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03. 03. 10. - 15:00

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03. 03. 10. - 15:00

German Lederhosen travel ban

By Emiliano Albensi

Germans have been told not to wear Bermuda shorts or Lederhosen when heading
off to enjoy their summer vacation.

The German institute for mens' fashion (DIH) said German men should remember they are ambassadors for their country when abroad, and it warned too many were slipping into shoddy behaviour and ending up looking like the pot-bellied caricatures they are often portrayed as.   Originally Lederhosen - which are seen as a trademark of the Alpine people -
date back to the 17th century. However it was not until the 19th century that
the wide spectrum of colours, cuts and length developed.

Austrian sociologist Roland Girtler said: "In the beginning Lederhosen were
beyond the means of the normal man. They were actually a symbol of the refined
man, the hunting gentleman."

He added that for this reason the hide of the animal was also very valuable
among poachers.

Over the centuries the robust leathers have been worn by emperors, noblemen,
hunters, wood-cutters, and farmers.

Numerous myths and legends surround Lederhosen. For example they are said to
have a positive influence on the "virility" of the wearer.

Roland Girtler claims that in days-gone-by Lederhosen possessed a certain
"sex appeal" which had an effect on the women.

He said: "Young men who were wearing the hide of a deer they had shot
themselves were very respected by the ladies, and were made more welcome when
trying to climb through their sweetheart's window. But the man who had not
shot his leather himself was not made welcome."

Lederhosen are also good for your love-life. At least that is according to the
American sex researcher, David Reuben, author of the best-seller, "Everything
you always wanted to know about sex".

Reuben puts forward the theory that wearers of the rustic leathers have a
better love-life, since inside the shorts there is always the correct
temperature, which is an enormous advantage for the fertility and potency of
the man.

In recent years the centuries-old item of clothing has become a fashion item
among the younger generations in Austria and Bavaria - mainly due to the rise
in popularity of so-called "new folk music" bands, like the Ausseer Hard
Roasters, and Hubert von Goisern who clothe
their Alpine thighs in deer and chamois leather.

And every year thousands of Lederhosen fans converge on the Austrian town of
Windischgarsten to take part in the International Lederhosen Festival, where
prizes are awarded for "the furthest travelled pair of Lederhosen", "the most
original Lederhosen"
and to "Miss Lederhosen" and "the youngest Lederhosen wearer".

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