If you’ve been out there on the internet looking for dirndl dresses sized 20 (US: 16) and upwards, you might have come away with the impression that there are no Oktoberfest dirndls out there for these size categories. This is ridiculous when you think about the traditional nature of the dirndl, about the fact that it was once worn by women of every age and size – worn, what is more, by Bavarian women, who are not exactly famous for their waspish waists… And to add insult to injury, the dirndls that are out there in sizes 20 to 28 often feel like afterthoughts with a limited colour and style repertoire.
It’s the classic Cinderella problem in fashion: all of the attention gets focussed elsewhere, and poor old Cinders has to make do with whatever’s left. That’s why so many plus-size dirndls have the same tired floral patterns and colours year in, year out and are always, always ankle-length: the mistaken assumption is that only older women need larger sizes, and that older women don’t like bright colours or playful design. We’re pretty sure that women who take sizes 20 to 28 would like as much choice as everyone else.
Which is why we have put our money where our mouth is and are offering a nine-piece Dirrndl PLUS SIZE collection with a full range of colours and styles: shorter 60cm dirndls in bright, trendy shades such as turquoise are balanced with traditional models featuring floral patterns; there are also longer, more formal 70cm dresses featuring shimmering fabrics and lots of premium design details.
Take Agnes, for example, a fantastic all-rounder with apricot and nude tones. With its contemporary, yet traditional rose patterning and its smoky-pink apron with a sheen finish, it’s a party eye-catcher that works as well at a beer garden table as in a restaurant. What is more, it’s a full three-piece outfit dispatched with blouse and apron.
Gelia is another plus-size dirndl in apricot, its pink ribbons and cords contrasted by a deep, dark royal blue background. With its floral pattern, the apron is a stand-out addition to this contemporary, but by no mean lightweight or throwaway dress: in Bavaria, this is the kind of dirndl that some girls might even wear to the office.
Ladies who need a plus-size dirndl for more formal occasions will love our collection, too: the three-piece 70cm Lelia model in berry and silver features sophisticated, understated jacquard-style fabric set off by a shimmering silver apron which is as glamorous as it is classy. The two-tone ribbon lacing at the front of the dress underscores the colour contrast and ties the who ensemble together in a low-key but effective way.
So if you’re wondering where all the hearty Bavarian lasses come to get their dirndls, wonder no more: Cinderalla, you shall go to the ball!
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