What to wear to Oktoberfest
A dirndl or Lederhosen are welcome but not required: dark jeans with a checked shirt or a knit fit in just as well. What matters is sturdy flat shoes and a warm layer for the walk home.
Two outfits that work
Dirndl, blouse and cardigan
- burgundy dirndl
- white dirndl blouse
- beige apron
- cream cardigan
- black ballet flats
A knee-to-midi dirndl with a cardigan takes you from the warm tent to the cold walk home.
Lederhosen or dark jeans, checked shirt
- brown Lederhosen
- blue checked shirt
- olive wool jacket
- brown leather shoes
Lederhosen are optional; a checked shirt with dark jeans fits in too, and the wool jacket replaces a coat in the tent.
By weather
| Hot22° and up | Short-sleeved blouse or shirt and a lighter dirndl; the cardigan only for the evening. |
|---|---|
| Mild10° to 21° | A cardigan or wool jacket over the shirt, and closed shoes. |
| ColdBelow 10° | Wool tights, a warm cardigan, and a coat you’re happy to leave on the bench. |
Do and don’t
- Wear shoes you can stand in for hours, with a grippy sole
- Bring a layer: tents are warm, the walk home isn’t
- Choose real fabric over shiny costume dirndls
- Carry a small cross-body bag
- Wear white trainers you want to keep white
- Bring a bag bigger than about 3 litres; larger ones are turned away at the entrance
- Pick a dirndl too short to sit on a bench in
Check the night before
- Walk for 30 minutes in the shoes you’ll wear
- Check the forecast for the evening, not just the afternoon
- Practise the apron bow (see the note below)
- Pack a small bag: card, ID, phone, plasters
- Put out a warm layer you can tie round your waist
Questions people ask
Do I have to wear a dirndl or Lederhosen?
No. Plenty of visitors wear jeans with a shirt or a knit. If you do wear Tracht, a simple one that fits looks better than a costume.
What shoes should I wear to Oktoberfest?
Closed, flat or low-heeled shoes with grip: ballet flats, loafers, low boots. Floors get sticky and wet.
How long should a dirndl be?
Knee length or midi is classic and comfortable on a bench. Very short ones read as a costume.
What should I wear if it rains?
A water-resistant jacket or trench and shoes that can get wet. Umbrellas are awkward in crowds.
Pick Oktoberfest in FeinLens and see what you already own
FeinLens builds complete outfits for this occasion from photos of your own clothes, dressed for the forecast where you’ll be.
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