comes from the word "tragen" meaning "to wear." Thus, Tracht means that which one wears. In the more narrow context of a Gauverband, it means the garments that we wear to represent and preserve a particular time period in Bavarian/Tirolean history and a particular community standing.That time period is generally the mid- to late 1800s; Tracht has, however, undergone minor changes since that time.The community standing of Gebirgstracht is that of the rural folk in the mountainous regions. Guidelines required for Tracht in Vereine of Gauverband Nordamerika are detailed here: 

• Guidelines for Tracht in Vereine of Gauverband Nordamerika.

Articles and Presentations

Often our members present workshops detailing certain specific histories, best practices, and instructions of how to make Tracht. The following is a compilation of some of those efforts.

• Regions of Bavaria & Tracht Worn by Karin Dean-Kraft.  Workshop held at 2019 Gaufest in Washington, D.C.
• Die Mannerleid Tracht im Wandel der Zeit  by Hans Habereder. A presentation on the history and evolution of Tracht. 
• Tracht: What to Wear and When  by Vroni Menzinger and Karin Dean-Kraft.  A discussion of regional styles of Tracht and appropriate level of dress for every occasion.
• How to Fold and Pin a Shawl  by Vroni Menzinger. An instructional video of one way to fold a shawl.
• Measuring Women and Men for Tracht  by Vroni Menzinger. A handout showing what measurements need to be taken and explaining how to take those measurements for greatest accuracy.
• Munich Oktoberfest Trachtenzug 2022 by Karin Dean-Kraft and Michi Olk. Presentation preparing participants from Gauverband Nordamerika for the strict rules required for marching in the 2014 Münchner Trachtenzug. Updated for 2022.
• Upholding our Traditions and our Image  by Karin Dean-Kraft. An article discussing the differences between Spensergwand, Dirndls, and variations thereof.
• Individuality or Strict Uniformity?   by Karin Dean-Kraft. An article discussing where there is room for individuality in Tracht, and where not.
• Miesbacher Tracht - Spensergwand and Mieder mit dem Almakittl  by Karin Dean-Kraft. Pictures and descriptions of the two types of Tracht. 
• Dirndls Revisited   by Karin Dean-Kraft.  Article discussing  Origins of the Dirndl, differences between “stilecht” and “mode” (traditional or fashion), and wearing a hat with a dirndl.  
• Original Tracht  by Lloyd Wevang. Article about the origins of Tracht, how it is worn, use of Rautenmuster handkerchiefs. 
• Rules or Pride  by Karin Dean-Kraft.  Article about make-up, hair, jewelry and uniformity when wearing Tracht. 
• Crocheted Ties by Karin Dean-Kraft. How to make a crocheted tie.  With instructions from Barbara Mayer.
• Stoffbeutel - Drawstring Purse by Renee LaCourse, Instructions on how to make a drawstring purse to use with Tracht or Boarisch Gwand.  
• Making a Gathered Apron by Karin Dean-Kraft and Renee LaCourse. Instructions on how to make a gathered apron. 
• Variation on Gathering an Apron using a Pattern in the Gathering  by Karin Dean-Kraft.      
• Bavarian Hairstyles by Don LaCourse. Presentation on hairstyles appropriate to wear with Tracht and Dirndl. 
• Bäuerliches Stricken: Knitting Stockings & Stutzen by Hans Habereder. Published in the Nov. 2021 Gauzeitung.
• Lederhosen Presentation Powerpoint presentation by Klaus Hornell at 2023 Gaufest, Kalahari Resort, Sandusky, Ohio
  • Go to Resources/Workshop and scroll down to find the YouTube channel which has the video of the presentation. Follow along with the Powerpoint presentation above.
• Trachtenhüte by Hans Habereder -- This article was published in the February 2024 Gauzeitung but had more photos than could be printed. Here is the articles with all the beautiful photos.

Presentations of Special Exhibits at the Trachtenkulturzentrum in Holzhausen:

• Handwerkstechniken - 14 page presentation covering embroidery, knitting, crocheting, bobbin lace making, and leather punching
• Gut behütet - 38 page presentation of the hats and head coverings worn throughout Bayern
• Trachtenbewegung in Bayern - 22 page presentation covering the history of the Trachten movement in Bavaria