Tourists May Get Weird Looks For Wearing This Clothing In Germany Outside Of Festivities

Traveling to new places often comes with a few surprises, especially in terms of cultural differences. Sometimes, differentiating between visitors and locals comes down to the manner of dressing. In Europe, clothing isn’t always just a matter of fashion, as some specific garments are rooted in culture and tradition. Something as simple as putting on beach flip-flops in some places, for instance, could attract more attention than you might expect, and this reinforces why tourists need to be mindful of the clothing they pack on a trip to Europe. Germany is not an exception.

Speaking of standing out and getting weird stares as a tourist in Germany, donning the Trachtenmode will surely get you in that situation. Whether you’re a man in crisp lederhosen or a woman in a dirndl, you might be making a major tourist mistake that reveals you as an outsider. This is especially true if you’re wearing this cultural dress outside of Bavaria, or in a way that trivializes the people’s culture.

Historically, each area of Germany used to have its own version of Trachtenmode, but the tradition has largely survived only in Bavaria, where lederhosen and dirndls are the most famous. While this clothing is commonly worn by both locals and tourists during festivals like Oktoberfest in Munich, it only lasts till the music fades, as it’s not daily attire in most places. In Bavaria, you might find locals running errands in Tracht, but in other areas, like the northern and western parts of the country, Germans rarely wear these traditional outfits.

Read more: Avoid These Embarrassing Bathroom Mistakes When Visiting Different Countries

How to sport Tracht in Germany in a culturally respectful way

To wear this traditional German clothing as respectfully as possible, start by learning all you can about it. Trachtenmode isn’t one-size-fits-all; Bavarian lederhosen and dirndls are just the most globally recognized versions due to the popularity of Oktoberfest. So, it’s worth doing some research about where different styles of Tracht come from, what the designs mean, and when it’s appropriate to wear them. For instance, how you tie your dirndl apron bow can signify your relationship status. The left side means single, the right means taken, the center front means virgin, and the center back means widow or waitress. Imagine the wrong signals you’d be unintentionally sending if you didn’t learn something like this.

Furthermore, it’s essential to avoid mistaking novelty costumes for genuine tradition. In other words, stay away from cheap, neon-colored dirndls or tacky beer-logo aprons that are usually sold as souvenirs or in costume shops. Dressing in these garish knock-offs can make it seem like you’re not taking German cultural heritage seriously. Instead, go for well-made ones, which could be silk, cotton, linen, or loden. The better the quality, the more culturally respectful you appear. Still, context is key. While you may acceptably wear Trachten at weddings, festivals, cultural events, or even themed beer halls as a non-German, you might risk attracting puzzled looks if you do so on a random sightseeing tour through a place like Hamburg or Berlin.

Blending in perfectly as a tourist in Germany

How to blend in anywhere as a tourist is one of the top ways to stay safe and enjoy your visit. You can have a swell time in Germany without feeling awkward when you understand that awareness and balance are key. A general rule of thumb is to save specific clothing for the right occasion, taking cues from how the locals dress. You know that, in Bavaria, you’ll be warmly welcomed in Tracht, especially during festival periods. You may even want to ask the locals for advice, as they’d most likely be happy to share tips on how to wear your dirndl or lederhosen correctly and may also be able to tell you the best places to get authentic outfits from.

Outside Bavaria, it’s better to blend in by going for everyday fashion. The German style of dressing is typically practical and minimalist, with a preference for well-fitted basics in neutral colors. That means putting on head-to-toe flashy clothing would easily mark you as a tourist. You can still incorporate tradition and a bit of pizazz in subtle ways, like buying a small accessory such as a hat or a scarf that reflects what’s common in a particular region. This way, you get to experience the culture without going overboard. That said, it’s beneficial to brush up on why you should be cautious when packing for a trip to Germany. Comfortable shoes and layers are well-suited to exploring the nation’s vibrant towns and cities.

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Read the original article on Explore.