Bavarian peasants originally wore the Lederhosen as functional gear. They wore knee-length leather breeches, casual checkered shirts, sturdy shoes, and a Bavarian hat to cover their heads. The costume was solely used for its durable and flexible design. However, with time, the traditional outfit became the famous Oktoberfest costume, which brought new accessories to the attire. The modern look is a modified version of the traditional Lederhosen with customized options for Wiesn lovers.
Here is a complete guide on what accessories to wear with Lederhosen at Oktoberfest.
How to Style Lederhosen With Accessories?
If you are an Oktoberfest enthusiast and want to know everything about what men can wear with Lederhosen, here is the complete list to accessorize your outfit and look like a true German.
Traditional Bavarian Hats
The traditional men’s Lederhosen look is always incomplete without a traditional Alpine hat or Tyrolean hat (which originated in the Tyrol region). While most Oktoberfest goers don’t prefer headcovers, the local Bavarians and the brass bands at the annual parade always wear Bavarian hats. The authentic Bavarian hat (Tirolerhüte) has a tapering crown and a hand-width brim. It is usually corded with a single-color hatband, feathers, flowers, or a gamsbart (tuft of mountain goat hair) tucked along the crown. Traditional hat lovers often add souvenir pins and badges to their hats.
The modern Oktoberfest has seen Gen-Zs in Cowboy hats while some millennials in Harry Potter-inspired hats. However, local Munchners always prefer floppy farmer hats or the crowned soft and flexible authentic Alpine hats. So next time you visit Oktoberfest, don’t wear Tacky touristy hats; instead, wear authentic traditional Bavarian hats. Try a taller Alpine hiker-style hat, which is traditional and has an extra surface for feathers and souvenir pins.
Fun fact: The famous singer Billy Mo wrote a song on Tyrolean hat, “Ich Kauf mir lieber einen Tirolerhut,” meaning “I'd Rather Buy Myself a Tyrolean Hat,” which was a significant hit in 1962.
Shirts for Lederhosen Outfit
The traditional Bavarian or Hemd (Tracht) shirt is usually checkered with white, red, or blue plaid patterns and worn with Lederhosen. While white and blue are Bavarian official colors, you can choose the colour of your shirt the way you want. The tracht shirt is usually full-sleeved but is preferred in a rolled-up style. Arm buttons on both sleeves hold the folded part, giving extra comfort while rooming around in a crowded room. Traditionally, Lederhosen shirts were baggy and loose, while the modern ones are more slim-fitted.
Lederhosen manufacturers commonly use premium cotton and linen fabric for Authentic Bavarian shirts. The v-shaped pointed collars are usually standard turn-overs or banded (stand-up), or some may have a pair of buttons to complement your Lederhosen. Buttons match the shirt’s colour with horn, leather, or embossed metal as a head top. Modern customized sizes are available in retailers to fuel your Oktoberfest experience with a perfect-fitted Lederhosen shirt.
Tip: You can wear a checkered shirt of any colour, but you should avoid wearing T-shirts or soccer kits to prevent the potential tourist gaze.
Bavarian Traditional Jackets
If you visit Oktoberfest Munich in the last week of September, the mild evening might catch you shivering. Therefore, choosing a traditional Jacket is a sensible addition to an Oktoberfest outfit. The traditional Janker is usually crafted from wind- and waterproof woolen fabric. Traditional Bavarian Jackets are made of authentic leather, matching the Lederhosen colour.
You can choose a formal Loden blazer in dark grey, green and brown colours or the casual knitted cardigan. The formal Bavarian jackets (made of Loden) generally have a placket, collar and lapels, and embroidered pockets. The cardigans also have decorative detailings in stitching and border lining.
Fun Fact: Loden is called ‘broadcloth,’ a plain-woven woolen or cotton fabric with fine ribs.
Bavarian Waistcoats
If you aren’t a Janker guy, you can add Prien (a traditional waistcoat) to your Lederhosen. The Bavarian gilet (waist-length coat) is usually a soft, often-embroidered at-the-front garb that decorates your Oktoberfest Lederhosen. You don’t need suspenders to wear under; a knuckle belt would work best. The traditional Bavarian vest is generally crafted from heavy-duty leather matching the leather pants. Other variants include the dapper silken gilets or the aesthetic linen-weaved coats. Coat buttons are usually coated with decorative metal or bone embellishments. You can add a small handkerchief as a pocket square, too.
TIP: wearing a traditional vest coat that matches your Lederhosen is an authentic Bavarian way to dress up at Oktoberfest.
Lederhosen Suspenders
Leather suspenders have always been part of Lederhosen, long before Oktoberfest. Alpine workers preferred suspenders with Lederhosen to stay comfy during work hours. The traditional Bavarian suspenders are usually made of top-grain suede leather. Hosenträger (traditional suspenders) are usually worn in H-shaped, with bruststueck (breastplate) across your chest. The suspenders on the back typically form an X or Y shape. Add a front embroidered strap to your suspenders if you want a conventional Lederhosen look.
Haferlshoes: The Traditional Bavarian Shoes
Did you wear sneakers with Lederhosen and feel like an outsider at Oktoberfest? How would you see someone wearing sandals for a football match? Wearer looks silly, right? In the same way, if you show up in trainers, your eyes will roll. Next time you wear Lederhosen at Oktoberfest, Haferlschuh is a must (except if you are low on budget).
Haferlschuh (German term) are the traditional Bavarian shoes worn at Oktoberfest in Munich. Franz Schratt from Oberstdorf invented Haferls (half-shoes) in 1803. These traditional German shoes became part of Oktoberfest when Allgäu people started wearing them with lederhosen outfits in the early 19th century. Bavarians in Munich named them ‘Bundschuh’ (Bundhosen-shoes), while the Austrians called them ‘Schützenschuh.’ No matter what name you prefer, your Lederhosen Haferl must have the following features:
If you are a sneaker lover, many shoe brands have started brown leather tracht sneakers that you can wear under Lederhosen. Whatever shoes you prefer, just don’t wear any open-toed shoes (Sandals or slippers) because your feet might scum to broken-glass pieces in Oktoberfest beer tents (don’t forget the potential dirt at the tents).
Tip: Try wearing vintage brown Haferl with brown Leather shorts. It gives an authentic Lederhosen look, an Oktoberfest style that every Bavarian desires!
Traditional Bavarian Socks or Stockings
wondering what to wear with haferl? Local Bavarians wear cotton or woolen mid-shin loferl (Bavarian dialect) in a calf-warmer style. Traditionally, cable-knitted socks with stripes were worn to warm the shin in cold weather. The stripes usually match the colour of the ankle sock. The combination of two sock pairs is an essential traditional element in the Lederhosen outfit.
Tip: Conventionally, two-piece wadlstrumpf is preferred with short lederhosen, while knee-highs look good with Bundhosen.
Modern Addition in Lederhosen Accessories for Men
Modern Lederhosen offers more accessory options for men in the 21st century. The ornate buckle belts, Charivari chains, short handkerchiefs, pewter pins for hats, and Wiesn Glupperls (Klammern). Here is a brief guide on what accessories men can wear with traditional Lederhosen:
- Lederhosen Belts: The modern buckle belts replace conventional leather braces. The belt size must cover all the belt loops with silver or bronze buckle knotted at the front. The buckle is usually embossed with classic Bavarian patterns such as deer or Bavarian stag or the lozenge pattern of a Bavarian lion. These are Bavarian motifs that signify the tracht wear in Munich.
- Fluffy Bavarian Gamsbart and Hat Feathers: The traditional Bavarian hat is complete with feathers or Gamsbart (brush made of hair) tugged in along the hat crown. The feathers are generally from Ostrich’s wings or the peacock feathers. The gamsbart is usually made from Chamois (European hat) or the boar’s hair. Maximilian I was the first noble to wear Radlbart (A type of gamsbart), but Archduke Johann of Austria popularized wearing the hat beard (In huge plumes). So, if you want Bavarians to count you in locals at Oktoberfest, try this gamsbart or at least a feature on your hat.
- Fun Fact: Mittenwold has hosted the Gamsbart Olympic every four years since 2012. The recent was held on October 7th to 9th, 2022 in Mittenwald
- Antique Hat Pins: If you want instant attention at Oktoberfest tents, add pewter pins to your Tyrolean hat. The antique pins represent the regions you have traveled to and your interest in German culture. These pins are traditionally added to the side of the hat.
- Wiesn Glupperl: While most non-natives believe that the Wiesn Klammern is only for women, the wooden clips with name tags are pretty popular with German boys. These klammern or clothespins are usually decorated with Oktoberfest flair, and the funny tags add humor to the Lederhosen look.
- Bavarian Charivari Chain: Men's Jewelry lovers have always complained of limited options; however, traditional Lederhosen offers the famous Charivari chain. The silver chain is traditionally hung from Lederhosen flap buttons with lucky charms and pewter pins hanging down the way. You can also hang the Charivari from the chest strap or pin it down to the side of your vest coat. Traditionally, the charms usually symbolize a lucky hunting trip or a family inheritance. Wear a Charivari and blend among Bavarians at Oktoberfest in traditional Bavarian Lederhosen.
- Bavarian Traditional Tie (Nickituch): Among the fancy or decorative Lederhosen accessory options, the Bavarian traditional tie adds a formal touch. The tie is a bandana knotted loosely around the neck (remember to knot it facing the front).
Fun Fact: Larger ties or handkerchiefs were traditionally used by tobacco chewing lovers at Oktoberfest.
Takeaways
Though the traditional Lederhosen was simply leather pants worn with a casual boat and Tyrolean hat, the fashion evolved with more options available for men. From fancy charvari chains to gamsbart for hats, you have everything on a Lederhosen plate. You can wear bracelets and fancy watches with Lederhosen, but remember, that’s not a Bavarian way to dress at Oktoberfest.
FAQs
Can you wear a T-shirt with Lederhosen at Oktoberfest?
You should not wear a T-shirt with Authentic Lederhosen as traditionally checked shirts are more Bavarian than round-neck T-shirts.
Should you wear suspenders under the Lederhosen vest?
Bavarians do not prefer suspenders under traditional Lederhosen waistcoats. Instead, they wear bronze or brass belt buckles. The reason is simple: “You can’t show off your leather suspenders under the waistcoat.”
Can you wear sandals with Lederhosen at oktoberfest?
There is no hard rule for shoes, but you should avoid wearing sandals at oktoberfest. Your toes may get hurt from potentially broken glass pieces at Oktoberfest tents. Traditional haferl are more suitable with Lederhosen.
What should you wear under Lederhosen shorts?
It is advisable to wear briefs or underwear under Lederhosen. The shorts are made from rough leather or suede, which can damage your skin.