Dirndl, lederhosen – history & trends

We ask the expert: Sascha Golitschek, Managing Director of Original Salzburger Tracht

How many different traditional costumes are there?

There are more than 800 traditional costumes in Austria. The history of dirndls dates back to the 19th century. They originated in Austria and Bavaria. Dirndls used to be work clothes, but each federal state has its own traditional costume. The dirndl has now established itself as fashionable clothing for parties, customs, weddings and going to church. A dirndl belongs in every woman's wardrobe so that she can be perfectly dressed for every event... After years of glittering dirndls, manufacturers are placing more and more emphasis on natural materials and the new simplicity.

The history of lederhosen

There are region-specific lederhosen, especially in western Austria. The best known is certainly the Salzkammergut, where lederhosen are embroidered by hand. Emperor Franz Josef liked to wear lederhosen for hunting in Ischl, so the aristocracy liked to wear the costume. When it comes to leather, goat suede and deer leather are preferred today.