So, you bought the pair of men’s lederhosen you will wear at the Oktoberfest celebration, and it sits on you tight. The only thing left is to fit in the bag. You have spent hundreds of dollars acquiring the best pair of authentic lederhosen and don’t want it to get wrinkles and creases. Some preemptive measures and packing it safely can surely save the day and land you in Munich with your lederhosen looking straight out of the store.
Tips to Pack Lederhosen for Oktoberfest Safely
The importance of leather is quite evident to avid Oktoberfest goers, who understand the pride Bavarians hold in these trachten trousers. Around 71% of the Oktoberfesters are Bavarian, and you are part of that 29% who want to be poured beer wholeheartedly, so wearing premium leather pants is the key. With proper care and following some directions, you can enter Beerfest in wrinkle-free leather breeches.
1. Save Extra Space for Lederhosen
The first step to successful lederhosen packing hinges on understanding the material itself. Genuine lederhosen is crafted from high-quality deer, goat, or chamois leather, making them naturally wrinkle-resistant. However, this doesn't mean they're immune to damage. Excessive folding or tight packing can cause creases to become permanent, especially in softer leathers. If you're taking along fresh pair of brand-new leather breeches, being extra cautious is necessary. So free up a good enough space to pack the lederhosen in your luggage.
2. Folding the Leather Breeches Properly
While it is best to hang the Bavarian lederhosen pants straight, this method isn't ideal for carry-on travel. The key lies in strategic folding that minimizes creases and maximizes space. Here's a recommended approach:
- Unbutton the Braces: Separarte the lederhosen suspenders from the waist.
- Lay Flat: Spread the lederhosen flat on a clean surface, ensuring the legs are aligned.
- Fold Inward: Starting from one outer leg, fold it inwards towards the center seam. Repeat with the other leg so both legs are stacked on each other.
- Halfway Up: Fold the entire stack of leather in half, lengthwise, bringing the bottom section towards the waistband.
Try folding the lederhosen with minimum folds while packing to avoid prominent creases and wrinkles.
3. Secure the Lederhosen in a Premium Belt
Secure and store the Lederhosen in a readily available cube or Garment bag. Place the bag in the bottom after laying a cotton trachten shirt, forming a plain surface for the Lederhosen. If the leather breeches are packed in the cube bag, you can skip this step and place them directly, fastening the premium belt to secure the Lederhosen in place.
4. Harness the Power of Tissue Paper
This is a life-saving hack that may not seem that important. Crumpled tissue paper, when placed strategically within the waistband and around the crotch area to absorb any moisture, prevents creases from forming. Keep a fine layer of tissue paper between the folds to avoid leather-leather contact or any room for dust or moisture.
5. Wearing the Lederhosen during the Flight
Wearing the lederhosen on the flight can be a practical solution for visiting Munich for a short Oktoberfest trip. It eliminates the need to pack the traditional trachten pants and avoids potential wrinkles in the leather breeches. For a longer trip, it easily creates space for new outfits by packing a few interchangeable pieces. Women can bring several dirndl blouses and aprons to mix and match for a three-day wardrobe in exchange for their women-lederhosen shorts.
Men can pack a couple of shirts and extra pairs of socks. While packing, consider incorporating color variations in the shirts and aprons to create different looks. If you need additional warmth during travel, you can find matching Bavarian jackets or sweaters online to complete your ensemble.
6. Renting The Bavarian Lederhosen
For anyone, especially those on extended trips with limited luggage space, renting lederhosen in Munich is a more practical option. There are shops that offer rentals with per-day charges as well as other options at a reasonable price. This eliminates the packing hassle altogether. However, if you own a high-quality pair of lederhosen, the sentimental value and perfect fit might outweigh the convenience of renting.
What Else to Pack with Lederhosen?
Packing the lederhosen is just one piece of the Oktoberfest puzzle. Here are some additional considerations to ensure a smooth and stylish arrival:
- Accompanying Garments: Pack a traditional checkered shirt and a pair of sturdy Bavarian shoes (Haferlschuhe) to complete the Oktoberfest ensemble. Consider rolling the shirt to minimize wrinkles.
- Lederhosen Extras: Don't forget the finishing touches! Pack a pair of Lederhosen socks (Loferl) and a traditional Bavarian hat (Lederhosenhut or Gamsbart) to put together an Instagramable look.
A Quick Rundown!!
Lederhosen costs around 200 dollars for a starting price, and packing them properly is necessary to land Munich with wrinkle-free leather breeches. Give the leather shorts ample space to breathe in the bag, pack them in a cube bag, and secure them with the premium belt. Wearing them is also an option, and to avoid packing inconvenience altogether, renting lederhosen is also a “ practical choice.”