The Do’s and Don’ts of Bavarian Lederhosen

Lederhosen are truly a unique traditional garb, not just for the people of Munich but for visitors from all over the world. Lederhosen were invented almost three centuries ago by the peasants of Europe and Bavarians adapted it to suit their own style. The front drop flap of Lederhosen, which is a prominent feature of the garment now, was introduced by the Bavarians. In the two centuries since they have been adopted by the people of Bavaria, Lederhosen have gone through many changes. Yet there are some elements of the Lederhosen outfit that have remained constant throughout their history.

For the visitors of Oktoberfest, it is essential to understand what is acceptable and unacceptable when it comes to wearing Lederhosen. The correct dressing can gain you praise from the locals and make your Oktoberfest one to remember. However, getting it wrong by going against the established customs can be a cause of public embarrassment and ruin your Oktoberfest experience.

So let’s take a look at what are some of the do’s and don’ts when it comes to the Bavarian Lederhosen.

What to do

Do Wear Good Quality Authentic Lederhosen

The most important thing is that you 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 Lederhosen for sale online. You must ensure that the Lederhosen you purchase are made of genuine deerskin or cowhide leather. The better the quality of leather, the more comfortable the Lederhosen will be and the better it will look.

Do Purchase Accessories to Complete Lederhosen Outfit

The complete German Lederhosen outfit is made up of Lederhosen accessories such as the traditional Bavarian shirt and Lederhosen shoes. Don’t spare any expense when it comes to purchasing Lederhosen accessories since good quality accessories can make or break the Lederhosen outfit. From the suede leather Lederhosen shoes to the traditional white Bavarian shirt that is worn under the Lederhosen, all accessories work to increase the style and class of your Lederhosen outfit.

Do Wear Traditional Lederhosen colors

Lederhosen are made from genuine leather which comes from cowhide or deer skin. 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 your own Lederhosen.

What NOT to do

Oktoberfest is inherently a Bavarian celebration, and nothing symbolizes that better than the Lederhosen. Ever since its creation, the Lederhosen have been closely associated with the 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 is much appreciated by the locals of Munich. 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

Just like brown and black shaded Lederhosen are considered the most appealing, bright colored Lederhosen are considered odd and ugly. 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 have always been somewhat of formal attire. So button down long sleeve shirts are most commonly worn under Lederhosen to complete the look. The worst thing you can do is wear a casual T-shirt under the Lederhosen. It makes the Lederhosen look less appealing and will make you stand out, but not in a good way. Try to wear 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 against 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.