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Lederhosen are a type of short or knee-length leather breeches used as a traditional clothing in several German-speaking regions. Bundhosen and Kniebundhosen are the terms for the longer ones. This clothing, known as Tracht, were once typical workwear throughout Central Europe. They are particularly linked with Bavaria and the Tyrol region.
Lederhosen were traditionally worn for heavy physical labor since they were more durable than a cloth garment. They are generally worn as leisurewear nowadays. Today, dirndls and lederhosen are worn at Oktoberfest celebrations all over the world.
Men in the Alpine and adjacent regions, such as Bavaria, Austria, the Allgäu, Switzerland, the autonomous Italian province of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (originally part of Austria-Hungary), and the Alpine territory of today's Slovenia, wore Lederhosen.
Traditional lederhosen are crafted by hand from tanned deer leather, making them soft and light but extremely durable. Some Bavarians even pass on their lederhosen to the next generation since they are so valued and can last a lifetime. Modern lederhosen are sometimes made of heavier, lower-quality leather or imitations like velour leather, which are less expensive but less durable. Two side pockets, one hip pocket, one knife pocket, and a codpiece are standard on all versions (drop front). People wear lederhosen with Haverlschuhe, stockings, and a classic white or checkered shirt for an Oktoberfest costume.
