What to Wear to Oktoberfest 2025: Complete & Honest Oktoberfest Outfits Guide

Being an Oktoberfest tour guide and attending various other German festivals a-plenty, I’m constantly being asked about what to wear to Oktoberfest.

What do you wear to Oktoberfest? Where do you get it? What are the outfits for Oktoberfest called again? Do you have to wear Oktoberfest clothing?

Answering all of these, I almost always end up giving away too much information on my cup size. This Oktoberfest outfits guide will be no different. But also, all the actually relevant stuff you need to know about how to dress for Oktoberfest.

For a list of every dirndl and blouse I wore in this post, be sure to scroll to the bottom.

Traditional Oktoberfest outfits

When choosing what to wear to Oktoberfest, the traditional Oktoberfest outfits are simple: a dirndl for women and lederhosen for men. (But this is 2025, obviously there are exceptions for both.)

Both women’s and men’s Oktoberfest outfits come in endless styles and colors, and each comes with its own suggested type of shoes and socks and sweaters too, depending on how dedicated you are to authenticity.

When deciding what to wear for Oktoberfest, as long as you stay away from anything with the words “Oktoberfest costume” on it, you’re probably fine. (Unless you’re throwing an Oktoberfest-themed party at home, then you can wear whatever the heck you want.)

The Oktoberfest dress: What’s a dirndl?

A dirndl is a traditional Bavarian dress women wear to everything from formal events to festivals and beyond. Dirndls consist of three parts: a dress, an apron, and a blouse.

The dirndl dress

The dress part of a dirndl is available in a few basic silhouettes (a fashion word I learned from getting married). It comes in various lengths and materials and infinite designs and colors. But the best part? Dirndls look good on every body. Yes, even yours.

It’s designed to fit snuggly and zips either in the front or the side. Sometimes a dirndl dress has criss-crossy ribbons in the front, sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes it has pockets. If you buy your dirndl in Germany, it’ll have one pocket. I feel rage just thinking about this.

A dirndl is also designed to cover your boobs. Don’t wear a dirndl that goes under your boobs – this is not “authentic” and will thrust you quickly into Halloween costume territory. Let your push-up bra do all the pushing – that’s what it was genetically bred in a secret laboratory on Venus to do.

While you’re getting all your Oktoberfest gear in order, check out my free Oktoberfest playlist on Spotify to get in the spirit!

The dirndl apron

A dirndl without an apron is… just a really tight dress. The apron makes the dirndl, because sometimes the fashion gods throw us a bone. Forget what to wear to Oktoberfest, methinks we need more practical household items to become fashion statements in general.

Dirndl aprons also come in infinite colors and designs but essentially all follow the same pattern. Apron + really long tie = bow. Look at that, you’re Bavarian now. Dirndl aprons are always included when you buy a dirndl, but can often be purchased on their own for mixing and matching purposes.

Want to make your own dirndl apron for something a little more unique and personal? Check out my post on how to DIY upgrade your dirndl for some easy Oktoberfest clothing hacks!

The dirndl blouse

A dirndl blouse is the white shirt you wear under your dirndl. I use the term shirt very loosely here despite the garment’s sheer death grip. Let’s just say… PHENOMENAL COSMIC POWERS, itty bitty living space.  

Most of the time you’ll see dirndl blouses in white, though they do come in just about any color, pattern, or sleeve-length a pretzel-loving girl could ask for. I’ve lost count of how many dirndl blouses I own at this point and all but two of them are white. (I wear a black one with my little black dirndl.)

Pro tip: Use my exclusive promo code to get 10% off your purchase at Rare Dirndl. Click that link and use promo code MYWANDERLUSTYLIFE.

How to wear a dirndl

Deciding what to wear to Oktoberfest is easy enough when you know just how to properly wear your outfits for Oktoberfest. Here are the biggest things to remember:

Don’t wear a costume.

The #1 Oktoberfest clothing tip is to avoid anything remotely resembling an Oktoberfest costume. For the love of all that is good and pure, stay away from anything that says “beer wench,” “beer garden babe,” “lederhosen honey,” or my favorite so far “German servant” on the package.

Stay very far away from this look. We’re talking time zones here. Actually, just watch my Reel on “You might be wearing the wrong thing to Oktoberfest if…”

Also read: Never do THIS at Oktoberfest: 19 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid This Year

Sure, dirndls can get expensive, but you actually don’t have to spend loads of money on a good dirndl. You can find great ones that are still affordable and don’t mock the local culture.

Besides knowing what to wear to Oktoberfest, there are many more things you should definitely know! For that, I have a whole post on the super detailed Oktoberfest tips that gives you all of the most important info and tricks.

How long should your dirndl be?

Dirndls typically come in one of three lengths: mini, midi, and long/floor length. Just say no to mini unless you’re a small child. Nobody needs to see your schnitzel.

Maxi/floor length is typically worn by the oldest women in the room. You may see a handful of these at Oktoberfest, but it’s definitely not the norm here in the 21st century.

Midi is your just right happy medium. Almost everyone wears a midi-length dirndl that falls somewhere between your knees and ankles.

Don’t wear a dirndl without a blouse

There are a few select times and dirndls when this is okay, like when you have a high-neck closed-chest dirndl like the one I’m wearing above. Otherwise, YES, you must wear a blouse.

Obviously, the dirndl bow rule isn’t strictly enforced or anything, but it has become such a thing that you’ll likely get comments on your bow placement. I made a video to illustrate this very point! Did you catch it at the beginning of this post?

So why does tying your bow on the right mean you’re taken? Unlike here in the U.S., married people in Germany wear their wedding rings on their right hands. If you don’t know, now you know.

What to wear to Oktoberfest: Oktoberfest outfits for men

The outfits for Oktoberfest that men wear are collectively called lederhosen. Lederhosen are leather shorts that can be worn with matching suspenders + bib, or on their own. They can be short (right at knee level, see below), over the knee length, or long. They also come in a variety of colors (really, just various shades of brown/black), a few stylistic differences, and a few different kinds of leather.

Lederhosen are worn with a long-sleeve button down shirt that’s either checked or white. Blue, red, and green checked shirts are the most popular. And nowadays you see a lot of the locals wearing vests as well (or as they call them: waistcoats).

Pro tip: Lederhosen straps should always be crossed in the back. This keeps them from constantly slipping down. If you’re wondering why you can’t keep your straps up, this is why.

How long you choose for your lederhosen is up to you, but knee-length (short) lederhosen are the most popular (and the best looking, I might add). Over the knee lederhosen are equally popular as Oktoberfest clothing. Long lederhosen isn’t something you see ever.

Here are the best places to take pictures at Oktoberfest after you get all dressed up and cute!

Lederhosen for women – Ladyhosen

Though not at all traditional, lederhosen for women have become a thing somewhat recently. If you’re considering what to wear to Oktoberfest, know that you will see some women in lederhosen, but the vast majority are in dirndls.

Lederhosen for women (or ladyhosen, as I like to call them) aren’t super taboo, so if that’s the route you want to take with your Oktoberfest outfit, feel free! My friend has this pair of ladyhosen and loves them.

Lederhosen for women come in colors beyond brown or black and are almost always above the knee. You would also wear either a checked or white shirt with them, but for these they sell more “feminine” cut shirts with short sleeves.  

Did you know you can get just about anything you want to drink at Oktoberfest… besides beer! It’s true – find out where to find all your favorite non-beer drinks in my non-beer drinker’s guide to Oktoberfest.

Do you have to wear the traditional Oktoberfest outfits?

“Do you have to wear the traditional Oktoberfest clothing?” is one of my most frequently asked questions as an Oktoberfest expert. And the answer is always “No, but…”

Do you have to wear a dirndl or lederhosen to Oktoberfest? Officially? No. Wear whatever you want. Jeans and a t-shirt are fine. Unofficially? Yes! Don’t you dare wear jeans and a t-shirt!

The answer to this is multi-fold and I discuss it in depth in my post titled: “Do you have to dress up for Oktoberfest? Should you?” Really, it answers all your possible follow-up questions. Read it.

What to wear to Oktoberfest: socks and shoes

For women, it doesn’t matter too much what kind of shoes and socks you wear with your outfits for Oktoberfest. There’s a traditional style, but anything resembling a mary jane style pump works just fine. Here in modern times, you’ll also see a lot of cute ankle booties and white sneakers too. I wear a little bit of them all.

But do you know where to buy shoes at Oktoberfest in an emergency? Find out in my post on the 26 Oktoberfest facts you probably don’t know but definitely should!

Wiesn gluperl – Get one of these made when you get to Oktoberfest. You can choose from a variety of icons and they’ll burn your name (or whatever) into the clip.

Lebkuchenherzen – These make great accessories, so get your fella to give you one (as tradition dictates). Just remember they are made for wearing, not eating. (I found this out the hard way.)

Charivari – Even men have Oktoberfest bling! Charivaris are chains that go across the front of your lederhosen that hold a variety of charms.

Outfits for Oktoberfest – purses

Ladies, this is about to get real simple. You cannot bring a purse bigger than 3 liters into Oktoberfest. To us in the U.S. that means your purse cannot be bigger than 8 in. x 6 in. x 4 in. and they will deny you entrance if your purse is too big. (Ahem, guilty…)

For all your other purse questions and queries about bag storage, strollers and diaper bags, and more, check out my full guide to bringing a purse to Oktoberfest.

Best bra to wear with a dirndl

Maybe you need a little help in this category, maybe you don’t. Maybe you have all those glorious back problems I keep hearing about, or maybe you look like a boy in a bandeau. If you’re in group A (also known as group DD), you can skip this section.

If you’re here with me in the group that had to have two sets of padded cups sewn into her wedding gown, listen up.

While trying to figure out what to wear to Oktoberfest for the first time, I walked into Victoria’s Secret and asked the saleswoman, “Alright. How much cleavage can you get me?” To which she replied, “Oooh honey.” And thus my beautiful, enduring friendship with the Bombshell was born. Hello there, D squad; mama’s home.

The Victoria’s Secret Bombshell push-up bra promises to add 2-cup sizes, and they ain’t lying. They are incredibly soft, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors (but just get the one that best matches your skin color – apparently I am “sweet praline”).

Add a bra shaper

A LOT of my readers also purchase this Magic Bra Shaper to complete the look. The look being “check out how I can rest my chin on my boobs everyone!” It was a few years before I tried one but seeing as how many people get them every year, I decided to try them out.

I purchased this Boolavard Magic Bra Shaper and this Joyshaper Posture Corrector (ok, who do you think you’re fooling with that description?) to compare and contrast. I have a very weird job. TL;DR: They work! Get one!

How to pack your bra for Oktoberfest

To pack your bras for Oktoberfest (and other trips of course), I highly recommend a hard-shell bra travel case. These are great for protecting your bras and I’ve been using mine for years. Such a game changer! When the game is cleavage, that is.

What to wear to Oktoberfest in cold weather

Some years at Oktoberfest the weather is sunny and beautiful and the outdoor beer gardens are overflowing. But some years it’s rainy and cold or downright arctic.

Inside the beer tents is mostly warm, but you’ll still have to walk there and back. When deciding how to dress for Oktoberfest, here are some optional cold-weather additions to consider:

Consider a petticoat – My petticoat keeps my butt and legs warm and comfortable. Plus, its super fun to wear because you get to twirl all day like the early 19th-century saloon wench you’ve always wanted to be. This simple crinoline underskirt does the trick.

Wear leggings – Leggings are a perfectly acceptable addition to your Oktoberfest outfits when it gets super cold. You can wear full-length tights that match your skin (apparently I’m “light toast” now), some dirndl-length capri leggings, or wear something like spandex workout shorts, like I do.

Where to buy Oktoberfest outfits

When shopping for Oktoberfest clothing, know that there are tons of online retailers and physical stores in Munich to get dirndls and lederhosen. If you want a great authentic piece that also makes a great souvenir, wait and get yours in Munich. (I do list “shop for trachten” as one of the best things to do in Munich.)

If you don’t want to waste time in Munich on shopping, get yours ahead of time. There are a ton of factors that go into when and where you get your outfits for Oktoberfest, but those are the main issues I hear the most.

I have a full post dedicated to where to buy Oktoberfest outfits that includes a list of great local shops and answers some big questions!

Beware of the many dirndl and lederhosen scams out there. Check that link for what you need to know about these and other Oktoberfest scams.

But before you buy, make sure you read this post on the 9 things you need to know when buying a dirndl online!

Oktoberfest clothing shops in Munich

If there’s one thing Munich, Germany does superbly after beer and brats for breakfast, it’s dirndl pop-up shops. Small (but potentially pricey) dirndl shops are prevalent throughout the city.

There are a few near the Marienplatz, some in the Hauptbahnhof train station, but the most I saw were on the walk from the Theresienwiese to Hauptbahnhof. This short walk will yield more cleavage-producing dresses than a stroll down the Vegas strip. Quality be damned, but you will find yourself a dirndl.

See my list of the best dirndl and lederhosen shops in Munich here.

Oktoberfest outfits: pro tips

If I know one thing, it’s how to dress for Oktoberfest. And if I know two things, it’s how to do so in the most comfortable, less-risky way possible. Here are some additional tips regarding what to wear to Oktoberfest:

Wear shorts under your dirndl – In a continuing effort to not star in America’s next viral video, I wear more than underwear underneath. Call me a nerd if you like, just don’t call me “Drunk Chick at Oktoberfest Falls Off Bench and Shows Crowd Her Hoo-Ha.” So, I wear simple yoga shorts under my dirndl, and you probably should too.

Memory foam – Oktoberfest involves a lot of walking, dancing, and standing for long hours. The beer helps numb some of this, for everything else there’s memory foam insoles.

Braided headband – If you’re like me and have the dexterity of a penguin wearing oven mitts, skip the YouTube braid tutorials and just pick up a braided headband.

Oktoberfest hairstyles

That being said, there are so many adorable Oktoberfest hairstyles out there to go with your cute Oktoberfest clothing. I’m incapable of creating most of these looks myself, but I bet you’re not! (The one I have been able to pull off so far is this pull-through side braid.)

Don’t forget to include braids and buns and pigtails and fishtails in your plan of what to wear to Oktoberfest. (And then teach me your ways!)

Oktoberfest outfits to avoid

Knowing how not to dress for Oktoberfest is just as important as knowing what to wear to Oktoberfest. Because wearing the wrong thing can literally get you kicked out. Check it:

Don’t wear a costume to Oktoberfest

I’ve already covered how you should never wear a cheesy, mocking Halloween “Octobeerfest” costume to Oktoberfest, with a k. But what I mean here is all other kinds of costumes too.

You may be able to make it into the Wiesn wearing a “Carry Me to Oktoberfest” costume (see below) or even dressed as Jesus (both things I saw in 2019). However, you will not be allowed into any of the beer tents.

Should you be able to sneak in anyway, the Terminator-looking security guards won’t be happy as they toss your ass out into the street, Uncle Phil/Jazzy Jeff style.

Consider skipping the cheesy T-shirts

While this won’t get you kicked out, I would definitely think twice before wearing a cheesy lederhosen t-shirt or dirndl t-shirt. Unless your goal is actually to look like a completely clueless tourist, that is. Which it very well may be; and in that case, you do you! You will not be the only one, I assure you.

No open-toed shoes or sandals

OMG I cannot stress this enough – sandals, flip-flops, or any kind of open shoe does not constitute Oktoberfest outfits. Besides possibly losing your shoes at Oktoberfest (gross), you could also really hurt yourself.

You could fall off a bench or step on glass. So much glass. Someone could drop a maß on your foot. You could risk secondhand splash in the bathroom. There are just so many gross and dangerous reasons to only wear proper shoes for Oktoberfest.

Don’t bring a big bag

Circling back to what I said about purse size – they will stop you from entering the Wiesn if your purse is bigger than allowed. Have I been turned away at the gate because my purse was too big? Absolutely. Was it because I had no idea how big “three liters” is in purse-size? Pretty much.

Luckily, my hotel was right next door. There is baggage storage at Oktoberfest if you found you have miscalculated too, so for more info on that, check out post on bringing bags to Oktoberfest.  

Also check out: Where to Stay for Oktoberfest: Best Munich Hotels + Expert Tips

How to dress for Oktoberfest – FAQ

As always, if there’s a What to Wear to Oktoberfest question you have that I didn’t cover in this post, please feel free to reach out. The fastest way to get to me is through the comment section of this post. Plus, you just might help out someone else who has the same question.

Is there an Oktoberfest dress code?

No, there is no Oktoberfest dress code (beyond the no-costume thing). Oktoberfest outfits are highly recommended, but you’re free to wear whatever you want (within reason).

Do I have to get a different dirndl/lederhosen for each day?

No, you don’t have to get multiple Oktoberfest outfits for multiple days at Oktoberfest. Just because I have a different dirndl for each of the 16 days of Oktoberfest doesn’t mean you do too. It just means I have problem and should probably seek counseling.

Feel free to wear your trachten multiple days in a row – no one will care or notice. However, if you don’t want all your photos looking the same, simply mix and match your pieces.

For dirndls: Instead of purchasing multiple dirndls you can simply purchase (or make) some extra pieces. Swap out your criss-crossy ribbon for a different color, pick up a second apron, or a different blouse design to create a whole new look.

For lederhosen: Get a second shirt to swap out. Boom, done. (Like swap this red one for a blue one the next day.)

What to wear to Oktoberfest if you don’t plan to dress up

If you don’t plan to dress up for Oktoberfest, well, I’m shocked you made it this far through this post.

Otherwise, if you don’t want to wear the traditional outfits for Oktoberfest, simply wear whatever you would normally wear. As long as it’s not inappropriate or offensive, obviously.

There will still be plenty of people in regular street clothes – even local Germans. Stick with whatever’s comfortable, practical, and makes you happy above all else.

Besides that, you can also wear whatever you want. Just because the traditional outfit for women is a dirndl doesn’t mean Oktoberfest is even a dress-required kind of event. In fact, I can’t recall a single woman at Oktoberfest who has worn a non-dirndl dress. It’s either a dirndl or something casual like jeans and a top.

Again, wear whatever you feel the most comfortable in! That is always the most important part so you can concentrate on having a great time.

Is it ok to wear dirndl/lederhosen around Munich?

A million times yes! No matter where you go in and around Munich during the two weeks of Oktoberfest, you’ll drown in a sea of dirndls and lederhosen. (But what a way to go!)

The Oktoberfest celebration isn’t 100% reserved for inside the Wiesn. You’ll see people in “Oktoberfest outfits” at grocery stores, train stations, bars and restaurants, walking around town, even while shopping for more Oktoberfest attire. (Yes, that was probably me.)

Every dirndl & blouse I wore in this post

Here’s a list of every dirndl and blouse I wore in this post, starting from the top. (Don’t forget to use promo code MYWANDERLUSTYLIFE for 10% off at Rare Dirndl.)

• The Magician Dirndl from Rare Dirndl with cap-sleeve blouse from Amazon.
• Little Black Dirndl with 1/4 sleeve black lace blouse and custom apron – Rare Dirndl
• Beige dirndl from H&M (no longer available), teal apron I made myself
• Everyday Dirndl in grey with custom apron (Rare Dirndl) and long sleeve white lace bodysuit (Amazon)
• Tan and teal dirndl from H&M (no longer available) and off-the-shoulder ruffly blouse (Amazon)
• Red dirndl with blue apron and short-sleeved white blouse from Trachten Rausch (in Munich)
• Gray Everyday Dirndl from Rare Dirndl with short-sleeve lace blouse from Dirndl-Truhe.
• Black and beige dirndl with beige apron (from Alpenclassics but no longer available) and short-sleeved white lace blouse from Rare Dirndl
• Black and green dirndl with green apron from Original Steindl (in Munich, now closed) and off-the-shoulder white blouse (from Amazon)
• Burnt sienna dirndl from Dirndl Truhe and long-sleeve shirt from Target (no longer available).
• Green and yellow dirndl from Angermaier, no blouse bc it was 95°F.
• Navy polka dot dirndl (Amazon) and pink/navy corduroy apron I made myself, with cap-sleeve white blouse (Amazon) – See how I upgraded this dirndl from the way it came in this video.
• Pink dirndl with navy velvet apron and lace-sleeve white blouse, all custom-made from Rare Dirndl
• Ruffle sleeved white top with dark brown women’s lederhosen (both Amazon)
• Pink flowered dirndl from H&M and short-sleeve white blouse from Trachten Rausch (both in Munich)
• Tan dirndl sweater from Angermaier Trachten (in Munich)
• Tan dirndl with pink and green accents (from Amazon) with cap-sleeve white lace high-neck blouse (Amazon) and pink/green apron I made myself
• Navy/yellow pretzel apron I made myself
• Grey Everyday Dirndl with cap-sleeve black blouse (Amazon) and black apron I made myself

• Ibuprofen – or whatever you prefer to take for your post-drinking headaches
• Liquid IV – I take these hydration packets everywhere, especially when copious amounts of beer drinking are involved! (Acai berry is my favorite.)
• Oktoberfest passport cover – Such a fun way to keep your passport, ID, Global Entry card, CDC card, travel credit cards, and more in one convenient place. Check out more fun Oktoberfest travel gear here.
• Throw-away poncho – Super thin, just for walking to the Wiesn in the rain, then throw it away.

Which outfits for Oktoberfest will you be wearing this year?

Like this post? Have more questions about what to wear to Oktoberfest? Let me know in the comments below! Prost!

Save this info, pin this image: