Lederhosen Buying Guide: Size Chart, Lengths & What to Look For
Lederhosen buying advice is essential for anyone buying Lederhosen for the first time – and also for those buying their third pair and finally want them to fit perfectly. Because with hardly any other piece of clothing are perfection and a bad purchase so close together. The good news: With a few clear rules, you can find your Lederhosen without the hassle of returns.
Short, Kniebund, or Long — The Three Lengths
Before we get to sizes, comes the most important decision: Which length should it be?
Popular Lederhosen
Short Lederhosen (Plattlerhose)
Ends mid-thigh. The classic for folk festivals, beer gardens, and anything happening in warm weather. Most commonly worn, easiest to style.
For whom: Anyone who primarily wears Lederhosen between May and October. Short Lederhosen are the entry-level option – and also what you'll see most often at Oktoberfest.
Kniebund Lederhosen
Ends just below the knee and is held in place by a band with a buckle. More traditional than short ones, less formal than long ones. The Kniebund is the midi Dirndl among Lederhosen: a golden mean.
For whom: If you want to wear your Lederhosen outside of the Wiesn season – for the Almabtrieb, a traditional wedding, or hiking in the autumn. The Kniebund works just as well with Haferlschuhe as with sturdy boots.
Long Lederhosen
Reaches the ankle, straight leg, no band. Worn without suspenders, but with a belt. Long Lederhosen make a statement: elegant, unusual, eye-catching.
For whom: Men who consciously want to stand out from the crowd. Rarely seen at Wiesn, but still common in rural traditional costume regions. Also increasingly popular as everyday wear in an alpine style.
Size Chart: How to Find Your Size
Lederhosen are sized according to German ready-to-wear sizes. Waist circumference and inseam are crucial.
| Ready-to-wear Size | Waist Circumference (cm) | Inseam Short (cm) | Inseam Kniebund (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46 | 78–81 | 32–34 | 56–58 |
| 48 | 82–85 | 32–34 | 56–58 |
| 50 | 86–89 | 33–35 | 57–59 |
| 52 | 90–94 | 33–35 | 58–60 |
| 54 | 95–99 | 34–36 | 58–60 |
| 56 | 100–104 | 34–36 | 59–61 |
| 58 | 105–110 | 35–37 | 60–62 |
| 60 | 111–116 | 35–37 | 60–62 |
How to measure correctly:
- Waist Circumference — Measuring tape at navel height, without pulling in, but also without pushing your stomach out
- Inseam — From the crotch (inner side, where the seams meet) to the desired hem of the leg
- Short Lederhosen: Always with H-straps (two parallel straps). They are essential — visually and functionally
- Kniebund (Knee-length): Also with H-straps, some models also with V-straps
- Long Lederhosen: Without straps, with a belt
- Traditional Shirt — checkered or white, rolled-up sleeves look casual. To the collection
- Haferlschuhe — the classic. Side lacing, robust sole
- Loferl — wool calf warmers that fill the gap between the sock and the trouser leg on Kniebundhosen. Optional, but a striking detail
- Traditional Vest — for cooler evenings or when you want to step up your look
- Never in the washing machine. Never.
- Air out after wearing. 24 hours in fresh air is enough
- Dab stains with a damp cloth, don't rub
- Rub with colorless leather grease once a year — sparingly
- Store flat or on a wide hanger. No folding, no crushing
- Oktoberfest and Summer: Short Lederhosen, goat leather, buy one size smaller
- Year-round and Versatile: Kniebund, deer or goat leather
- Statement Piece: Long Lederhosen, deer leather
The most important tip: Lederhosen should fit snugly when you first put them on. Does it feel tight when buttoning? That's good. Real leather will stretch by 1–2 cm with body heat and movement. If you buy them comfortably, they'll be too loose in three weeks.
Leather is Not Just Leather
The material determines the price, feel, and lifespan.
Deer leather — The ultimate. Buttery soft, breathable, gets more beautiful with age. Price: from €300. For Lederhosen you want to wear for decades.
Goatskin — A bit firmer than deer, very robust. Good value for money. Most of our men's Lederhosen are made from goatskin.
Cowhide/Buffalo leather — The cheapest, but also the stiffest. Requires the longest break-in period. Perfectly fine for an occasional visit to Wiesn – but not ideal for regular wear.
Suede vs. Smooth leather: Suede has the typical rough, velvety surface associated with Lederhosen. Smooth leather looks more elegant but is more sensitive to stains. When in doubt: suede. It's more forgiving and still looks good after the fifth Maßkrug.
Suspenders: Yes or No?
The straps should be firmly sewn to the waistband, not just hooked on. Button fastening is the traditional and more durable option than clips.
What to Wear With Them?
Lederhosen alone don't make an outfit. Here are the key components:
More on the complete look: Our Men's Tracht Guide goes into detail.
Care: To Make Your Lederhosen Last a Lifetime
Short and sweet:
For those who want to know exactly: How to properly care for your Lederhosen.
Shirts & Vests to Match
Conclusion: The Short Version
Good Lederhosen last for decades. It's better to invest properly once than cheaply three times.
Browse our entire Lederhosen collection — from short Plattlerhosen to Kniebund.
Leather Types: Which Leather for Which Purpose?
Not all Lederhosen are the same — the leather makes the difference in durability, comfort, and price:
| Leather Type | Properties | Price Range | For Whom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goat Leather | Buttery soft, light, supple from day 1 | €200–400 | Those who want immediate comfort — the "premium choice" |
| Deer Leather | Extremely durable, softens with age | €300–600+ | Quality investment for decades. The most traditional option |
| Cowhide/Nubuck | Robust, firm structure, velvety surface | €150–300 | Good all-rounder, more affordable alternative to deer |
| Wildbock (Wild Goat) | Wild, rustic, unique grain | €250–500 | For purists who want authentic Alpine style |
| Faux Leather / Suede | Inexpensive, easy to care for, not breathable | €50–150 | Beginners, one-time festival wear. Not a long-term investment |
Our advice: Don't skimp on the leather. Good goat leather Lederhosen for €250 will last 15+ years, while faux leather pants for €80 will be worn out after 2 seasons. Per year of wear, the more expensive pants are cheaper.
Price Categories: What Do You Get for Your Money?
- €50–100: Costume. Faux leather, minimal embroidery, mass-produced. OK for Halloween, not for Oktoberfest
- €100–200: Entry-level. Simple cowhide, solid construction, little embroidery. Sufficient for 2–3 festival visits per year
- €200–350: The sweet spot. Goat leather, decent embroidery, good button quality. This is what most people who are serious about it buy
- €350–600: Premium. Deer leather, elaborate handmade embroidery, horn buttons. Lasts a lifetime, gets better with every wear
- €600+: Custom-made or designer brand. For collectors and traditionalists
Care: How to Make Your Lederhosen Last Forever
Well-maintained Lederhosen can last for decades. Here are the most important rules — more details in our Lederhosen Washing Guide:
- After wearing: Air out in fresh air (don't put them in the closet!). Dab beer stains with a damp cloth — never rub
- Washing: As rarely as possible. Real leather largely cleans itself. For heavy soiling: special leather wash on a gentle cycle, 30°C
- Greasing: Rub with colorless leather grease 1–2 times per season. Keeps the leather supple and water-repellent
- Storage: Hung up, in a cool, dry place. Never in plastic — leather needs to breathe. A fabric bag is ideal
- Never: In the dryer. On the heater. To the dry cleaner (most dry cleaners cannot handle traditional leather)
Find your perfect Lederhosen: Men's Lederhosen · Women's Lederhosen · Children's Lederhosen
The most important accessory: A traditional vest turns Lederhosen + shirt into a complete outfit. Dark green with brown pants, charcoal with black — and you're dressed, not disguised.
Found the perfect Lederhosen? Complete your look with our Oktoberfest Outfits — everything you need, from shirts and vests to shoes.
