The most important decision when buying a dirndl is the length. It determines the occasion, the formality, and the overall look. All lengths are measured from the natural waist to the hem.
Dirndl Guide
Simply German USA · The Complete Guide
The Dirndl Guide.
Everything you need to know about buying, wearing, and caring for an authentic Bavarian dirndl — from choosing the right length to what the apron bow actually means.
A dirndl is not a costume. It is a garment with centuries of tradition behind it — and a few things worth knowing before you order.
Every dirndl at Simply German USA is made by Krüger or Berwin & Wolff — two of Bavaria's most respected trachten makers. They're built to the same standards as the dirndls worn at actual Bavarian festivals, not the fast-fashion approximations sold on Amazon. That means real construction, proper sizing, quality fabric, and details that matter.
This guide covers everything from choosing your length and size, to what comes in the box, to the centuries-old tradition behind which side you tie your apron bow — and what it signals to everyone around you.
Step one
Choosing your length.
50cm
Mini
Hits mid-thigh. The boldest, most festive length. Perfect for Oktoberfest when you want to make an entrance. Modern and playful — all the tradition of a full dirndl in a shorter silhouette.
Most bold
60cm
Midi
Falls at or just below the knee. The most popular length for a reason — versatile enough for Oktoberfest, weddings, and formal events alike. The sweet spot between tradition and practicality.
Most popular
70cm
Long
Falls well below the knee. The traditional formal choice — worn to trachten weddings, Schützenfest, and heritage events. More elegant and considered than the shorter lengths.
Most traditional
75+cm
Maxi
Floor-length or close to it. The most formal Bavarian silhouette — worn for weddings, galas, Advent markets, and the most significant occasions. Commands a room.
Most formal
Step two
Finding your size.
Dirndls use European sizing based on bust, waist, and hip measurements. Measure yourself in centimeters and match to the chart below. The bodice fit is most critical — if you're between sizes, always size up on the bust. The waist laces or zips, giving you adjustment room. The hips are typically relaxed in the skirt.
| EU / US Size | Bust (cm) | Bust (in) | Waist (cm) | Waist (in) | Hips (cm) | Hips (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32-0 (XXS) | 81 | 32.5" | 63 | 25" | 89 | 35.5" |
| 34-2 (XS) | 83.5 | 33.5" | 65.5 | 26" | 91.5 | 36.5" |
| 36-4 (S) | 86 | 34.5" | 68 | 27" | 94 | 37.5" |
| 38-6 (M) | 88.5 | 35.5" | 70.5 | 28" | 96.5 | 38.5" |
| 40-8 (L) | 93.5 | 37.5" | 75.5 | 30" | 101.5 | 40.5" |
| 42-10 (XL) | 98.5 | 39.5" | 80.5 | 32" | 106.5 | 42.5" |
| 44-12 (2XL) | 103.5 | 41.5" | 85.5 | 34" | 111.5 | 44.5" |
| 46-14 (3XL) | 108.5 | 43.5" | 90.5 | 36" | 116.5 | 46.5" |
| 48-18 (4XL) | 113.5 | 45.5" | 95.5 | 38" | 121.5 | 48.5" |
| 50-18 (5XL) | 119 | 47.5" | 101.5 | 40.5" | 127.5 | 51" |
| 52-20 (6XL) | 125 | 50" | 108 | 43" | 134 | 53.5" |
How to measure: Bust — around the fullest part of your chest, arms relaxed at your sides. Waist — at the narrowest point, typically 1 inch above your navel. Hips — around the fullest part, approximately 8 inches below your waist. Not sure? Call us at 1-714-910-6980 and we'll help you find the right size.
When it arrives
What's in the box —
and what isn't.
Every dirndl at Simply German USA is listed as a 2-piece set. Here's exactly what that means and what you'll need to complete the look.
The bodice — the structured top, usually with zipper or hook closure at the front
The skirt — with 2 side pockets in most styles
The apron — the decorative front panel tied at the waist
Dirndl blouse — purchased separately. The blouse worn under the bodice is not included. Shop our Dirndl Blouse collection →
Trachten accessories — jewelry, charivari, hat pins sold separately
Trachten socks — sold separately in our sock collection
About the blouse: The dirndl blouse is not optional — it's an essential part of the look. The bodice of the dirndl is designed to be worn over a blouse, which shows at the neckline and sleeves. Without a blouse, the dirndl is incomplete. We carry a full selection of authentic dirndl blouses in white and ecru, with different neckline styles to suit every dirndl length and occasion.
The tradition behind the bow
Where you tie your apron
means something.
In Bavaria, the apron bow is not just decorative — it's a centuries-old signal. The position of the bow on your dirndl communicates your relationship status to everyone around you at a festival or gathering. It's one of the most charming and most misunderstood traditions in Bavarian tracht culture.
Whether you follow the tradition strictly or wear it however you like is entirely up to you. But knowing what it means is part of understanding the garment you're wearing.
💚
Tied on the left side
Single & Available
The bow tied on the left side of the apron signals that you are single and open to meeting someone. At Oktoberfest, this is the most recognized signal — and the most common question from men who know the tradition.
❤️
Tied on the right side
Taken or Married
The bow tied on the right side of the apron signals that you are in a relationship or married. A clear and respected signal at any trachten event — men who know the tradition will not approach.
🤍
Tied in the front center
Unmarried / Traditional
The bow tied centered at the front is the most traditional position — historically associated with unmarried young women in formal trachten settings. Less common at modern Oktoberfest but still correct in traditional circles.
🖤
Tied at the back
Widow or Working
The bow tied at the back traditionally signals widowhood — or that the wearer is working (waitresses at Oktoberfest traditionally tie their aprons in back for practical reasons). Either way, it means she is not to be approached romantically.
A note on the tradition: Like most folk traditions, the apron bow meaning varies by region, generation, and how seriously people take it. At modern American Oktoberfest celebrations, most people don't know the signal at all. At authentic Bavarian events and among German-American cultural communities, it is still recognized and respected. Wear it wherever feels right — but now you know what it means.
Keeping it beautiful
How to care for
your dirndl.
A well-cared-for dirndl lasts decades. These are quality garments, not fast fashion — treat them accordingly.
🌊
Gentle wash 30°
Cold or cool water only. Gentle cycle. Never hot — it will shrink the bodice and damage the fabric.
👗
Wash inside out
Turn the dirndl and apron inside out before washing to protect the outer fabric and any embroidery.
🧺
Wash apron separately
The apron often has a different fabric or embroidery. Wash separately to prevent color transfer.
🚫
No tumble drying
Air dry only. Tumble drying will shrink and distort the bodice structure permanently.
♨️
Iron with care
Iron on low heat or steam if needed. Do not iron directly on embroidery or decorative elements.
🧴
Mild detergent only
Use a gentle detergent. No bleach under any circumstances — it will permanently damage the fabric and color.
Berwin & Wolff exclusive
Custom hem service —
your length, before it ships.
Most Berwin & Wolff dirndls can be hemmed to your exact preferred length before they leave our hands — including cutting a long or maxi dirndl down to a 50cm mini. This service is unique to Berwin & Wolff styles and is available at no extra cost.
✂ How it works
Want a specific length? Call us before you order.
Choose any eligible Berwin & Wolff dirndl. Call us at 1-714-910-6980 before placing your order to confirm your style is eligible and specify your desired hem length. We'll professionally hem it to your measurement before shipping — no alterations needed on your end. Measure from your natural waist to where you want the hem to fall before calling.
Delivery
When will it
actually arrive?
All dirndls ship air freight from Germany to our California location, then to your door. Total delivery time is up to 10 days for Germany orders. Items we have physically in stock at our Huntington Beach store ship the same day.
In Stock Items
Same day
Items with sizes in parentheses — e.g. (36,40) — on the product page are in stock at our California location and ship same day. Call to confirm availability — stock is managed manually and we get very busy in season. 1-714-910-6980.
Berwin & Wolff
5–11 days
Consistent year-round. 3–7 days to our store, 2–4 days to your door. Reliable even during Oktoberfest season — Berwin & Wolff maintains their fulfillment schedule regardless of time of year.
Krüger
5–11 days / 3–5 weeks peak
Standard delivery 5–11 days outside peak season. July through September Krüger's fulfillment slows to 2–4 weeks as they process thousands of Oktoberfest orders simultaneously. Add 2–4 days to your door on top of that.
Oktoberfest 2026 — Order Deadlines
Berwin & Wolff: Order by mid-September 2026 — consistent 5–11 day delivery year-round.
Krüger: Order by early August 2026 — fulfillment slows significantly during peak season. Orders placed after August may not arrive in time for September or October events.
Not sure which brand carries your style? Call us at 1-714-910-6980 and we'll confirm exactly when your order will arrive.
Krüger: Order by early August 2026 — fulfillment slows significantly during peak season. Orders placed after August may not arrive in time for September or October events.
Not sure which brand carries your style? Call us at 1-714-910-6980 and we'll confirm exactly when your order will arrive.
Returns & exchanges
Our return
policy, clearly stated.
We want you to love your dirndl. If something isn't right, here's exactly how returns and exchanges work — no surprises.
Return window
30 days from delivery date.
Return shipping
Customer pays return shipping costs. We provide the return address — mail your product to: CA Dirndl Haus, 7561 Center Ave, Ste #49, Huntington Beach CA 92647. Or contact us through the website and we'll supply a return label (cost deducted from refund).
Restocking fee
10% restocking fee on straight returns only. No restocking fee if you are exchanging for a different size or making another purchase. No restocking fee on size-related exchanges.
Cancellations
10% fee on cancellations after the order has shipped from Germany.
Condition
Items must be unworn, unwashed, and in original condition with all tags attached.
Questions
Call us at 1-714-910-6980 or email chad@oldworldhb.com — we'll help you find the right size the first time so you don't have to return at all.
Ready to find yours?