A history of Bayern Munich's Oktoberfest kits
When you think of Munich, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? While Bayern would be a very popular answer, some would suggest Oktoberfest, as the famous beer festival is almost just as well-known around the world.
Founded in 1900, the Bavarians are one of Germany’s oldest active football clubs, but Oktoberfest, or the Wiesn as it is known to locals, had already been around for 90 years by that point. Either way, the two are steeped in history and are important cultural institutions in the city.
As such, Bayern have occasionally used the one-of-a-kind three-week party as inspiration for their playing shirts, and team visits are an annual highlight for players and fans alike. Here, we take you through a history of their sartorial designs.
2013/14
Unlike later editions, this one was not officially released for Oktoberfest, nor was it a one-off. However, there is no doubting that the 2013/14 away kit celebrated Bavaria in all its lederhosen glory.
Bayern’s official website stated that, “Like typical lederhosen, the shorts are brown and the white jersey completes the characteristic, traditional Bavarian look”. The club shop even offered a jacket and hat to complete the look.
That campaign, Pep Guardiola’s men usually looked good whatever they wore as they finished 19 points clear at the top of Bundesliga and therefore strolled to the title – the kind of success that deserves a cold Paulaner.
2021/22
Eight seasons later, Bayern released an official Oktoberfest kit for the very first time, albeit during a year that the festival itself was cancelled due to COVID-19. On this occasion, it comprised of a green shirt and socks plus black shorts, with the former emblazoned with the traditional Edelweiss flower both underneath the club crest and on the back of the neck.
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The shirt, which celebrates the city’s “rich heritage with a look inspired by traditional Bavarian attire” according to manufacturer Adidas, only saw the light of day in one official match. However, it was most certainly a special one, as Bayern hammered Bochum 7-0 at the Allianz Arena.
2022/23
Such was the popularity of 2021’s effort, adidas repeated the trick 12 months later. Relaxing coronavirus restrictions meant that the Volksfest returned and, to celebrate, a new, special Bayern shirt was released.
This time, the colour scheme was dark red, all the gold embroidery of the logo, the accents on the sleeves, the three stripes on the shoulders and the sponsors were all included, as was the Edelweiss, all of which creates “a link to classic Bavarian clothing”.
Much like against Bochum, the shirt proved to be a good luck charm against Bayer Leverkusen as Julian Nagelsmann outfit strolled to a 4-0 victory.
2023/24
If you noticed something fresh about the 2023 Oktoberfest kit, that might be because the lime green was designed to reflect the meadows that the festival is associated with. Mountain flowers were also sketched over the jersey.
Thomas Tuchel was the man in the dugout this time as Bayern wore the delightful number in a thrilling 2-2 draw with Bayer Leverkusen.
There was even more cheer the following week - as fresh strike signing Harry Kane ensured he had plenty to cheer during Oktoberfest with a brilliant hat-trick in a 7-0 win over Bochum.
2024/25
Bayern turned to grey for the 2024 edition of the jersey, which featured some fascinating novelties in the form of the club's very own Oktoberfest emblem and a wider collection of clothing for fans or the fashion-conscious to wear either at the stadium or the famous festival.
Tradition is an emphasis of the Oktoberfest kit, and there is one particular tradition Bayern might have in mind when they wear the kit against champions Leverkusen on 28 September - reclaiming the Bundesliga crown that was theirs for 11 consecutive years until they were dislodged by Xabi Alonso's men last season.
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