Dirndls have been around for a long time. They have been worn by the local Bavarian for several centuries. So, when something is around for this long, it is bound to change.
In this blog, we will discuss all the changes brought to the German dirndls over the years and how they have impacted their appeal.
So, let us get right to it without any further ado.
What Exactly is a Dirndl?
Dirndls were originally seen in the 18th century in Germany. Dirndl dresses were originally worn by farmworkers who had to carry heavy weights and work in the fields. Because that’s all they had at the time, the manufacturing fabric was rag cloth.
In 1818, a businessman had the idea of expanding Oktoberfest, a popular local event that had previously been held to commemorate King Louis 1’s wedding. At the festival, he set up food kiosks. These food stalls were quickly transformed into massive beer halls, becoming the festival’s trademark.
With time, the popularity of Oktoberfest expanded, as did the popularity of Bavarian culture. Visitors began to experience Bavarian music, cuisine, and attire.
What Makes a Dirndl?
The wide skirt linked to a “Liberal,” or fitted bodice, an apron (sometimes with a hidden pocket), and a short Dirndl blouse are the basic components of a dirndl dress. Typically, the skirt begins at the waist or a little lower.
Depending on current fashion trends, you can choose from a variety of lengths. The bodice used to be a separate piece, but it has been sewed to the skirt since the 1930s. It’s available in various necklines, including high, low, round, and square. Buttons, hooks, and ribbons are used to close it.
Choose from beautifully hand-embroidered pieces, blouses with lavish ruffles and lace, or simple ones with straight sleeves to complement the style of your dirndl. Last but not least, there’s the apron.
It was once used to protect the dress underneath, but it is now just decorative. Aprons for regular use and aprons for special events are usually more exquisite than ordinary linen or cotton aprons.
Make sure you know which side to tie your knot on before starting. Otherwise, you risk sending the wrong impression unintentionally (a knot on the left means you are single).
Evolution in Dirndls Overtime:
Here are some changes that have been witnessed in German dirndl dress overtime:
Material:
The traditional dirndls were made from rags and materials that were uncomfortable. These materials were the only things available to the population and were very easy to wash.
However, with the passage of time and increase in the popularity of the attire, better materials were used to produce it. Expensive materials like silk, satin, and pure cotton are being used to manufacture dirndl dresses nowadays, making them look and feel the best.
Style:
Not much has changed in dirndls when it comes to style. However, designers and people, in general, keep on experimenting with the dresses to make them look newer and more appealing.
Traditionally, dirndls were made to be ankle or knee-long, but now, the dresses are also mini-sized. This makes the dirndls more appealing to the younger, more fashionable generation who want to look good while showing some skin.
Losing the Shirt:
Dirndls are worn with a shirt underneath that is meant to cover you more and compliment the dirndls’ dark shades. The shirt is not a part of the dirndl but is considered an essential accessory.
With the advent of time and the modernization of the fashion industry, dirndls without shirts were promoted and worn by the masses. These new dirndls with the undershirt make you look the best while showing just the right amount of skin.
Patterns:
Traditional dirndls had only one kind of pattern on them, checks. These checks may be of multiple colors, but all other patterns were never a part of the dresses’ design.
Now, the times have changed, and so have the patterns. Modern dirndls come in many different patterns. They can be natural prints like animals and flowers and abstract patterns as well.
The use of multiple patterns makes it easier to own many different-looking dirndls. They also allow the designers to play with more and more colors and make the outfit look the best.
Colors:
In the olden times, dirndls came in specific dark colors. These colors were used because the stains on darker colors are not visible and can be removed easily.
However, now dirndls come in colors of all kinds. There is no boundary for the shades of fabrics to be used.
Some colors used in dirndls nowadays are:
- Lighter shades of blue
- White
- Light green
- Dark green
- Neon colors
- Fluorescent colors
Conclusion:
So, these were some of the changes the dirndls witnessed and experienced over the years. One way or another, lederhosen and dirndls are here to stay. If you do not have a dirndl at hand now, you can go to Dirndl Online Shop at get yours now.
We hope the blog helped you, and we will see you soon again.
Also read A Complete Guide to an At-Home Oktoberfest
