Lederhosen are part of the street scene in Munich and are a Symbol of the city. Young and old alike wear them not only at Oktoberfest, but also in the beer garden or on festive occasions. Originally the Lederhose At the end of the 18th century, it was used as work clothing for the rural population. At that time, leather was still made from goats and sheep, as hunting wild animals was reserved for the nobility. At the end of the 19th century, fewer and fewer farmers wore a Lederhose, instead long trousers were back in fashion.
A traditional costume association for the preservation of Lederhosen
In 1883, village teacher Joseph Vogl from Bayrischzell was determined to prevent lederhosen from slowly disappearing altogether. He and a few fellow campaigners therefore founded an association to preserve traditional costume. This was not only the first traditional costume association ever, but is also regarded as the beginning of the traditional costume movement. The founding members settled in Miesbach for a short time. Lederhosen anfertigen, um dieses Stück bayerischer Lebensart zu erhalten.
Church wanted to ban Lederhosen
Nevertheless, such short leg dresses were frowned upon at the time and the church superiors even wanted to ban them. Vogl received encouragement from the Wittelsbach family, as wearing the former peasant dress for hunting was very fashionable among the nobility. Gradually, the association became more and more popular and further associations were founded. People in Munich were also enthusiastic and liked to wear lederhosen on festive occasions. From the 1920s onwards, they were more a part of casual wear and after the Second World War, they were the most popular children's trousers of all. It was not until the 1970s that lederhosen were replaced by jeans.
The greasier the better
Lederhosen are available either short or as knee breeches. They are usually embroidered and have a knife pocket on the side. High-quality lederhosen are made from deer- or chamois leather and embroidered by hand. The leather should be soft and elastic and have a natural odour. Leather trousers are durable. However, the surface wears out over time and takes on a greasy sheen. This is not a defect, but is what gives the Krachleder trousers their charm.
