Dirndls for Oktoberfest: Sew or Buy?

Dear users, dear authors,
Do you like Oktoberfest? Do you sew your own dirndls, or do you prefer to buy them?

If I were to sew my own, that’s what I’d do—if I could still wear one and were a fan of Oktoberfest—but that’s the last thing on my mind. Large crowds are an absolute nightmare for me, and folk festivals like Oktoberfest are no exception.
I sewed myself a dirndl a few years ago, and when I put it on, I was horrified at how lopsided I looked—I’d never in a million years go out in public like that. I used to love dirndls; I had a few in my closet back in the day, and I’ve sewn them for my daughters time and again, but I’d never wear one myself again.

Love, Inge

As a native of Munich, I used to love going to Oktoberfest. I don’t go anymore—it’s too crowded for me, especially since I’m not very steady on my feet these days.
Back then, though, wearing a dirndl was totally out of style; only the “Zuogroasten” and people from the countryside did that. People preferred to wear jeans or something else comfortable that could get dirty. That’s changed completely now, and it’s actually considered proper etiquette to wear a dirndl.
I couldn’t sew one myself, because tailoring a beautiful dirndl is quite complicated. I’d rather leave that to professionals like Inge. I have, however, sewn dirndl aprons myself before—it’s not that difficult, and it’s a simple way to add some variety to an existing dirndl. 

Here are two dirndls I have pictures of. The red-checked one was for my older granddaughter when they were on a farm vacation in the Allgäu—my daughter (the “sandwich daughter”) wanted a dirndl like that for her little girl.
The blue-checked one was originally custom-made for my youngest daughter; today, her daughter would fit into it :-)))

Best regards, Inge

I grew up in the Ruhr region and have been living in Cologne for over 30 years now, so I’ve spent my life in pretty much dirndl-free zones. As a kid, I had one once—on vacation in the Bavarian Forest—but even back then, I would’ve preferred my big brother’s lederhosen.
I used to love going to every fair, but only for the rides—the wilder, the better!
I’d actually still love to do that today, but the folk festivals here are always way too crowded and way too alcohol-fueled for my taste—not a day goes by without some major brawl, and that’s just not my thing.
I’ve never been to Oktoberfest—Munich isn’t exactly next door, and it’s not worth the trip just to ride the carousel. I wouldn’t want to deal with the crowds in the tents either—or rather, I don’t have the patience for it—and I don’t like beer either, so I’d rather just stay home.
But I have to admit, a dirndl really looks good on most women, and there are some really unique ones out there. A homemade one would probably fit best, but I wouldn’t feel confident enough to make one myself.

I don’t own a single dirndl, even though now that I’m older I’d actually be willing to buy one—but they’re so expensive. I don’t have that many opportunities to wear one. And when it’s time for the Oktoberfest dance (with my parents), I just put on a pair of long black lederhosen, a plaid shirt, spiced up a bit with jewelry or a scarf—and I’m all set.
The older, sprightly ladies who dance there all wear dirndl dresses, and they look so great.
I’d never dare to sew one myself, like Inge does.

As a child, I used to have a dirndl dress like that. It was black with red roses on it, paired with a little white apron—I loved wearing it. I think there was also white trim along the hem of the skirt. I thought it was chic.