The costume: Our most beautiful traditional outfit

The traditional costume - a festive garment for special occasions - is truly a part of folk culture. But what does it actually mean, and where exactly lies the difference between traditional costumes and costume fashion? As someone who is uninformed, it is easy to unintentionally step into a minefield. But don't worry, to avoid that, we have summarized the most important points for you here.

Traditional costume ≠ costume fashion

The traditional costume is full of history and has always served as a reflection of economic and social development, which is why it continues to evolve. In the past, one could not only recognize the origin but also the marital status of the respective wearer by their attire. Even today, it is primarily worn during processions or celebrations. It symbolizes festivity and community and enhances a sense of belonging.

As the saying goes, "Clothes make the man." According to Dr. Angelika Neuner from Mösern, a costume specialist and trained ethnologist, wearing festive attire makes one feel almost like a different person. One walks more upright and almost steps into another role. Moreover, she says women must pay attention to proper "sitting culture" – so that the skirt doesn't slip and one suddenly shows more skin than intended.

The traditional dress is therefore an individual festive garment closely connected to the wearer, made from fine fabrics – a true craftsmanship that only a few still master. Due to the decreasing number of traditional tailors in the surrounding communities, the people of Seefeld even travel to Garmisch to preserve their valuable – almost museum-quality – traditional attire. They wear their unmistakably professionally tailored custom garments with pride. Unfortunately, it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain the precious fabrics, as there are fewer and fewer companies that offer such fine materials.
Although there is a communal plateau traditional dress in the Seefeld region, one can still find different traditional outfits from various clubs.

The inter-community plateau costume consists of a blue bodice dress, a black skirt, and a golden apron or a red bodice and a blue apron. A typical feature of the Seefeld plateau costume is especially the so-called "Schinkenärmel" (ham sleeves) of the blouse. For men, the traditional costume consists of a short blue jacket, a blue blazer, and long dark trousers. The Seefeld plateau costume is known for its intricate details, such as embroidered flowers or fine golden borders. Of course, there is also a special Sunday and winter costume.

No matter how often one would like to wear their beloved traditional costume, it is important to take care, as the noble materials can only be dry cleaned. Therefore, for the damp and cheerful festivities, fashionable traditional attire is more suitable. By the way, it does not say anything about the wearer's origin or marital status, but it comes in all colors, fabrics, and designs – so there is something for every taste!

A traditional festive outfit cannot be bought sadly, but if you are still looking for a nice dirndl or a chic leather pants for the next folk festival, you will certainly find it here:

* Trachten Loisel

* Sport & Mode Albrecht

The well-filled events calendar of the Seefeld region offers many opportunities to showcase and admire traditional attire. One of the most beautiful occasions: the annual craft festival. Here, many craftsmen meet every second weekend in September in Seefeld to maintain and showcase their craft traditions. Two very special highlights: the annual Trachten parade with around 800 "Trachtlers" wearing the most diverse traditional costumes from the entire Alpine region. The special exhibition on the theme "Everything about Tracht" also provides insight into the almost forgotten craft. Moreover, there’s true folk music, a historical tractor parade, and a farmers' market where local and market-produced goods are offered.