By BAYERN TOURISMUS Marketing GmbH
BAYERN TOURISMUS Marketing GmbH
Handcrafted status symbols
Leather trousers have a long-standing tradition in Bavaria, and were a popular wardrobe staple even in pre-Christian times. Anyone who's anyone in the free state owns a pair of hand-made deer leather trousers—made by an authentic Lederhosen tailor, also known as a Säckler.
Legend says that the profession originated in the mountains, explains Leonard Schliez, who works with Barbara Merk at the Säcklerei. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Säcklers originally made leather bags for transporting coal. Later on, they started making leather trousers for the people living in the mountains, who have to slide across the floor on their knees while working. This meant that trousers made of fabric would wear thin and get holes. Trousers made from leather are resilient and extremely robust. Plus they're really comfortable to wear.
Initially used as work clothes, Lederhosen developed into a real modern trend—and have undergone a revival in recent years: "It's just part of our traditional dress, our 'Gwand.' They are comfortable and environmentally friendly. You notice it on your skin, Lederhosen feel really comfortable to wear and almost become part of me," Leonard Schlienz says with certainty.
Lederhosen can be shorts or knee breeches. Handcrafted leather trousers are usually made from deerskin. Industrially manufactured Lederhosen are usually made from cowhide.
Elaborate embroidery gives the trousers an individual touch.
Embroidery on Lederhosen initially came about from women sitting at home during winter. Because they were unable to leave their houses due to the cold, they started to painstakingly embroider the trousers.
Cutting by bavaria.travel - Jens SchwarzOriginal Source: Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH
The Säcklerei almost exclusively uses chamois-tanned deerskin from breeding farms in New Zealand or from free-ranging deer in Europe—they also occasionally use elk or chamois leather.
Pre-punch the pattern by bavaria.travel - Jens SchwarzOriginal Source: Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH
Filigree pattern templates are used for the embroidery and transferred to the leather.
Barbara Merk cutting the leather by bavaria.travel - Jens SchwarzOriginal Source: Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH
Ironing by bavaria.travel - Jens SchwarzOriginal Source: Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH
Lederhosen production by bavaria.travel - Jens SchwarzOriginal Source: Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH
The buttons are made from vegetable ivory that was previously discovered by the shipping industry. When sailing ships didn't have enough draft on their way overseas, the boats were filled by the hundredweight with vegetable ivory to make them heavier.
Bayern Tourismus Marketing Gmbh—erlebe.bayern Säcklerei Moser, Miesbach
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