped turn a practical uniform into a symbol of regional pride. Today it's worn for Oktoberfest, the Munich Wiesn, Volksfests, weddings, and Alpine festivals throughout the year, not just in autumn.

Lederhosen and Bundhosen

Lederhosen come in short and knee-length cuts, usually in goat suede, deerskin, or cowhide, and are almost always worn with suspenders rather than a belt. Bundhosen are the more formal, tailored knee-length version. For the full breakdown of materials, cuts, and how to pick a pair, see our Lederhosen guide, and for a direct side-by-side, read Lederhosen vs. Bundhosen. Shop the full range in men's Lederhosen and Bundhosen.

The Dirndl

A Dirndl is built from three pieces – bodice, skirt, and apron – and the apron bow position is a well-known (if informal) signal: left means single, right means taken, center-front usually means a child, and back often signals widowed or "it's complicated." It's tradition rather than a strict rule, so wear it however you like. Full styling detail, including how to choose a length and what to wear underneath, is in our Dirndl guide. Shop mini and long Dirndls, plus Dirndl blouses.

Trachten Jackets and Vests

Wool Trachten jackets (sometimes called a Janker) and velvet or wool vests add warmth and formality once the sun goes down. Wool tends to read as rustic and outdoorsy, velvet as dressier and more festive. Our jackets and vests guide covers when to reach for each. Browse men's and women's Trachten jackets.

Accessories That Finish the Outfit

A leather belt or embroidered suspenders, wool socks, and Haferlschuhe complete a men's outfit; small details like these are usually what separate an authentic look from a costume-store one. See our full accessories guide.

Sizing and Fit

Trachten is traditionally fitted rather than loose. Measure yourself rather than relying on your usual size in other clothing – our size guide walks through exactly how, and if you're between sizes, sizing up is usually the more comfortable call.

Caring for Leather and Wool

Good Trachten is a multi-year purchase if you look after it. Leather should be spot-cleaned, not machine washed; wool does best with a brush-down and occasional professional cleaning. Full detail in how to care for Lederhosen and wool Trachten.