Lederhosen: everyone's favorite leather shorts

Though lederhosen are often associated with Bavaria, the leather breeches are not exclusive to southern Germany. In fact, they are shared by other alpine areas including select parts of Switzerland, much of Austria and Italy's South Tyrol, which was formerly part of the Austro-Hungarian empire.

Lerderhosen styles vary depending on the region where they are worn. For instance, the drop-flap front secured by buttons (above) is said to be particularly Bavarian, while embroidery on the backside is typical to the Salzburg area. Some lederhosen, especially those for young boys, are held up by decorated suspenders. And many lederhosen have a right-side pocket where you can stash a knife.

Lederhosen were originally worn for hard work. The material used — tanned sheep or goat skin for the lower classes and deer skin for the more well-off — made the breeches soft, light and durable. They protected their wearers from harsh weather, keeping them dry in rain, cool in heat and warm in cold. The just-above-the-knee length also allowed for a full range of motion over mountainous landscape.

Lederhosen's popularity decreased in the 19th century as preference turned to long pants. The breeches, seen as "uncultured," were on the verge of disappearing. But on August 25, 1883, Bavarian teacher Josef Vogl (above, left), who feared the loss of the traditional dress, hatched a plan with his drinking buddies in Bayrischzell to found a club dedicated to preserving the breeches.

Vogl's drive to preserve the traditional breeches quickly drew followers. By the end of the 19th century, lederhosen had gone from farmers' daily wear to leisure wear for the bourgeoisie and even royals. German King Ludwig II helped spread Vogl's initiative beyond Bavaria. And Austrian Emperor Franz Josef donned the shorts to hunt with his son Crown Prince Rudolf, who wore a longer style (above).

The Nazis sought to loosen lederhosen's regional alpine roots and turn the shorts into a national style of dress and a symbol of Germany cultural identity that invoked an idealized past. in 1938, the Nazis forbid Jews from wearing lederhosen, as well as other peoples they considered inferior, such as many eastern Europeans.

The Catholic Church was never very happy with lederhosen's revival — it considered the knee-flaunting garments improper and disrespectful. It banned the wearing of lederhosen in processions, and in 1913, Munich's archiepiscopal ordinariate officially declared lederhosen immoral. Today, many grooms wear lederhosen to the altar. Above, a gay couple in Bavaria show off their Berlin marriage license.

Lederhosen is booming global industry. Many lederhosen factories are located in India, Hungary, and Sri Lanka, and much of the leather stems from India, Pakistan and New Zealand. Domestic goat, pig and cow hides are increasingly used to meet consumer demand that peaks around Oktoberfest. And lederhosen are no longer just for men — women can find ample leather shorts' options. As can dogs.

Individuals looking to buy a pair of lederhosen can choose from overwhelming assortment. The cheapest options, made of industrial cow leather, will cost under €100 ($119). The price tag on a high-end pair made from buffed deer skin (above right) can top €1,000! Whatever type you buy, make sure the fit is snug as heat and movement stretches them out. Nothing worse than a baggy lederhosen bottom!

Lederhosen may be a traditional item, but it can be hard to keep up with its constantly changing trends! Lederhosen fashion sites claimed that suspenders were out in 2017, but, charivari charms hanging in front (above) were deemed hot. "Antique-look" lederhosen that have a faded and worn appearance — to give them that 1883 look — are also popular.

All types of lederhosen will be out if full force at Oktoberfest 2018, which takes place from September 22 through October 7. Short, long, bright, brown: beer-drinkers from around the world will be flaunting the garment that has come a long way since its appearance among the rural working class. Despite the long legacy, lederhosen wearers continue to debate one question: with or without underwear?