We probably don’t need to explain that a pair of leaderhosen is more than just trousers made out of leather: there are, after all, plenty of trousers made of leather which do not look a bit like Bavarian leather breeches – and aren’t meant to. Bikers’ leathers, for example, are made of smooth black hide and cover the whole leg, designed as they are for riding motorbikes. For some reason we’ve never quite got our heads round, they don’t feature any floral stitching like traditional lederhosen…
Then there are the leather trousers which are supposed to look like genuine lederhosen, but show a flagrant ignorance of traditional Bavarian design. Some of the worst ones sold around the Oktoberfest as “Bavarian lederhosen”, but are made of material that Bavarians wouldn’t even clean windows with: imitation leather, low-grade goatskin of such bad quality that traditional manufacturers turn it down, andpoorly-treated cowhide (not even proper nappa leather!). So if you’re ever in doubt, just remember this simple maxim: genuine Bavarian lederhosen are always – without exception – made using professionally prepared goatskin or deerskin leather. Nothing else. Nada.
Knee-length lederhosen in goatskin leather
Knee-length lederhosen in premium red deer leather
For a first pair of lederhosen, we recommend goatskin models. Authentic and hard-wearing, goatskin is the genuine article but comes in at a reasonable price. Deerskin leather, gained from the hides of red deer, is the premium material: soft and yet robust, both comfortable and strong, it offers beautiful natural graining. This is why the “lederhosen for life” – i.e. what you see Bavarians proudly displaying at the Oktoberfest – is almost always a deerskin pair.
There are several good stockists who offer a choice between good-value goatskin- and some of the choicier deerskin lederhosen. We would recommend using one of these to get a goat leather “trial version” that really looks, feels, and plays the part – that way, you get to try out the real thing at an attractive price and, if you grow attached to these new leather breeches, will be able to wear them for years to come.
A close-up shot of deerskin leather revealing the subtle grain and variety of colour shades
If, however, you enjoy lederhosen so much that you want to go premium, you can upgrade to deerskin. While this is a lifetime investment in a similar way as an expensive shearling coat is bought once and for all, you will probably never wear anything as comfortable ever again.
You might be interested in the detail of how good deerskin leather is processed: if so, opt for brands like Krüger or above all Stockerpoint, one of the very few manufacturers of traditional lederhosen who stick to the age-old buffing and tanning methods as they are applied in neighbouring Austria; this 100% natural approach has been almost completely forgotten outside of the hertiage clothing industry, and as such, if you buy deerskin processed in this way, you are also supporting something of a dying art. And besides the cultural importance of the techniques, acquiring this kind of lederhosen is a decision for sustainability, both thanks to the laws on hunting and wildlife protection for deer in Austria and, of course, because genuine deerskin lederhosen is one you only ever need to buy once.
FAQs
Lederhosen are short or knee-length breeches made of leather. Traditional lederhosen are hand made of tanned deer leather which makes the pants soft and light but very tearproof. All variations usually consist of two side pockets, one hip pocket, one knife pocket, and a codpiece (drop front).
What to look for in authentic lederhosen? ›
Authentic lederhosen is crafted from high-quality, genuine leather. Check the material; it should feel supple and have a distinct leather scent. Genuine lederhosen features precise and intricate stitching. Inspect the seams, buttons, and embroidery for quality.
Are lederhosen leather or suede? ›
Suede Leather Lederhosen are made from thick and sturdy cow leather,have become all the rage for its ease of use and durability. It's exceptionally soft and comfortable and yet still provides that robustness and manly feel that a traditional Lederhosen has.
What is the difference between goat and deer lederhosen? ›
Chamois tanned goat lederhosen are a cheap alternative to the classic deerskin lederhosen. The latter clearly are the gems beneath the lederhosen. Deerskin is always subjected to the chamois tannin process and is, thus, likely the finest material of traditional costume fashion.
How do you clean leather lederhosen? ›
– Start by hand brushing/dusting dirt particles and grime off your garment, then switch to a clean damp cloth. – Never put soap or any other cleanser on your Lederhosen. Such chemicals can take away the natural oils in the leather that are essential to preserving the Lederhosen.
Why are lederhosen so expensive? ›
Why is Lederhosen so expensive? You already have the answer: sturdy leather construction, intricate embroidery, and high demand. The primary material used for Lederhosen is leather, commonly cowhide, deerskin, and goat suede, which are costly.
Should lederhosen be tight or loose? ›
A pair of lederhosen fits perfectly when it is tight, but doesn't pinch anywhere. To make sure you get this flush fit, you need to know your exact measurements – both waist and hips, at their widest point.
What socks and shoes to wear with lederhosen? ›
Lederhosen socks are typically worn with traditional Bavarian shoes, such as Haferl shoes or Tracht shoes. These shoes have a sturdy construction and are made from high-quality materials such as leather.
Do you wear anything under lederhosen? ›
Worn with a linen or cotton shirt, woolly socks, and sturdy shoes, these leather breeches are an iconic item of clothing with a high recognition factor worldwide. There isn't only one single type of lederhosen, though.
Is suede or leather better? ›
Given that leather is a bit more durable than suede, leather sneakers are suitable for nearly every occasion, be it outdoor or indoor. Suede, however, is best for indoor wear. It's certainly okay to wear suede outside, but bear in mind that it's more susceptible to stains and water damage.
Genuine suede is more durable, though the quality varies depending on how it is made. Imitation fabric, on the other hand, is more resistant to water and staining and is often easier to care for. Real suede is not typically water resistant, and even a small drop can leave a permanent stain.
How good is deer leather? ›
This high-quality leather has a number of benefits ranging from feeling soft, to its durability and breathability. Being a lightweight and thin leather also ensures that Deerskin has stretch. Another popular characteristic of Deerskin Leather is that even when it gets wet and dries, the soft texture still remains.
What does lederhosen mean in German? ›
"Leather Pants") is used in English to refer specifically to the traditional leather breeches worn by men in Austria, Bavaria (namely Upper Bavaria), South Tyrol and Slovenia. The term Trachten Lederhose is often used in German to avoid confusion with other types of leather pants.
What is the difference between lederhosen and bundhosen? ›
Lederhosen and Bundhosen are both great choices for wearing traditional wear. The choice between the two depends on the wearer's preference and comfort. Lederhosen is great for keeping your legs airy, especially during summer, while bundhosen is ideal for the chilly season.
What kind of leather is calf leather? ›
Calfskin leather is a type of leather that is made from the skins of young cows, usually under the age of three, which are tanned to obtain a fine leather material with unique characteristics that is widely used in the fashion industry.
What is impregnated goat leather? ›
impregnated leather – leather, which by means of the addition of materials such as grease, wax and/or impregnating resins, etc., has been improved in certain of its properties without thereby losing its typical leather characteristics.
Do leather lederhosen stretch? ›
Given leather's tendency to expand slightly, buy your lederhosen to sit a jot too tight – but just a jot! Good lederhosen come with several button fastenings, too, allowing you to fine-tune at a later date. If you do your homework before buying, you're sure to get the perfect fit.
