Unique—the influence of fashion and personal preference

It may be that the costume cuts were more or less fixed, but elements of the fashions of the time, albeit with slight alterations and a slight time lag, found their way onto costumes all the same. The so-called "shaped gown" (Gestaltkittel) is modeled on late 19th century urban fashion and adopted the high collar. Because the Gestaltkittel had lots of buttons to close and was cumbersome to put on as a result, it only lasted 20 years as a costume.

As miniskirts conquered the world in the 1960s, the hem of costume skirts went up a notch. But slender women like Twiggy were seen as being too physically weak for hard agricultural work. Therefore, despite the shorter skirt length, the wide silhouette with several overlaying skirts remained.

Do costumes always have to have small flowers on? A whole host of costume garments with wild patterns contradict this stereotype. People were free to choose, and chose what was available and what they liked. This included synthetic material as well as graphic patterns.

Wide hips not only promised strength for peasant work, but also fertility. Several petticoats helped a little with the desired look. Today's beauty standards dictate that waists should be slim, meaning that petticoats have gradually become a thing of the past. In costume night courses, wearable models are produced that are suitable for all occasions, such as the costume of the Franconian Switzerland Society.

Today, innovative costume makers are breathing new life into Franconian costume. The bodice, skirt and apron still have the traditional shapes, but the restrictions on fabrics, embroidery and accessories no longer apply. The whole piece is often combined with modern elements. Costume wearers wear what they like and what expresses their personality.