The dirndl consists of a bodice, blouse, full skirt and apron. While appearing to be simple and plain, a properly-made, modern dirndl may be quite expensive.

The winter style dirndl has heavy, warm skirts and aprons made of thick cotton, linen, velvet or wool, and long sleeves. The colors are usually rich and dark. The summer style is lighter and more frivolous, has short sleeves, and is often made of lightweight cotton, silk or satin.

Did you know: The placement of the knot on the apron is sometimes an indicator of the woman's marital status. A knot tied on the woman's left side indicates she is single, a knot tied on the right means she is married, engaged or otherwise "taken", the knot front and center is for young girls, and a knot tied in back means the woman is widowed.