O’Zapft is! The trends we’re wearing at this year’s Wiesn
In 2022 the Wiesn returned after two years of Covid restrictions, and we showed you the dirndl trends of the season. Three years later the palette of dirndl colours has shifted. We look back at what has endured and what was really worn on the Theresienwiese in 2025.
When we wrote about Wiesn trends in 2022, Oktoberfest had just emerged from two years of enforced break. Soft tones, sage green and earthy hues set the tone. Three years on, the colour palette on the Theresienwiese has flipped. If you’re planning your dirndl or lederhosen for the next season, it’s worth looking back-and forward. Which trends were fleeting, and which styles are still going strong?
- In 2022 soft tones like sage green, blush pink and earthy hues dominated, alongside velvet and linen.
- By 2025 the palette had shifted to warm tones: cherry red, burgundy and mocha red led the collections.
- Pastels remain: cream and blush are still in demand, joined by navy and taupe.
- Braided hairstyles are timeless; boxer braids and side plaits work every season.
- For men, the trachten vest and hat remain the safest investments.
The Wiesn is more than beer tents and pretzels. When Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese married on 12 October 1810, days of revelry followed-and from that celebration the Oktoberfest was born. Today it is the world’s largest folk festival, drawing around seven million guests each year. In 2023 it even set a new record with 7.2 million visitors. As crowds surge, so does the pressure to look good-whether you’re a local or a tourist stepping onto the Theresienwiese.
The Dirndl: from Soft Pastel to Bold Red
Traditional Bavarian attire is about more than just dirndls or lederhosen. Jewelry, hairstyles, and accessories all play a role in creating a cohesive look. When it comes to the dirndl itself, the biggest changes have happened since 2022.
In 2022, the trend was soft, muted tones. Sage green and blush pink dominated, paired with earthy shades like deep greens and beige. Stylist Eileen Popielaty even hinted that bolder colors could work. Three years later, that prediction has come true. For 2025, red has taken over collections, especially warm, rich hues like cherry red, burgundy, and an earthy mocha red. This marks a clear shift away from the restrained pastel phase.
If you went for sage green in 2022, you weren’t wrong. But last season’s statement dirndl was deep red.
Pastels haven’t disappeared entirely, though. Cream and blush tones remain popular, and those who prefer elegance might opt for deep navy or warm taupe. Fabrics have also evolved: velvet and linen were favorites in 2022, and linen remains a reliable summer fabric that works beyond just Oktoberfest. If this topic interests you, we’ve dedicated a separate article to it.
New compared to 2022 are the cuts. Dirndls with integrated sleeves-from delicate puff sleeves to long, elegant styles-were a standout in 2025, perfect for chilly Oktoberfest evenings and eye-catching in tents. Even the blouse has changed: instead of the classic white blouse with a deep neckline, sheer fabrics, delicate lace, and longer sleeves are now in vogue.
Hairstyles: What Works Every Season
When it comes to styling, one rule has held true for years-and it still holds up: braided hairstyles are the most popular at Oktoberfest. What you braid depends mostly on your hair length.
For short hair, simple baby braids are a quick solution, a throwback to the 90s and 00s. Take two thin front sections and braid a narrow plait-done. For medium-length hair, try braided crowns around the head, boxer braids, or loose waves. Long hair looks most elegant with a side braid: brush hair to one side, braid it back, and the look is set.
Not a braiding pro? No problem. A hairband can complete your outfit in seconds, and a half-bun or messy bun also fits the traditional look. These classics work just as well in 2022 as they do in 2025-no need to chase trends here.
Men’s Trends: Vests and Hats Remain Timeless
Of course, we haven’t forgotten the guys. Here, too, less is more. Traditional Bavarian hats and matching belts with trousers and shirts are the foundation-no need to overdo it.
The Bavarian vest remains the centerpiece: traditional yet modern. Made from satin or silk, it exudes high quality. In 2022, shades of blue and gray led the way, and muted tones remain a safe choice today. The Bavarian hat is a craft in itself. Hatmakers typically work with rabbit or hare wool, and the braided cord is a must. If your outfit from 2019 no longer fits, now’s the time to visit the shop before the next season.
What to Take Away for the Next Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest 2025 ran from September 20 to October 5-16 days on the Theresienwiese. The next season will come, and the good news is: a well-chosen outfit can last for years. Opt for a base color that truly suits you instead of chasing every seasonal tone. Accessories like blouses, jewelry, and hats are an affordable way to refresh your look. If you wore sage green in 2022, you can easily reinvent your outfit in 2026 with a new blouse and a red apron. For more inspiration, check out our overview of current fashion trends and our article on why linen is making everything else look outdated.
Quick Answers
▸Which dirndl colours are in vogue right now?
In 2025 warm red tones such as cherry, burgundy and mocha red led the collections. Pastel shades like cream and blush, plus navy and taupe, remain popular. The delicate sage-green and rose tones from 2022 are still wearable, but no longer the centre of attention.
▸When is Oktoberfest taking place?
Oktoberfest 2025 ran from 20 September to 5 October – 16 days in total. Traditionally the Wiesn opens mid-to-late September on Munich’s Theresienwiese and closes in early October. The city of Munich will publish the exact dates for the coming season in due course.
▸Which hairstyle suits a dirndl best?
Braided styles are the classic choice and can be adapted to any length: baby braids for short hair, boxer braids or braided crowns for medium lengths, and a side braid for long hair. If braiding isn’t your thing, a hairband, half-bun or messy bun will do the trick.
▸Is it worth buying a new dirndl every year?
Not necessarily. A well-fitting dirndl in a flattering base colour can carry you through several seasons. Save money by refreshing your look with accessories: a new blouse, a different apron, matching jewellery or a hat.
