Tracht
Which apron suits which Dirndl?
The right apron complements the Dirndl in colour, pattern and fabric. It should be shorter than the skirt and sit comfortably at the waist. A cotton apron can give the Gwand a casual character, while silk or a finely shimmering satin emphasises the festive effect.
At Gössl you buy the apron deliberately separately from the Dirndl. In this way you decide for yourself how you wish to combine your Gwand – and you can make that decision anew on every occasion.
Why are Dirndl and apron sold separately at Gössl?
A Dirndl can accompany many different occasions. That is why, at Gössl, the apron is not a fixed part of a single combination.
Our Dirndl follows a modular principle: you choose the Dirndl, add the matching apron and tune blouse, jacket and further companions to it. The result is a Gwand that suits your taste and the particular occasion.
With a plain cotton apron the same Dirndl has a different effect than with an apron of dupioni silk. For us this freedom is part of the pleasure of combining – and of the long use of a good Dirndl.
What colour should the Dirndl apron be?
A good starting point is to take up a shade from the Dirndl. With a patterned model this can be a small colour from the weave that comes out more strongly through the apron.
The apron does not, however, have to be exactly the same colour as the bodice or the skirt. A lighter or darker gradation can be just as beautiful as a deliberately chosen contrast.
Consider the combination in daylight if possible and together with the blouse you intend to wear. The sheen of the fabric also changes the effect of the colour: the same shade appears different on cotton than on silk.
Plain or patterned: which apron suits better?
A plain apron brings calm to the combination. It is particularly suitable when the Dirndl already carries a distinct pattern or elaborate decoration.
A plain Dirndl, by contrast, offers plenty of room for a printed or woven-patterned apron. It can become the focal point and give the whole Gwand a new direction.
Patterns can also be combined with one another. Pay attention to a shared colouring and to how large or fine the respective patterns are. You can best judge the interplay on the Dirndl once it is on.
Which natural fabrics does Gössl use for Dirndl aprons?
For its Dirndl aprons Gössl relies on natural fabrics. These include cotton in plain and printed versions, dupioni silk, silk organza, Anna Plochl satin and cotton jacquard.
Each of these fabrics brings its own surface and its own drape. That is why colour alone does not decide which apron suits your Dirndl.
| Fabric | Character | Possible effect on the Dirndl |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton, plain or printed | Calm or lively, depending on the weave and the design. | Particularly versatile for summery and casual combinations. |
| Dupioni silk | Lively, sculptural structure with characteristic irregularities. | Festive, with palpable depth in the surface. |
| Silk organza | Fine, transparent and with a little body. | Light and festive; the fabric beneath remains part of the effect. |
| Anna Plochl satin | Smooth cotton surface with a fine shimmer. | Well-groomed and festive, even in a restrained design. |
| Cotton jacquard | The pattern arises in the weaving. | Discreet or expressive, depending on the pattern. |
Why does Gössl particularly value dupioni silk?
For silk aprons we reach especially gladly for dupioni silk. Its appeal lies in its tangible structure, which appears three-dimensional. Small thickenings and irregularities give the surface life.
This structure makes the apron interesting even when it is plain. With the light and with movement its effect changes; folds and bow gain an expression of their own.
A dupioni silk apron is therefore particularly suitable for combining a familiar Dirndl in a more festive way. It contributes its character through the fabric, without needing a conspicuous pattern to do so.
What distinguishes Anna Plochl satin from silk?
Satin describes a weave and is not automatically silk. Gössl's Anna Plochl satin is made of cotton. Its smooth, softly appearing surface has a fine shimmer that goes well with festive combinations. One example is our apron in Anna Plochl satin.
Anyone looking for a shimmering apron can therefore compare different natural fabrics. Anna Plochl satin has a different effect than the textured dupioni silk or the transparent silk organza.
How long should a Dirndl apron be?
At Gössl we recommend wearing the apron about two finger-widths shorter than the Dirndl skirt. The hem of the skirt thus remains visible and forms a clear finish beneath the apron.
Check the distance on the Dirndl once it is on. Tie the apron at the intended place on the waist and make sure that it hangs straight. Only then can the length be sensibly judged.
If your Dirndl skirt has been shortened or lengthened, the apron length should be adjusted accordingly. What matters is the relation of the two hems to one another.
On which side is the Dirndl bow tied?
A widespread reading has developed for the side of the bow, which is also described in our online shop. Left and right always refer to the wearer's own view.
| Position of the bow | Widespread meaning |
|---|---|
| Left | The wearer is not spoken for. |
| Right | The wearer is spoken for or married. |
| At the front in the middle | Traditionally read as a sign of virginity. |
| At the back | In the reading described by Gössl, associated with widowhood. |
These attributions are to be understood as custom and can differ from region to region. They are not reliable information about a woman's personal situation. You will find more on this in the section on the meaning of the bow with our Dirndl aprons.
How do you tie the apron beautifully?
Lay the apron waistband smoothly against the waist and take the ribbons around the body with as few twists as possible. The apron should sit securely without cutting in uncomfortably.
Tie the bow on the desired side and then arrange the loops and ribbon ends. How large the bow appears depends on the width, length and fabric of the ribbons.
Make sure that the apron lies centrally in front of the skirt and is not pulled up to one side while tying. At the end, check the distance to the skirt hem once more.
How does a different apron change the Dirndl?
The apron covers a large part of the skirt and therefore influences the effect of the whole Dirndl. A change can bring out a new colour, let a pattern appear calmer or heighten the festive character.
| Desired effect | Possible choice |
|---|---|
| Casual and summery | A plain or printed cotton apron. |
| Calm and tuned | A plain apron that takes up a shade of the Dirndl. |
| Festive and textured | An apron of dupioni silk. |
| Light and transparent | An apron of silk organza. |
| Finely shimmering | An apron of Anna Plochl satin. |
| With a new pattern accent | A printed cotton apron or a cotton jacquard. |
The blouse also contributes to the change. So try several aprons and blouses with the same Dirndl from time to time.
Can an older Dirndl be combined with a new apron?
That is precisely what the Gössl modular principle is intended for. An apron from the current season can give a Dirndl worn for many years an entirely new effect.
Perhaps the new colour brings out a shade in the pattern that has received little attention so far. Perhaps a silk apron turns the casually worn Dirndl into a festive Gwand. The familiar Dirndl remains the foundation and is at the same time newly discovered.
Do bring your Dirndl along to a Gössl store. Together we can try current aprons with it and tune colours, fabrics and length to one another.
Combining Dirndl and apron online
With the Gössl Gwand configurator you can view different combinations and compare how a different apron changes the effect of a selected Dirndl.
For an older model that is no longer available in the configurator, trying it on in person in the store is advisable. There the new apron can be judged directly on your own Dirndl.
Frequent questions about the Dirndl apron
Is the apron included in the price of the Gössl Dirndl?
At Gössl, Dirndl and apron are bought separately. In this way you can choose the combination yourself and wear your Dirndl with different aprons.
Does an apron have to be the same colour as the Dirndl?
No. It can take up a shade of the Dirndl, add a gradation or set a deliberate contrast. What matters is how Dirndl, apron and blouse work together.
Which apron makes a Dirndl more festive?
Dupioni silk, silk organza or Anna Plochl satin can emphasise the festive effect. The right choice depends on the Dirndl and on the overall impression you wish for.
May the apron be longer than the Dirndl skirt?
According to our recommendation it ends about two finger-widths above the skirt hem. It should therefore not extend beyond the finish of the skirt.
Can I wear a current Gössl apron with an older Dirndl?
Yes. Combining across several seasons is part of the Gössl modular principle. Make sure that colour, fabric and length suit the Dirndl you have.
Discover your Dirndl anew
Sometimes a different apron is enough to turn a familiar Dirndl into a surprisingly new Gwand.
Discover the Gössl Dirndl aprons in the online shop or bring your favourite Dirndl along to one of our stores. We will gladly show you how versatilely it can be combined – from casual to festive.
From those who can, for those who know.
