Traditional Austrian costumes like the Dirndl and Lederhosen are experiencing a resurgence in popularity in the country, especially among young people.
In Austria, traditional costumes are more popular than ever. These clothes, which the Austrians call “Tracht”, are widely worn in the country, including by young people. The Dirndl, an alpine dress for women, and the Lederhosen, skin breeches for men, are particularly popular. This can be seen during the Gauder Fest, the largest Tracht festival in the country which takes place every year in May in Tyrol, this region in the west of the country in the heart of the Alps, and which is famous for its grand parade of traditional costumes.
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Among the visitors, many young people who proudly wear these costumes, like Georg and his friend Valentina. “It’s related to our homeland :pWearing a suit gives us a feeling of belonging and makes us proud… And then, it’s modern!”says the young man while his friend adds: “As you can see, the costumes are different from each other. We wear them whenever there is a festive occasion.” Proof of this popularity: the Gauder Fest attracts up to 30,000 visitors each year.
A very political costume for a long time
The Tracht has a long history behind it. Initially, it was linked to the peasant world, but it gradually spread to other areas. Its history has almost always been political, according to folklorist Elsbeth Wallnöfer.
She claims that the Tracht played an essential role especially during the Second World War under National Socialism. “As the regime evolved into an increasingly anti-Jewish and racist system, traditional dress became purely a political toolanalyzes the researcher. The National Socialists wanted to play politics with it, because they knew that by taking an interest in traditional costumes, they would be in tune with the population.”
If Dirndl and Lederhosen are claimed today by conservative circles, far right in the lead, very many Austrians wear them without any political ulterior motive. It must be said that they have become, in recent years, real fashion objects. There are a plethora of shops where you can find them in Austria, the quality and price varies according to the brands, from around fifty to more than 500 euros. A fashion that is now exported beyond the borders of the German-speaking world, thanks to social networks.