Lederhosen has endured wars, plagues, and pandemics and kept its authenticity alive. Since its inception, Lederhosen has been made in a narrow range of colors, all of which are natural leather colors and shades. Leather can also be dyed, but it was originally avoided as it hides the natural texture of the leather, and bold colors defy the Lederhosen traditions. Recent fashion trends have introduced Lederhosen in shades of black and green, which are widely accepted and worn as traditional Oktoberfest Lederhosen.
While the original Lederhosen are best suited in natural leather colors, i.e., brown and gray (with dozens of shades and variations), modern versions featuring dyed colors like green and black are also in demand. The unique color and shine of Lederhosen also depend on the material used, i.e., cowhide has a rough and grayish initial surface, which becomes shinier and softer with wear, while deerskin comes in brown color and a fine, soft texture.
Let’s discuss the most popular Lederhosen colors, what they represent, and which one suits you best.
What is Lederhosen? A Brief History
Lederhosen, meaning ‘Leather Breeches,’ are the official Oktoberfest trousers for men. These leather shorts date back to the 18th century, when they were worn by farmers and peasants in the upper Bavarian Alpine region as work clothes. The durable and comfy nature of the leather made Lederhosen an ideal choice for workers who had to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Over time, Lederhosen became a regional symbol, and new premium versions were introduced. The upper class made Lederhosen using deerskin, added intricate embroidery, and dyed and shaded the leather to create new and unique colors. These premium Lederhosen and Bundhosen were festive, while the older versions remained work clothes. Since their declaration as official Oktoberfest clothes, authentic German Lederhosen has been a permanent part of Bavarian culture, and quite a few updates have been made regarding colors and shades.
What Does an Authentic Bavarian Lederhosen Symbolize?
This question has a great impact on choosing the correct Lederhosen color. A genuine piece of Bavarian Lederhosen represents the rich Bavarian culture and its Alpine roots. It represents strength, hard work, and resilience which closely relates to the rural Bavarian region. Modern bold colors like red and yellow will not suit the lederhosen, as natural leather colors have become synonymous with the Bavarian tradition and are an established look of the Lederhosen.
Fun Fact: After World War II, it became a tradition among the youngsters in Germany to wear old and broken Lederhosen with a shinier color that it gains after hard usage.
“Leather” is the Most Popular Lederhosen Color!
The color of the Lederhosen depends mainly on the type of leather and its finishing, either shiny or suede. With the addition of dyes in the modern Lederhosen, you will find varieties of black and green shades that will also make for a decent Oktoberfest outfit. Here are the most famous and widely used Lederhosen colors:
1- The Genuine Brown Color
Brown is the premier and most authentic color for Lederhosen. It is the ideal representation of Bavarian culture, offering hundreds of unique shades in the current fashion. A majority of Oktoberfest goers wear Lederhosen in a shade of brown that suits their style best. A deerskin Lederhosen matched with the ideal shirt will help you become a part of the vibrant Oktoberfest atmosphere.
2- Gray Color to Maintain the Vibe
Gray is another natural Lederhosen color, as mentioned before. For an authentic Lederhosen made with cowhide, the initially rusty surface and light gray color will turn into a shiny, soft surface with a darker color as you constantly wear the trousers. Gray and its shades give you the best of both worlds, allowing you to maintain the traditional charm of leather while keeping up with modern fashion trends.
3- Dyed Black for its Versatility
The soothing and shiny surface of a black Lederhosen will make you fall in love. It exudes a bold and confident look and has a slimming effect that can make you look sharp and put together. Black wasn’t a part of the original color palette of Lederhosen. It was added recently and has gained immense popularity not only at Oktoberfest but for any festive occasion. Black Lederhosen complements almost all colors of shirts, whether plain or checkered, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
4- Forest Green: A Newest Trend
The perfect option if you’re looking to change your style at the next party. Stand out from the usual sea of brown and black lederhosen with the forest green, the darkest shade of green, which exudes nature. Since it is a new trend, you can experiment with wearing different Bavarian Trachten shirts until you find the perfect match.
Key Takeaway: Traditional or Modern, Which Colors are More Popular?
Although modern colors like forest green and shades of black have become a fashion statement, they can not match the timeless elegance of the traditional brown and popular gray shades. The natural leather colors represent Bavarian history and cultural heritage. Whether you choose a suede finish or a shiny one, wearing a traditional brown Lederhosen will allow you to blend with the Oktoberfest crowd and embrace the festive spirit.