Men’s German clothing in 19th-century Europe remained more or less the same. Working men would wear clothes that could endure long cold hours of the day and withstand dirt and dust. Their attire was revolutionalized when farmers from central Europe invented leather breaches.

These leather breeches, also known as lederhosen became a representation and pride of the Bavarian culture. Not only does it remember the contribution of working-class men to Germany’s history, but it was also one of their most popular inventions of the time. So much so, the royal families began wearing them for certain outdoor activities too.

Read on more to find out about men German clothing:

Lederhosen

It was never meant to become a notable costume due to its use as work wear for the lower class. Bavarians had been using leather as part of their attire for some time now. Having proved useful and convenient, they fulfilled their demanding working conditions.

Leather is useful due to its high heat and cold endurance.

Style

Culottes were a popular concept in France back in the 16th century. 3 centuries later, the Bavarians copied this concept and mixed it with their leather breeches into something which we now call authentic lederhosen. Hence, lederhosen are basically french culottes made out of leather.

Geographical Purpose

Lederhosen was mostly worn by people living in the mountains. Elite-class Germans eventually found a liking to them and started wearing them to outdoor activities such as hunting and horseback riding. The authentic lederhosen worked its way through the social classes and was even embraced by the royal family. This turned it into men’s German clothing for the future.

Downfall

Then came jeans in the 20th century. Since nobles were big fans of following the latest fashion trends, their interest in lederhosen quickly dropped, sending it back to the ranks to be only worn by countryside farmers.

The farmers also outsourced their lederhosen to different fashions such as wearing jeans as they were more soft than leather. Jeans were not only liked due to their comfort but they were highly endorsed by the younger generation.

Revival

As soon as its downfall came, so did its rise back to fame. In the late 19th century, the German government started forming societies and organizations to preserve their culture and heritage. Munich was the first German city to find a Bavarian culture preservation club. They made authentic lederhosen an informal part of Oktoberfest, one of Germany’s most popular events.

Where to Buy Men’s German Clothing

You can find many boutiques in Munich dedicated to Bavarian cultural dressing. Whenever Oktoberfest is around the corner, village markets are flocking with stocks of lederhosen for locals and tourists to choose among a wide variety.

Nowadays, it is difficult to find lederhosen made of authentic leather. However, the wide variety of designs always makes up for it.