Trends in 2014 – 70cm dirndls: “Cover up your knees”

For years on end, whenever we heard the words “dirndl” and “trend” in one sentence, it was always about how the necklines had plunged just that bit deeper, how the skirts had gotten that bit shorter. If things kept going like this, so we thought, the logical conclusion would be little more than a belt. Thankfully, however, for makers of proper dirndls, the bungee cord seemed to kick in at 50cm mini-dirndls: this was the skirt length below which no serious dirndl-makers were willing to go – and all of those of us who wanted to get through the Oktoberfest with a shred of dignity breathed a sigh of relief.

We write “bungee cord”, and we stand by that because now lengths are starting to go up again: this season has shown that there is some elasticity, and that not only are hems again headed south, but that trends are no longer only happening in mini-dirndls. As if to prove this, one of the overarching trends for 2014 is the 70cm dirndl skirt.

Neglected for many a year, 70cm is actually a perfectly-pitched length: it’s neither too short for traditionalists nor too long for young Oktoberfest-goers, and this wonderful compromise represents a flattering shape for women of all ages.

In terms of what it looks like on the leg, a 70cm dirndl “covers up your knees” – which was always one of the things that wearers of genuine, traditional Bavarian Tracht always said it should. In fact, 70cm dirndls are wonderful because they stop just below the knees rather than at your ankles, as do the really traditional models, leaving both a little leg on show and offering a refreshing, cooling freedom during the summer months.

Now, given that 70cm is a new cut for most dirndl makers (a lot still leap from mid-length models at 60cm straight to a long 90cm!) there’s not a huge amount of choice – yet! But we foretell a long and successful future for this length of dirndl

And this year’s trends are not leaving it untouched, either: there are blue/green combinations, for example, which is a big 2014 thing, as well as strong primary-colour models in red, black , and white. If you’re looking to buy, go for our favourites Rosella, Sophia, or Suza (all to be found here).

If you want to keep showing off your legs, you can of course: but the way to do this in 2014 is with short ladies’ lederhosen. The dirndls, this year, are longer. And we say “Phew! About time…”