Dirndl & Tracht alterations

01

Prepare your dirndl for alteration

With the right preparation, the dirndl fits after the first fitting.

1. 01

   Try it on with the shoes

   Put on the shoes you'll wear with the dirndl — the heel height sets the skirt length.

2. 02

   Wear the blouse underneath

   Wear the dirndl blouse you'll actually use. It changes how the bodice and neckline sit.

3. 03

   Mark what bothers you

   Too wide at the bodice, too long at the skirt, too loose on top? Tell us exactly how it should fit.

4. 04

   Bring the apron

   Bring the apron — we match length and fit to it.

5. 05

   Walk in or book

   Small jobs are walk-in; if you'd like us to take our time pinning, book an appointment.

02

What can be altered on a dirndl

An off-the-rack dirndl rarely fits perfectly first time — and that's exactly what makes the difference. We take in the bodice so it closes without pulling, shorten the skirt to your preferred length, adjust the blouse and replace hooks and eyes or the zip. Letting it out is possible too, for instance during pregnancy. For men we alter Lederhosen and Tracht jackets as well — more on Lederhosen in our leather repair guide.

03

Typical Tracht alterations

What we do most often on dirndls and Tracht.

• Taking in the bodice and top so the dirndl closes cleanly.
• Shortening the skirt to your preferred length — matched to the shoes.
• Adjusting the dirndl blouse — neckline, sleeves and width.
• Replacing hooks and eyes, buttons and the zip.
• Letting a dirndl out — for instance during pregnancy.
• Altering men's Lederhosen and Tracht jackets.

04

Costs and turnaround

All prices include 19% VAT. Final price once we've seen the dirndl. Usually one to two working days.

Shortening the skirt

from €18, 1–2 working days

Bodice/top taken in (fit)

On request. Depends on fabric and work.

Zip replacement

from €25

Hooks and eyes or buttons

from €5

05

How a dirndl should fit

The bodice sits snug, but you should breathe freely — it shapes the waist and supports without cutting in. The blouse closes cleanly at the neckline, and the skirt ends just below the knee (midi) or longer, depending on the style. One aside: which side the apron bow is tied on traditionally carries a meaning — on the left means single, on the right taken or married, at the back widowed or working as staff. When pinning, we look at the whole fit, not just one spot.

06

In time for Oktoberfest or a festival

Oktoberfest, a local festival or a Tracht wedding often come round faster than expected. With us you don't have to plan weeks ahead — most Tracht alterations are ready in one to two working days, small jobs often the same day. If it's tight, call ahead and we'll keep a slot free.