27 July 2025  Wiesn Style 2025: Conscious Tradition in Every StitchAs the festive spirit begins to rise ahead of the Oktoberfest season, a shift in attitude continues to reshape how people dress for the Wiesn. While the overall look of traditional clothing—dirndls, lederhosen, felt hats and embroidered blouses—hasn't changed dramatically over the years, a clear trend is visible: a deeper commitment to sustainability.In recent seasons, this shift has influenced how Tracht is produced, sourced, and styled. The Salzburg-based brand Felicitas & Hans has long provided useful insights for Oktoberfest preparations, offering guidance on how to creatively update traditional pieces. In 2024, the label shared practical tips on how to transform a dirndl with subtle styling tricks—like combining it with a tone-on-tone long-sleeved shirt instead of a short lace blouse—to keep warm and look elegant. Another tip: swap traditional leather for linen lederhosen, making the garment lighter, more breathable, and animal-friendly. Seasonal Style, No Fixed DatesWiesn festivals don't follow a single calendar. While Munich's Oktoberfest officially starts in mid to late September, regional celebrations across Austria and Bavaria begin around the same time and stretch into early or even mid-October, depending on local custom. In anticipation, Felicitas & Hans recently released their seasonal looks for 2025, focusing on the essence of materiality and heritage craftsmanship rather than flashy updates.The new collection highlights high-quality fabrics such as flannel, cotton, sheep's wool, and cashmere—chosen for their texture, warmth, and longevity. Richly detailed jacquard patterns, specially developed for the line, add visual depth, while subtle leather and velour accents lend an understated touch of luxury. According to the company, over 70% of the pieces are made from natural fibers and produced exclusively in Europe under fair and responsible conditions. One standout is the Danita dirndl, which pairs a navy blue stretch-cord bodice with a floral jacquard apron. It's a refined silhouette that feels both traditional and contemporary. On the label's webshop, detailed advice on how to style the dirndl includes a curated list of matching blouses—from minimalist to more decorative options—offering guidance for a confident and characterful appearance. Wiesn with Heart and MindIn times of rapid change, Wiesn festivities offer grounding joy. They connect communities and provide an annual moment to celebrate culture, roots, and lighthearted fun. As Felicitas & Hans state in their press release: "Tradition is not a museum exhibit—it lives on. What doesn't evolve risks becoming obsolete."This spirit of modern tradition is increasingly reflected in Wiesn tents as well, where organic chicken, vegan Weißwürste, and eco-friendly energy now find their place beside beer and brass bands. Oktoberfest, as it turns out, doesn't have to choose between sustainability and celebration. As the brand puts it: "We're glad that today's Wiesn embraces sustainability—and still remains Wiesn." Image: A man and a woman are dressed in trachten from the Felicitas & Hans Fall/Winter 2025 collection. They stand side-by-side in front of industrial shelves stocked with rolls of fabric. The man wears a traditional-style vest made from a floral-patterned jacquard fabric over a crisp white shirt, paired with embroidered lederhosen. The woman, on the right, wears the 'Danita Dirndl' from the same collection. Her outfit consists of a marine blue corduroy bodice over a classic white blouse. The dirndl apron is made from the same floral-patterned jacquard fabric as the man's vest, creating a coordinated look. Photo: © Michael Groessinger |