The dirndl is a traditional costume that has become famous all over the world thanks to the Oktoberfest. But a dirndl can also be worn for many other occasions in southern Germany. The problem is that dirndls are quite expensive to buy. And even if they look chic, you don't wear them that often. Are you invited and want to spice up your old dirndl? We'll show you how you can spruce up your dirndl with a few little tricks!
Dirndls are subject to strict traditional guidelines that have become ingrained over the centuries. Sometimes there isn't much room to stand out from other women with a dirndl. But if you feel like spicing up your dirndl a bit with small accents, then use small elements of the traditional costume, such as buttons.
To spice up your old dirndl a bit, you can, for example, get new, higher-quality buttons and attach them to the blouse of the traditional costume. Metal buttons with incorporated ruffles or squiggly lines look particularly good. They give your dirndl a beautiful vintage look and at the same time look high-quality.
Another way to beautify your dirndl is to change the length of the skirt. If you have an occasion where the traditional rules are not too strict, you can shorten your skirt by a few centimeters. This will make the costume a little younger and at the same time show a little more leg.
As beautiful as a dirndl may be, it has one huge disadvantage: it usually has no pockets. Accessories such as a shoulder bag are a must. To spice up your dirndl and make it more functional, you can sew a small pocket bag into the dirndl skirt. Don't worry, even traditionalists won't notice this super practical trick. Because the pocket bag is hidden under the apron! So, get sewing.
To spice up your old dirndl with a pocket, you need the following:
- matching thread
- tape measure
- pins
- sewing machine
- chalk
- cotton pocket bag
- matching fabric trim
- zipper
- Find a fold under which you want to sew the pocket. It's best to leave the dirndl hanging on a hanger.
- Now take pins and place them horizontally a few centimeters below the seam of the bodice. Depending on the length of the zipper, pin a second pin further down. Standard zippers are usually around 15 cm long. Your pocket bag will then go between the marked area.
- Now separate the seam between the skirt and the bodice, lay this area open and mark it.
- Now grab the fabric trim and the pocket bag, which consists of two halves. You can of course sew these yourself or buy them ready-made from a trusted sewing supplies store. If they are not the right size for your dirndl pockets, adjust them to the desired size. When cutting the fabric trim, make sure that there is enough space to sew it on. Take the length of the zipper, add another 3-5 cm above and below the zipper and plan for about 4-5 cm in the width of the zipper. This gives you enough space to sew in the trim and the fastener.
- Now cut the length of the zipper into the trim and into the skirt. Now place the trim on the cut-out part of the skirt and sew once around the slit with the sewing machine.
- Now you can sew in the zipper as usual. To make it easier for you to open the clasp later when you wear it, sew it in so that the clasp is at the bottom when closed.
- In the last step, attach the two halves of the pocket bag to the left and right of the trim, sew them together and you have jazzed up your old dirndl with a pocket.
To make your dirndl a little more airy for the summer, you can shorten the small sleeves on the upper arm or cut them out completely. To do this, turn the dirndl inside out and run a pair of fabric scissors along the sleeve seam. Be careful and don't be too rough with the scissors, otherwise you'll end up with holes when you cut them out. And you've jazzed up your dirndl a bit for the summer.
Another option without really having to cut and sew a lot is accessories. The typical elements such as the satin ribbon can be embellished on the dirndl very easily and without much effort. How about a floral ribbon, for example, by attaching fabric flowers to it with a few stitches? This looks particularly good on pastel-colored dresses!
No matter how you spice up your dirndl: always remember to take proper care of your clothes. Many parts of dirndls in particular are made of wool, silk or even satin. You should always treat these sensitive fabrics in a delicate wash or hand wash program and use a designated product such as Perwoll Renew Wool. This way, the high-quality materials remain soft and supple even after washing.