When choosing your favorite Leather shorts for Oktoberfest, you have two options: buy or rent the lederhosen. Foreign visitors might consider renting as the better option to save pocket and time, but the perks of purchasing a Lederhosen will make you reconsider.

Renting Vs. Buying Lederhosen: Which One Should You Choose?

 Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you make a more informed decision:

Renting a Bavarian Lederhosen	Buying a New Lederhosen
Pros
It's the best choice if you’re a one-time festival goer.	A one-time investment that will last a lifetime.
You can rent multiple Lederhosen in different colors and designs for various experiences.	You can also use a Lederhosen for occasions other than Oktoberfest, like parties and gatherings.
Costs only a fraction of the original price.	You can make changes to the size and fit.
Cons
You can not alter the size or fitting of the rental Lederhosen.	It may cost around €250 for an ideal Lederhosen piece.
You can only use it for a limited period.	You have to keep the Lederhosen well-maintained for a longer lifespan.
Damage or late return will cost extra charges, denting your budget.	You’ll be bound to a single design and color of Lederhosen.

Decide Considering Oktoberfest Expenses

Lederhosen Men and Dirndl are the official Oktoberfest outfits for men and women, respectively. Although not essential, visitors deem them appropriate to pay tribute to Bavarian culture and show a sense of belonging. Wearing an authentic Bavarian Lederhosen allows you to become part of the Oktoberfest celebrations and enjoy the festivities to the fullest, something a casual dress would lack.   

From a visitor’s experience, you can expect to spend around €70 a day at Oktoberfest. This is exclusive of the hotel reservations, traveling, and dress costs. Reservations in Munich are hard to get due to the enormous crowds but not expensive, as you get the value back in the form of vouchers, beer, and food. The underground trains (Ubahn) offer day trips at €15 and one-way trips to the Theresienwiese at roughly €3.4. The one cost that most Oktoberfest visitors ask about is the dress. 

Let’s go into detals of renting vs. buying a Lederhosen for Oktoberfest. 

Is Buying Authentic Lederhosen Worth It?

An authentic Lederhosen Men is more than traditional shorts worn at Oktoberfest. It is a one-time investment that will last a lifetime and accompany you to several events and parties. Also, if there’s a perfect souvenir you can take home from Oktoberfest, it is a premium Lederhosen. 

You can buy good-quality cowhide or goatskin Lederhosen in any design and color from online stores and shops in Munich for around €150-250. An entirely hand-crafted deerskin Lederhosen can cost anywhere from €300 to four figures. In short, the more you spend, the better quality you get.  

Renting the Bavarian Tracht: What’s Involved?

Renting is a good option if you’re a one-time Oktoberfest goer and don’t have any long-term plans of using Lederhosen on other occasions. Just like taking a book from the library, you can enjoy the authenticity and feel of Bavarian Lederhosen for a while and return it. But before you opt to rent a Lederhosen, you should know the following factors: 

Price of Lederhosen Rental

Cost is the major deciding factor in buying or renting a Lederhosen. Renting requires a lower upfront cost than buying, which only sounds fair if it's just a fraction of the original price. An authentic Lederhosen in Munich will cost you around €33 to €50 per day, depending on the accessories you add to the package. 

Rental Duration and Return Policies

The primary purpose of renting a Lederhosen is to save on your Oktoberfest budget. Read and follow the rental duration and return policies strictly, as late returns and damages might dent your budget. Although most rentals have flexible return durations, it is essential to read and comply with the set rules to stay on the safe side.

Where to Rent an Authentic Lederhosen

Several costume stores and Lederhosen shops in Munich offer rental services. If you visit during the Oktoberfest days, you may find a Lederhosen store on every street. Oktoberfest also has dedicated stalls that offer Lederhosen for sale and rent. So, whichever option you opt for, ensure that you read their policies and choose the Bavarian Tracht that perfectly represents your unique personality.

Tip: Whether renting or buying a Lederhosen, never go to the touristy stores by the Munich Train Station.

Conclusion

Buying Vs. renting an Oktoberfest costume both have their own pros and cons. However, buying a lederhosen in a one time costly investment but worth every second of joy that you feel wearing it. To make the most of your purchase, consider authentic retail or online stores and consider your personal preferences to buy something unique.