Traditional costume clubs have strict rules about what their members wear and what they look like. A hairstyle dispute in the Traunstein district has sparked a debate about traditional costumes.
Long hair is not welcome on men: points are deducted for this at the traditional costume show at the Gaufest and at the Preisplatteln. The same applies, for example, to visible tattoos or piercings. For many traditional costumers, the rules mean a balancing act between their own individuality and tradition, says Nikolaus Rumlacher, also the director of the Miesbach traditional costume club in Bavarian punk rock band “Bieramiden’s” The two are not mutually exclusive, he says. He fears that if the rules are too strict, they could deter potential new members from joining the clubs. He says: “You also have to move with the times and be open to new things.” After all, there have always been changes, including in traditional clothing, says the master bag maker.