For your first Dirndl, two pieces are enough: a necklace and matching earrings. If you like, add a shawl pin, hair accessories, or an apron clasp. With a Lederhose (traditional leather breeches), the key piece is the Charivari, a decorative chain with charms, plus hat ornaments, a tie ring, and a belt as you like.
Here we show you what women and men wear with Tracht, where each piece goes, and how to combine silver-tone and gold-tone the right way. Whether it's for the Wiesn, Oktoberfest, a wedding, or your local folk festival. We are the Kube family from Bad Endorf, and under the name Trachtenschmuck Stephan we have been making traditional jewelry since 1949.
The essentials at a glance
- Dirndl: necklace or Kropfkette (choker necklace), earrings, plus hair accessories and a shawl pin if you like.
- Lederhosen: charivari, hat ornaments, tie ring, belt.
- Metal: stick to one tone, so everything silver-tone or everything gold-tone.
- Less is more: one statement piece, the rest simple.
- See for yourself: in Discover Traditional Costume, tap the figure to see what goes where.
Jewelry for the dirndl
With a dirndl, the eye goes to the neck first. That's why the necklace is the most important piece.
- Kropfkette or Kropfband: sits close around the neck and suits almost any neckline. How to find the right length is explained in our article Kropfkette: Origin, Length, and Measuring.
- Necklace or collar: hangs a little lower and fills an open neckline.
- Earrings: choose them in the same metal tone, ideally with the same stone or motif as the necklace.
- Shawl pin or brooch: holds the shoulder scarf and decorates at the same time.
- Hair accessories: a hairpin or hair clip in your braid or updo.
- Dirndl charivari: a delicate chain with charms, worn as festival fashion on the bodice or apron.
Jewelry for lederhosen
- Charivari: the decorative chain across the front flap, hooked onto the two outer buttons. More in our article Charivari: Meaning, Charms, and How to Wear It.
- Hat ornaments: lapel pins, edelweiss, or a Gamsbart holder on your traditional hat.
- Tie ring and chain button: for the traditional tie and vest.
- Belt: a leather belt with buckle, as good with lederhosen as with jeans.
A word about traditional knives: Oktoberfest has a knife ban that also covers traditional knives (as of 2025). Check the City of Munich's current rules before your visit. You'll find the full overview for men in our article Traditional Jewelry for Men.
What do the basics cost?
| Piece | From | Where it goes |
|---|---|---|
| Shawl pin | €8.90 | on the shoulder scarf |
| Earrings | €19.90 | on the ear |
| Necklace | €29.90 | around the neck |
| Kropfband or Kropfkette | €29.95 | close around the neck |
| Apron clasp | €14.90 | on the apron ribbon |
| Hat ornaments | €9.90 | on the hat |
| Charivari | €69.90 | on the front flap |
Within Germany, orders of €50 or more ship free.
Where does the bow go?
The well-known rule says: a bow on the left means single, on the right means taken, at the center front it's worn by children or virgins, and at the back by widows or waitstaff. The rule is considered fairly young and has spread since about the 1980s. Still, almost everyone at the Wiesn knows it. If you'd rather skip the question altogether, wear an apron clasp. Everything about sizes and attachment is in our article Apron Clasps: Sizes, Attachment, and the Bow.
Silver-tone or gold-tone?
Choose one metal tone and stick with it, from the necklace to the apron clasp. Silver-tone and antique silver-tone look clean and classic and suit cool dirndl colors like blue, gray, or green. Gold-tone and antique brass look warm and go well with red, beige, and brown. For many pieces, you can choose the tone right on the product page.
“Antique silver-tone for a warm, rustic character. Silver-plated for a clean, refined finish.”
Sebastian Kube, Trachtenschmuck-Manufaktur
Traditional jewelry as a gift
Looking for a gift idea for your girlfriend, your partner, or your family? Browse our gifts up to €20, from €20 to €50, and over €50. More ideas are in our article Giving Traditional Jewelry.
Beginner FAQ
What's the minimum I need for a dirndl?
A necklace and matching earrings. That makes the dirndl look complete. Everything else is a bonus.
What do men wear with lederhosen?
The signature piece is the charivari. Hat ornaments, a tie ring, and a leather belt go well with it.
Can I mix silver-tone and gold-tone?
Better not. A single metal tone looks calmer and more harmonious.
Will my order arrive in time for the festival?
Within Germany, it usually arrives in 3 to 5 business days. Everything about shipping is in our FAQ.
Are things different in a traditional dress club?
Yes. There, the Trachtenwart (the person in charge of the club's dress code) decides what belongs to the club dress. More in our article Traditional Jewelry for Clubs.
See jewelry for women · See jewelry for men
About the author: Sebastian Kube runs the Trachtenschmuck-Manufaktur in Bad Endorf in the Chiemgau region together with his family. Under the name Trachtenschmuck Stephan, the family has been making traditional jewelry, buttons, and clasps since 1949, now in the fourth generation. More about us
Sources: Prices and measurements from our shop; classification of the bow rule according to Wandinger and Appl; Oktoberfest knife ban according to the City of Munich (as of 2025).