Getting to the Bottom of Things: All About the Undies!

Underneath every great dirndl is a great set of underwear. Sometimes the perfect bra can make or break your Oktoberfest look. So lets start at the top and work our way down, finding out which undergarments work best for your dirndl and what to avoid.

#1 Gotta have a great bra!
There are so many different types of bras out there... probably to go along with all types of boobs! I find the key to giving yourself a great dirndl body using undergarments starts with the right bra. I have small ones, so I use the Victoria's Secret Bombshell push-up and I love it! It really makes my dirndls fit so much better and creates the illusion of an even smaller waist. If you have big boobs, my friends use the Body by Victoria's Secret Demi Bra. "My bra has natural support, no extra padding or push-up... it lifts them up without pushing them all out and in your face!" Now don't think your bra has to be from Victoria's Secret, the key is giving your bust a nice shape, fits well, and puts the ladies where they are supposed to be.

Whether you have big tatas or you are a member of the itty bitty titty committee, my number one advice is a NUDE bra! One of the biggest bra mistakes that I see women make is wearing a bright color or a print. It's the easiest way to find yourself looking silly when your bra color shows through your blouse. Sometimes, even with a black blouse you can run into trouble. So if your going to spend the money on a dirndl bra, go nude! You won't regret it!

#2 Nice fitting underoos!

Everyone has their panty preferences, but with a dirndl I have 2 suggestions depending on your dirndl activities. For those who are going to be primarily dancing, go with cotton! No one wants super swamp ass while your polkaing. For those who are primarily drinking beers, eating German food and enjoying company, go for some shapewear. With a shaping underwear you can enjoy more of the decadent German items like a nice Hefeweizen and Schweinshaxen without worrying about your dirndl shrinking ;) Something like the Spanx Undie-tectable Panty is a great choice!

Either way... you may also want to consider some bloomers! The Rare Satin Bloomers, super cute, sexy little shorts that will allow you to really dance and spin on the dance floor without any unwanted wardrobe malfunction.

Satin Bloomers

#3 Tights and Tanks

Although you may not always need a pair of tights or an undershirt, sometimes they can be very important. Tights can add a personal spin on a traditional dirndl or a great way to stay warm if you know that its going to be a bit chilly at the Oktoberfest. Control top tights can also give you even more slimming shape if thats something your looking for. Speaking of chilly... a simple way to give yourself more layers without changing the look of your dirndl is to wear a tight tank top. My new favorite is the nude BKE Super Long Strappy Tank Top. Its a tight slimming tank that doesn't interfere with your blouse neckline. I love it and it's what the model wore in the In Bloom Dirndl Video!

Those are my 3 tips for what goes under your perfect dirndl! Did I miss something? Comment below about your favorite undergarment brands, styles, shapes etc. I'd LOVE to hear what you have to say about what you wear under your dirndl.

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The Most Versatile Dirndl Ever!

I've been waiting for so long to finally introduce one of my new favorite dirndls. The In Bloom Dirndl is a completely new way of thinking about a dirndl. Its lace skirt without a lining may be shocking at first... but not when you think about all the possibilities that it allows for! With so many skirt, blouse, and apron colors available, you can mix and match until the end of time! Take belts from your closet, use those cute black leggings, or bust out one of mom's blouses for a little vintage flair. I've gotten so much use out of this dirndl and the summer isn't even here yet!

Confused? Don't worry! Check out the video to see how this dirndl works... and it only shows a handful of the endless possibilities the In Bloom Dirndl has.

All the choices may be overwhelming at first, but start small and expand. Start with one color group and go from there. Don't see your favorite color? E-mail and ask about a custom color group!

Aprons

Off-the-Shoulder Blouse

Semi-circle Skirts

Still have questions about the In Bloom Dirndl? Feel free to shoot me an e-mail or give me a call!

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In the Details: Piping

Dirndls have some details that are different from your everyday sundress, like piping. Many dirndls utilize piping as a subtle detail that adds a pop of color or an elegant touch. I create all my own piping in order to make each pieces unique and cohesive. The colors can match perfectly and brings the whole look together. Here's how it's made!

First I start with the fabric. I use scraps to save on fabric and create less waste. Piping must be cut on the bias, at a 45° angle. Using my ruler and rotary cutter to cut the fabric into strips.

 


The next step is to sew all the strips together on the straight grain. Sewing the strips on the grain (so another 45° angle) makes it less bulky and the seam a little less noticeable.

I take the extra time to press open every seam to ensure it looks clean and perfect. 

Finally, I run it though the machine placing a bit of yarn in the center.

 And thats it! Piping finished!

Although the process is rather simple, it is very time consuming. I make all my own, because buying it is a tricky thing. You can buy piping at your local fabric store. It comes in small packets, in a variety of popular colors. However, like I mentioned before, I like my piping to match perfectly to the rest of the dirndl. To buy custom piping you need to buy at least 500 yards and since it takes a maximum of 3 yards per dirndl, 500 is a bit much for me. So I make it myself. Its tedious and sometimes boring, but it makes the finished product that much more... Rare!


This dirndl is a great example of how piping can add a subtle detail, create a cohesive look and add a pop of color.

Cheshire Cat Dirndl

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More from Munich!

At the Münchener Trachtentage earlier this month, I met many amazing designers and I'm very excited to share 2 designers stories with you. To see the full list of exhibitors simply click here!

Lina Schiller - Dekadenza

This Munich based company specializes in glamourous and high fashion trachten hats. Adding fresh and luxurious details to a very traditional dirndl accessory makes these hats one of a kind. Designer, Lina Schiller, uses modern feathers, bright colors, and vintage style charms to create the Dekadenza signature looks. My favorite is the "Beauty Queen" and I can't wait for the next event so I can wear mine!

Eveline Stoesser - D'Urban Dirndl

I first met Eveline Stroesser when she so kindly let me borrow her iron and ironing board at the Trachtentage, but I've known about D'Urban Dirndl for years. I love, love, love African prints and her designs incorporate traditional Bavarian dirndl silhouettes with bright, bold and unique African prints. She brings a one-of-a-kind style to the German dirndl market and the craftsmanship is impeccable. I tried on one of her pieces and I wish I could have taken it home with me. Maybe one day I'll get to have my own D'Urban Dirndl.

Nadine Batista Santos - Dirndl Magazine

For everything you would want to know about dirndls, grab up your copy of Dirndl Magazine! Editor Nadine Batista Santos and I have only talked via e-mail over the past 2 years, so finally meeting her was very exciting. Also very exciting was discovering that she featured Rare Dirndl in the Exhibitor Catalog! I am so honored to have my work featured in the special edition of Dirndl Magazine and look forward to continue working with her!

Would you rather have this kind of info delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for the Rare Dirndl e-mail on the website. You'll even get to take the Free Quiz "Which Dirndl Style Are You?" www.erikaneumayer.com

Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? 
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