Lederhosen, which literally means “leather trousers” in German, is a unique traditional garb for the people of Munich and visitors worldwide. These knee-length leather breeches have origins dating back almost 300 years. They were initially worn by working-class men during the 18th century for hard physical labor. However, Lederhosen has now transformed into a traditional costume.
Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival held annually in Munich, Germany, significantly boosts the popularity and sales of Lederhosen. It’s estimated that approximately 75% of attendees wear traditional clothing, especially Lederhosen.
For the visitors of Oktoberfest, it is essential to understand how to wear Lederhosen in the right way. Getting it wrong by going against the established customs can cause public embarrassment and ruin your Oktoberfest experience.
So let’s look at some of the do’s and don’ts when it comes to the Bavarian Lederhosen.
HOW TO WEAR LEDERHOSEN- WHAT TO DO
Embracing the rich heritage of Bavarian tradition through Lederhosen requires attention to detail and a commitment to authenticity. Not only you need to choose an authentic Lederhosen, but also need to consider how to wear it properly. Furthermore, you must be careful when choosing what shirt to wear with Lederhosen, which shoes are best for Lederhosen, which Lederhosen shirt color will look great, and so on.
DO WEAR GOOD QUALITY AUTHENTIC LEDERHOSEN
The most important thing is to wear authentic Lederhosen since wearing poor quality Lederhosen can offend the locals of Munich. The best quality Lederhosen is sold in the Alpine region of Munich however, online stores such as the Lederhosen Store offer some of the best sale on Lederhosen online. You must ensure your outfit is made of genuine goat suede, deerskin, or cowhide leather. The better the leather quality, the more comfortable the Lederhosen will be and the better it will look.
ACCESSORIES TO COMPLETE LEDERHOSEN OUTFIT
The complete German Lederhosen outfit comprises traditional accessories such as the classic Bavarian shirt, shoes, and hat. Investing in high-quality accessories is crucial, as the right choices in these elements enhance the overall elegance and authenticity of the Lederhosen outfit. Consider wearing knee-high boots, loafers, or Haferl shoes to enjoy an authentic appearance. Making compatible choices according to Bavarian traditions increases the style and class of your Lederhosen costume.
CHOOSE TRADITIONAL LEDERHOSEN COLORS
Lederhosen is made from genuine leather that comes from cowhide or deerskin. As such, the best colors for Lederhosen are the natural hide colors of the animal. So brown, tan, black, and grey are the traditional colors for men’s Lederhosen, and these are the colors you should opt for when purchasing this Bavarian outfit.
WHAT NOT TO DO
Oktoberfest is inherently a Bavarian celebration, and nothing symbolizes that better than the Lederhosen. Since its creation, the Lederhosen have been closely associated with Bavarian culture. They were adapted to the Bavarian style with the addition of a front drop flap, and this style was so iconic that the French dubbed it “a la bavaroise,” meaning the “Bavarian style.” Wearing authentic Lederhosen to Oktoberfest today shows your understanding and respect for the Bavarian culture, which the locals of Munich much appreciate. After all, it is customary to show appreciation for all local traditions when you visit Oktoberfest as a tourist.
DON’T WEAR BRIGHT COLORED LEDERHOSEN
Like brown and black shaded Lederhosen, which are considered the most appealing, bright-colored Lederhosen is considered odd. That is why you should avoid wearing red, blue, purple, or any other bright color Lederhosen, as it will attract strange looks from the Munich locals.
DON’T WEAR T-SHIRTS UNDER TRADITIONAL LEDERHOSEN
Traditional Lederhosen has always been somewhat formal attire. So, you should choose a button-down long-sleeve shirt to wear with Lederhosen to complete the look. The worst thing you can do is wear a casual T-shirt under these leather breeches. It makes the costume look less appealing and will make you stand out, but not in a good way. Try to wear a white button-down shirt for the best Lederhosen look.
DON’T WEAR CASUAL FOOTWEAR UNDER LEDERHOSEN
Lederhosen shoes made of suede leather are the best fit and finish your Lederhosen outfit. These give a sharp look and tie the whole outfit together. However, wearing casual footwear like slippers, sneakers, or joggers is strongly advised since these ruin the look of the Lederhosen. The traditional attire has a classical look that should not be tampered with, and wearing casual footwear under Lederhosen does just that.
For a complete Lederhosen outfit, knee-high wool Oktoberfest socks are a must. They keep your legs warm and complete the traditional Bavarian look. Match the color of your socks to your Lederhosen for a coordinated style.
