Oktoberfest Costume Ideas
Oktoberfest is one of the biggest festivals in the world - and while we here in Australia may not be able to attend the real thing, that doesn’t mean we can’t come together to embrace the traditional celebration in true German style!
Whether you're attending an Oktoberfest party, or enjoying some delicious German beer with a couple of friends, what better way to immerse yourself in the festivities and embrace the Oktoberfest spirit than with the perfect Oktoberfest costume?
If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to finding the right Oktoberfest outfit for your celebration, we’ve got you covered. Discover the history of Oktoberfest, the most popular Oktoberfest costumes that are sure to impress, as well as some creative Oktoberfest costume ideas if you’re looking for something a little different this year.
The History of Oktoberfest
Despite its name, Oktoberfest actually begins in late September and continues until the start of October. The tradition originated in Munich, Bavaria, in 1810, thanks to King Ludwig. Since then, the celebration has become a long-running and highly anticipated event, spreading joy and cheer around the world.
In Australia, Oktoberfest is embraced with great enthusiasm, with beer, pretzels, Sauerkraut, and various delicious German dishes taking centre stage. For Australians, dressing up in traditional Oktoberfest costumes is a great way to add an extra layer of excitement and authenticity to the celebration.
What Do You Wear to an Oktoberfest Party?
When attending an Oktoberfest party or festival, dressing up is a big part of the fun! The typical attire is based on traditional German clothing, with women usually wearing a ‘dirndl’ and men opting for ‘lederhosen’.
Women's Oktoberfest Costumes Ideas
Already confused by the terminology? No worries! Some of the most common questions we hear as Oktoberfest rolls around are along the lines of ‘What's the Oktoberfest dress called?’ or ‘What is a German barmaid outfit called?’ Well, we’re here to break it down for you!
The traditional ‘beer girl’ Oktoberfest dress is widely known as a 'dirndl', and is the go-to choice for women attending an Oktoberfest event. These ‘barmaid’ or beer girl’ Oktoberfest costumes feature flouncy skirts, puffy sleeves, and corset-style ribbon tie-ups. The dresses come in various colours and often have authentic-looking, pattern-embroidered ribbon trim to capture the traditional German dirndl style.
Dirndls are usually designed to be somewhat revealing, but if you’d prefer a bit of modesty, simply add a longer petticoat or some German bloomers to complete your look. No matter which type of outfit you choose, the dirndl is the perfect costume for drinking giant steins of beer and embracing the energy of Oktoberfest.
Men's Oktoberfest Costumes Ideas
For men, a classic lederhosen costume is the go-to choice for Oktoberfest celebrations. These iconic outfits consist of shorts with braces, knee-high socks, and a traditional hat. German Lederhosen costumes are traditionally available in more muted colours like greens, browns, or blacks, but have evolved to now also embrace brighter colours like reds and blues, adorned with a pattern-embroidered trim for an authentic Bavarian look. Whichever colour lederhosen you choose to wear, this Oktoberfest outfit will have you ready to perform the lively Schuhplattler dance to the beat of Oompah music, and embrace the festive atmosphere of the Oktoberfest celebration.
Oktoberfest Costume Ideas for Kids
Oktoberfest is not just a celebration for adults; kids can join in on the fun too! At Heaven Costumes, we have a delightful range of costumes suitable for Oktoberfest to your young ones feel like they've stepped into a fairytale world.
For boys, the Boys Hansel Book Week Fairytale Costume will blend right into thee Oktoberfest fun. Featuring a traditional Bavarian-style shirt with a bow tie and lederhosen-inspired pants, this costume will have your child feeling like a young Bavarian lad
For girls, the Girls Gretel Book Week Fairytale Costume is a great choice to capture the essence of a classic German girl's outfit. With its cute peasant-style dress and apron, your little one will be the star of any Oktoberfest celebration.
Alternative Oktoberfest Costume Ideas
When it comes to Oktoberfest parties, traditional costumes like lederhosen and dirndls are the classic choices, but if classic isn’t quite what you had in mind, we’ve got you covered with some you're creative Oktoberfest costume ideas to help you stand out:
- Beer Bottle or Stein: Dress up as a giant beer bottle or a beer stein. Use cardboard, paint, and accessories to create a giant representation of your favourite beer brand, or get inventive and create a humorous label for your own personal brand!
- Pretzel: Turn yourself into a giant pretzel for Oktoberfest! Use foam, felt, or cardboard to construct a pretzel-shaped costume, and complete the look with some salt crystals for added authenticity.
- Beer Wench Superhero: For an added touch of originality, combine the classic beer wench look with a superhero twist. Create a beer-themed superhero persona with a cape, mask, and some beer-related symbols for an outfit that’s sure to command attention at your Oktoberfest party.
Embrace the Festive Spirit of Oktoberfest in Australia
Get ready to embrace the festive spirit of Oktoberfest in Australia! Whether you opt for a traditional dirndl or lederhosen costume or choose to embrace a playful alternative, raise a toast to the joyous traditions of this exciting German festival with the wide range of Oktoberfest costumes available at Heaven Costumes! Prost!
