The Traditional Austrian Costume

Tracht is a traditional national costume in German-speaking countries.

Lederhosen (German for leather breeches) are breeches made of leather. Formerly, lederhosen were worn for hard physical work as they were more durable than a fabric garment and easier to clean. Today, they are mostly worn as leisure wear.

The popularity of lederhosen in Bavaria dropped in the 19th century, when they began to be considered as uncultured peasants' clothing. In the 1880s several clubs were founded in Munich and other large cities devoted to preserving traditional rural clothing styles. The conception of lederhosen as a Bavarian garment that is worn at festive occasions rather than at work originates from this time.

Lederhosen were also worn by Austrian boys from the 1930s to the 1970s. Today they are worn on special occasions. Girls wear the Dirndl, which is part of Austrian Tracht.

A dirndl is a type of traditional dress, based on the historical costume of Alpine peasants.

Dresses that are loosely based on the dirndl are known as Landhausmode.

The dirndl consists of a bodice, blouse, full skirt and apron.

The dirndl originated as the uniform of Austrian servants in the 19th century (Dirndlgewand means "maid's dress"). Originally each village had its own style. The Austrian upper classes adopted the dirndl as high fashion in the 1870s. Today dirndls vary from simple styles to very expensive models.

The dirndl is mostly worn in Austria and Bavaria. It is often used as an everyday dress by older women in villages. Younger women wear it during traditional events. The dirndl is often seen on women working in the tourism business, and waitresses in restaurants.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracht

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirndl

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lederhosen