Bavarian winter clothing: jackets and overcoats

So the mercury’s dropping by the minute, and we’re on the case with another episode in our mini-series about Bavarian winter clothing. Now, if you still thought that Bavarian costume was just about the Oktoberfest and that all there was to hand in case of rain was a tourist’s poncho, then think again! What the Bavarians call “Tracht” – i.e. traditional dress – is ideal for the colder part of the year.

We’ve already taken a look at warming knitwear and full-length dirndls & lederhosen, and so this week we thought we’d show you what Bavarians wear on top: leather jackets and overcoats.

This is one of the areas in which it pays to be a guy: there’s a whole range of strong, masculine leather jackets made of that same rough leather that your lederhosen are constructed of; so not only will a proper Bavarian overcoat suit your leather breeches, it will also go nicely with jeans. One of our favourites is a model called Xaver available from our favourite Bavarian fashion brand, or there’s also Hochfelln. This last one really is a supreme piece of tailoring, with striking light leather detail that gives this elegant, straight-cut jacket a clear form and makes it a real eyecatcher.

For the girls, there’s less choice in specifically Bavarian jackets, which might be down to the fact that the ladies over there really do like their snuggly knitted wear. We have seen a brilliant leather jacket called Bria, though, made of all-natural dark brown leather. It’s a stunner, so if you see it, go for it: you’ll recognise it’s tailored cut, flowery embroidery, and its robust, heavy material.

If you girls do need more variety, though, what really looks great with a dirndl or another item of winter Bavarian fashion is a cape. Sound crazy? Well capes are really of the moment right now, and are pretty easy to stitch yourself if you need something to do during these long cold evenings. If you don’t, then be on the look-out for classic felt models.

And there you go: that’s us almost done. But we’ve been saving some of the most important stuff till last, so be sure to stop by next week and read up on Bavarian winter footwear. Because if there’s one place where they know about how to deal with snow, it’s the Bavarian Alps…