Traditional attire demand rises in Austria and Germany

Demand for traditional attire such as dirndls and lederhosen is rising in Austria and Germany, driven by seasonal festivals like Oktoberfest and a growing interest in sustainable fashion.

In Dornbirn, Austria, the Caritas Carla-Shop has seen a significant increase in demand for second-hand traditional clothing. Karoline Mätzler, a department head at Caritas, noted that buying used clothing is becoming more common, particularly for items worn only on special occasions. Customers can find dirndls starting at approximately 40 euros and lederhosen from 50 euros, with accessories available for as little as 2 euros.

In the Saarland region of Germany, residents have various options for festival attire, ranging from specialized family businesses to high-street retailers. The family-run shop Trendy Trachten in Spiesen-Elversberg offers a wide selection of brands, including Krüger and Spieth & Wensky, with prices for dirndls ranging from 80 to 170 euros. For more budget-conscious shoppers, retailers like New Yorker also provide options for local festivals in cities such as Saarbrücken and Homburg.