How to Send the Wrong Message at Oktoberfest (Without Even Realising It)

🎀 The Outfit Mistake You Didn’t Know You Were Making 🎀

So, you’ve got your Oktoberfest outfit sorted. Steins are ready, pretzels in hand, and you’re looking the part. But wait—there’s one tiny detail that could completely derail your night: where you tie your apron bow.

Yes, you read that right. That innocent little bow isn’t just decoration—it’s a full-blown relationship status update. Tie it wrong and you might find yourself getting way more (or less) attention than you bargained for.

The Secret Code of the Oktoberfest Bow

Here’s the quick-and-dirty guide that locals know and tourists usually learn the awkward way:

• Left side → Single 💃 and ready to mingle 
• Right side → Taken 💍. Back off, boys and girls.
• Centre front → Traditionally meant for the “innocent” or “young” 🚸 (so under 18? Steer clear of this one!).
• At the back → Widowed 🖤… or sometimes just working as a server 🍺, so may want to skip this option too!

Get it wrong, and you could be signalling the complete opposite of what you want.

Real Talk: Why This Matters

Imagine spending your night fending off flirty strangers because your bow says single when you’re not. Or worse—wondering why no one is chatting to you, only to discover your bow has been screaming taken all night long.

This isn’t just an old wives’ tale either. The bow tradition comes straight out of Bavaria, where apron-tying once had practical roots (tying on the right kept aprons clean if your husband walked on your left). Over time it turned into Oktoberfest’s cheekiest bit of body language.

Final Word

Oktoberfest is all about fun, beer, and a bit of harmless flirting. So don’t let your bow betray you. Whether you’re keen to meet new people or just there for the pretzels, make sure your outfit is saying what you want it to say.

Because at Oktoberfest, the difference between “cheers!” and “please stop hitting on me” could be nothing more than a bow tied on the wrong side.