The traditional Bavarian costumes of dirndl dress and leather trousers are well known, esspecially when you ever moved a foot onto the German Oktoberfest in Munich. But what is the history of these costumes and why are they still en vogue?

The costumes have their origin in the 18th century. Because of its convenience, leather trousers were the usual workwear of the Bavarian farmers and hunters while dirndl dresses have been worn by simple maidservants. Every landsman and landswoman also had a ceremonial costume which was often decorated with embroidery.

However, the fashion industry is a fast moving sector. With the growing of major cities the traditional costumes started to disappear.

But a group of brave men were against the trend. They did not want to let their culture disappear and founded the first German Traditional Costumes Club. Their love for tradition hit the ravages of time and attended more and more members.

Today the Traditional German Costumes Association has more than 300.000 members and the love for the tradition has not let up. At any Bavarian volksfest you will see many people in dirndl and leather trousers.