I have never really been into traditional fashion in the way having used it on a day-to-day basis, only on holidays and national days. As of a few years ago I saw that many traditional Austrian clothing stores renewed their designs. They became more modern, making them fashionable and trendy for both men and women. That was the first time I became interested in matching a dirndl blouse with jeans or lederhosen with a shirt.
What is Austrian Traditional Fashion?
What I call Austrian traditional fashion is the traditional clothes they have modernized to fit today’s society fashion trends. A blend of, tradition and modernity, grounded in cltural heritage, characterizes Austrian traditional fashion. Designers have adapted it to suit contemporary fashion trends, creating stylish pieces that maintain a visible connection to their origins and traditions. This includes not only classic garments like the dirndl and lederhosen, but also modern accessories such as bags, shoes, and jacket.
The Iconic Dirndl
The dirndl is the typical traditional Austrian dress, known for its flattering silhouette and variety in designs. The dress itself consists of three different parts; the main body of the dirndl is a close-fitting bodice with a low neckline. Thicker and stiffer material is what provide it’s structure, typically. Underneath the bodice you wear a blouse usually with puffed sleeves or seeing details such as lace. Lastly, there is an apron or skirt that is wide and high wasted and often made with lighter fabrics.
The way you bind the approns can send signal to all the gentlemen, so be aware:
Left side = you are engaged
Right side = you are married
In the middle = you are single
Behind = you are a widow
The colors and materials of the dirndl can vary significantly based on the region, reflecting local traditions and aesthetics. Whether adorned in vibrant hues or subtle shades, each dirndl tells a unique story of its origin.
The New Modern Twist
One of the dirndl’s most appealing aspects is its versatility. People can wear dirndls to a wide range of events, from weddings and festivals to casual outings and even formal events. This traditional “trach” holds the same status as tailcoats or evening dresses and suits big events such as galas or a normal day in town.
Modern adaptations have transformed it into everyday wear:
Skirts: Full skirts derived from the traditional apron can be worn as standalone pieces.
Blouses: The blouse, originally part of the dirndl ensemble, can be paired with jeans or other modern bottoms for a chic look.
Jackets: Trendy jackets inspired by traditional designs can be used for work or casual wear, seamlessly integrating heritage into everyday life.
My newfound love with Austrian tracht
Because of my roots in Austria, this type of fashion has naturally drawn my attention from the quality, material and design. The craftsmanship of the traditional pieces has always amazed me from the details to the material. However, the modernisation opened up the possibility to wear them everyday – bringing comfort and fashion into your day.
Trachten Kaiser Shopping Day
Today we went to a store in Kärntern to look for a dirndl for my uncles wedding but ended up buying in addition a skirt, shoes, blouses and a necklace. This is what happens when you have a great service and help to find the best pieces for you.
All clothes are bought from Trachten Kaiser in Kärnten, which you can find the link for here.
Wildbock Skirt
The skirt is really unique because artisans craft it from “Wildbock” leather. The more you wear it the more beautiful it becomes due to the color and material is adapting and changing. Leather garments require careful fitting as they don’t stretch much, so finding the right fit is essential and luckily I did. Once you find a piece that fits perfectly, it becomes a treasured part of your wardrobe. Leaher can be a controversial topic, and is therefore not suitable for everyone due to personal opinions and beliefs. Austrian leather is traditionally not crafted by harming the animals.
Beautiful Dirndl Blouses
We also bought in several blouses, in different styles; short and long armed, lace, puff arms, sewing details and more. which offer great versatility. You can wear these underneath the dirndl or pair them with modern clothing like jeans, providing numerous styling options that I will explore. Especially now thinking that the fashion trend is to have a little see though such as mesh and sheer, this blouse is perfect and trendy.
Dirndl
Additionally, we purchased a dirndl from Carinthia (Kärnten) which is the south of Austria, to wear at the wedding. The craftsmanship and regional characteristics of this piece made it a standout choice for the occasion, blending tradition with elegance. The bodice is blue and the skirt is red.
Austrian Tracht is a celebration of tradition and contemporary, offering timeless and fashionable outfits. Whether you’re attending a festive event or simply enjoying a day out, incorporating elements of Austrian traditional fashion into your wardrobe adds a touch of cultural richness and timeless style. You don’t have to be from Austria to wear it, if you love to experiment with your style or try something new this is perfect for you!
