With most of the new 2017 Bavarian fashion collections now on the market in time for the spring Strong Beer Festivals, there’s no time like the present to look at buying a new pair of lederhosen. Whether you already own genuine Bavarian leather breeches which have seen a few too many Oktoberfests, or whether this will be your first pair, there’s something new for everyone – from good-value starter lederhosen through to real collectors’ pieces. To get you started, here are our three favourites for 2017
Edelweiß floral embroidery – authentic Bavarian detail
Historically, lederhosen have not been particularly flashy; it was all about quality workmanship and design understatement: i.e. black or dark brown leather, embroidery (but not overdone), and traditional shapes. Then, there was a serious rebellion against these limitations, with lederhosen turning up in all kinds of colours – often overly brash. And as necessary as this may have been in order to show just how much is possible with a piece of leather, it all got a bit out of hands
Now the point has been made, however, new ideas can be incorporated into lederhosen without things getting too out of hand. So we’re seeing all sorts of new shapes (2015-16 saw flaps replaced with flies in some models, for example left) with tried-and-tested colours, and a renewed focus getting creative with classic design elements such as embroidery. The new Krüger Buam short lederhosen, for example (right), features Edelweiß floral patterning on the bib and matching heraldry on the thigh-pocket. The traditional brown leather gets a contemporary twist on the thighs, too, where the traditional garlands have given way – unremarkably at first glance – to a bare-bone deer skull and antlers.
Lederhosen-style jeans - starter model
Denim jeans in lederhosen style first came out a while back, and since then, they’ve gone on to established themselves as the alternative for anyone who wants to try out wearing lederhosen but is unsure about diving in at deep end – i.e. wary of a heavy feel (especially in hotter weather) or needing to travel light (headed for the Oktoberfest). Being able to just throw them in the wash is another real plus-point.
With their simple blue jeans featuring a classic Bavarian flap instead of a fly, Stockerpoint got the whole thing going (this ground-breaking classic, left, is still available), and now it’s Marjo who have gone to the next stage this year by adding typical lederhosen details such as knife pockets and thigh-side ribbons to lederhosen jeans (right). What is more, with their beige leather-tones, this pair are the perfect choice for an authentic lederhosen look in comfortable denim feel. Do "lederhosen jeans" sound like something of a trend? Yes. It's hard to see them still being around in 100 years. But then again, they're a fun trend that combines too of the manliest, most hard-wearing trousers ever invented. So we see them lasting a good few years...
Deerskin lifetime lederhosen - an investment for the future
If it’s not trends you’re after, though, but an absolute classic so timeless and so well-made that you’ll be passing it onto your grandkids, then look no further: Stockerpoint has got the pair for you: deerskin (rather than the standard buckskin), classic design, beautiful detail... And remember, if you divide the price by the number of years you and your successors will be wearing them, then they only cost about £10 annually…!
