Traditional Tracht

The German word Tracht means "dress" when translated directly. It is best described as European dress or outfits.

In earlier times, each ´tracht´ identified a person as belonging to a particular group in terms of social and legal status (married, single), origin or trade. Today, the term is used to describe any garment reminiscent of the attire of rural communities.

Women´s attire, the dirndl, consists of a closefitting bodice combined with an apron in a different colour. Sometimes its sleeveless and worn with a cotton and lace blouse, sometimes it features sleeves and a high neck. Hats are often costly and elaborate. They vary according to occasion and region.

Men´s traditional clothing is made from leather, linen and wool. ´Lederhosen´, or knee-length trousers or short-pants made from leather, are worn with rustic shoes and wool socks. Again, jackets and hats vary according to region and occasion. The traditional ´Steireranzug´, a greyish garment made from loden with green embroidery, has managed to become a semi-official tracht and can be worn to all sorts of official occasions including formal dinners, balls or a political meeting.

There are many societies dedicated to ´tracht´ revivals. Often, they include an interest in traditional crafts, like porcelain, glass-making, wood carving or traditional folk music and dancing.