Bavarian Tracht 101

Tracht 101

Tracht comes from the verb trachten, which means "to carry" - because the Tracht carries a meaning.  It comprises several pieces, based on gender, and comes in several forms.   Once you know these variations, you can quickly tell where someone comes from or how they identify.

Formal or High Tracht - is the most "uniform-like" type of Tracht and has the most elements. Worn at formal gatherings (weddings, church, etc), parades, or cultural events.  This is the "Sunday Best" of Tracht and many pieces have been handed down generation to generation.

Half-Tracht (Halb-Tracht) - is based on Formal Tracht.  This is the "Business Casual" type of Tracht, and maintains many of the same elements at Formal Tracht, but usually relaxes the rules considerably.

Fest Tracht / Informal Tracht - is the most basic version worn for comfort and "festing" and comprises the fewest elements, with more of a focus on personal expression. This is the form of Tracht most Americans know.

Men

Lederhosen

Kurzhosen (shorts) | Bundhosen (Over-the-Knee) | Full Length

Lederhosen simply means, leather pants, and comes in 3 lengths:  

Some common terms:

Träger/Hosenträger - Suspenders

Steg - Ornate leather piece that runs across the chest between the suspenders

Latz - Button up flap in the front

Gürtel - Belt with metal buckle

Bundhosen - Knee-Length

Bundhosen are worn to formal events, and are standard except in summer. They can be worn at less formal events (Fests, etc), but usually the full-length socks are worn loose at the top of the shoe. They are worn with the träger or gürtel.

Lederhosen - Short-Length

Kurz Lederhosen is most common and is for summer time or informal events, like Fests and less formal gatherings. They can be worn with träger or gürtel, or sometimes neither.

Lederhosen - Full-Length

This style is most common at work type events and part of a matching "suit," Trachtenanzug.  They are worn with a belt, but not suspenders.

Tracht Shirt

Formal - solid colored (often white); sleeves rolled down. 

Tie or neck ornament is worn.

Informal - solid colored, white, or checkered (white/blue - white/green - etc). 

The shirt can also be embroidered. 

Ties are generally not worn, and sleeves are often rolled up to above the elbow.

Tracht Vest | Tracht Jacket | Tracht Hat

Formal - vest is required and region-specific.

Informal - vest is optional and a personal choice.

Charivari | Trachtenmesser | Schmuck

Formal - Charivari, personal adornment items are highly prescribed and specific.

Informal - personal choice.

Charivari - Chain across the latz that holds various charms and coins.  Often passed down from generations.  They generally represent accomplishments - special stones, work achievements, and things that they have killed. It is essentially "Bavarian Bling" and a massive personal ad board.

Trachtenmesser - Mid-handled short knife that is worn in the embroidered/sewn pocket on the right thigh.

Trachten Socks

Full vs Loferl (1/2 socks)

Formal - full-length/region-specific socks are required. Some groups, like dancers, etc, allow for Loferl, but usually only the upper section is worn.

Informal - personal choice.

TIP: A sign of Tracht novice status is to wear Loferl, but wear the "foot sock" too.

Trachten Shoes

Formal - specific shoes or boots are required.

Informal - personal choice, and even basic hiking boots or black or brown sneakers can be seen...be comfortable.

TIP: Avoid the the velour or "velvet" versions with big buttons or the "Peter Pan-look," it is considered culturally offensive.

Women

How to wear a Dirndl - 12 Easy Steps

Sew your own Dirndl

Blouse | Special Bra

"Puffy" blouse with a low-cut, which requires a special bra to be worn. 

The blouse generally has short sleeves. Long-sleeve versions are often available where the sleeves are tied to existing short sleeves.

Bodice (Meider)

Heavy cotton bodice, often with hemmed ribs, is worn over the blouse and secured with ribbons or chains on the front panel. It is usually long-sleeved.

Tracht Skirt (Rock)

Full-Length | Over Knee-Length

Formal - Full-length skirt and an apron are required.

Informal - Over knee-length with an apron is allowed.

Mützen | Schmuck

Formal - Mützen (coins) on chains are worn. Traditionally, these represent the amount of the woman's dowry. Additionally, flowers can be tucked into the bodice and a shawl at the shoulders.

Informal - Fewer Mützen and also ribbons and other personal adornment.

Apron Bow - It has a meaning

Be sure to pick the correct bow position.

Left-side - 

Right-side - 

Back-center - 

Front-center - 

Trachten Socks | Full vs 1/2 socks

Formal - White silk stockings are worn over the knee.

Informal - Colored stockings can be worn.

Trachten Shoes

Flats or low heels are the standard.

Lederhosen for Women

While not traditional, they are being seen more, but are lower cut than those worn by men.

TIP: Avoid the "barmaid" or "bar wench" type Dirndls, they are pretty much considered culturally offensive.