For all of us guys who aren’t blessed with considerable good fortune of Bavarian birth, buying our first pair of lederhosen can be a bit of an ordeal: essentially, you’re buying something you’ve very little knowledge of – and that you would look silly in at home – for the precise purpose of not looking silly at the Oktoberfest. And how could it be any different? Even other Germans aren’t all that sure about what constitutes a good pair of leather breeches or what the correct accessories are with them.
The main thing for all non-Bavarians is too look suitable for the Munich Oktoberfest without spending more on your traditional garb than you would on a designer suit! This is all the more the case because, even if you make it to a Bavarian-themed beer-hall at home every now and then, you won’t really be wearing your lederhosen very often. You need Bavarian costume that is authentic, comfortable, and hard-wearing, but it doesn’t need to be composed of the very latest trend pieces or the very finest leather ever.
Which is why for several years now, we’ve been offering our traditional sets with all five items you need for the Oktoberfest: knee-length leather breeches, checked shirt, woolly socks, brogues, and a neck-tie. The deal is simple: you pay under €200 and get everything you need in one. It’s a trouble-free, sure-fire way to kit yourself out for the Wiesn with no mistakes or forgotten elements, and we’re proud to have sent many thousands of men off to Munich safe in the knowledge that they’re dressed appropriately. What we’ve seen, however, is that many first-time buyers become long-term lovers of Munich’s famous festival – and of Bavaria generally – who visit at least once a year and often have their trusty pair of lederhosen with them. Many of them start to ask how they can vary their outfit without getting into the territory of €500-lederhosen. We also know that some men don’t like the idea of buying sets: they like to show their own style, even if they’re looking to dress up for the Oktoberfest.
This is the kind of guy who might be asking what there is in between standard packages and expensive fashion. The answer to that question is simple enough: there’s lots in our shop! How about a pair of jeans in “Trachten” look, for example? If you just can’t see yourself in a pair of leather breeches – or simply fancy trying something different to the Wiesn – this style could be just right for you. Take Cash, which feature the traditional flap over the flies but has a classic jeans-look on the rear? The stone-washed vintage colour and distressed details make this not just a trendy piece, but are inspired by the idea of traditional Bavarian costume as working attire. What’s more, you can combine this pair of shorts with literally anything: with a suitable shirt and woolly socks, you’re ready for the beer gardens, but with trainers and a t-shirt, you could even wear them to the airport on your way to Munich and no-one would bat an eyelid!
Another step towards casual wear are Bavarian shorts like Nash, made of the same fabric as your average jogging bottoms. With all the lederhosen details in terms of stitching, cut, and form, this is essentially a pair of tracksuit shorts in Bavarian style. Sound strange? It is. But it works on so many levels – as a bold fashion statement, a comfortable, light garment for warm days, and, most practically, as washable wear if you accidentally spill some beer…
For those looking to make a more grown-up impression on Munich society, a convincing way to do it is to combine traditional upper-body wear with a nice pair of jeans. It’s what the style-conscious Munich men have been doing for a while now, allowing them to duck out of the battle for the most beautiful lederhosen – and to sit comfortably in their office chairs before heading to the beer tents after the working day is done. Look for smart checked shirts, traditional waistcoats, or – if you really want to push the boat out – <ahref=" https://www.oktoberfest-dirndl-shop.co.uk/men/trachten-jackets/5243/german-leather-jacket-sigal-nut?c=1285"> traditional German leather jackets. Yet another way to look great at the Oktoberfest and yet survive the journey home without looking out of place in, say, London or Manchester…