Traditional garb, stitch by stitch

The result is a garment that is held in high esteem in Bavaria. Everyone who is anyone in the Free State owns a hand-crafted piece of deerskin, sewn by a genuine Lederhosen maker, also known as a “Säckler”. The young woman passed her journeyman’s examination with flying colours this year – and is utterly enamoured with the soft deerskin used for the Lederhosen: “Anyone who has ever touched Lederhosen will fall in love with the material,” raves the young artisan.

Lederhosen as status symbol

Lederhosen have a long tradition in Bavaria and were popular even in pre-Christian days. The profession of “Säckler”, however, only became established much later – and is surrounded by many myths. “One well-known version asserts that it began in the mining communities,” explains Leonhard Schlienz, who works with Barbara Merk in her workshop.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, leather workers initially produced sacks to transport the coal, hence the name “Säckler”. Later, they made the trousers worn by the miners, who spent many working hours crawling along the floor on their knees. Their cloth trousers soon wore away as a result. Leather, on the other hand, is a far more durable and robust material. It is also very comfortable to wear.

Initially designed as work clothing, Lederhosen became a real fashion item, and have been enjoying renewed popularity in recent years. Lederhosen are short trousers or breeches. The hand-made versions are nearly always made of deerskin. Industrial manufacturers, in contrast, tend to use cowhide. Elaborate embroidery gives each pair an individual touch.

The traditional, skilled and time-consuming handiwork of the Säckler makes a pair of Lederhosen a real status symbol. It used to be the case that: “The more elaborate the embroidery on the Lederhosen, the wealthier the owner,” explains Leonhard Schlienz. A handmade pair of Lederhosen still comes at a price today.

Sumptuous costumes in young hands

The young woman loves the variety of her work. “I need strength for making the Lederhosen, then a really delicate touch when I’m working on the embroidery. That’s a thrilling contrast,” says Barbara Merk. But for her the best moment of all is when the customers try on their tailor-made Lederhosen for the first time and she reaps her reward in their beaming faces.

It doesn’t matter who comes to her and what style of Lederhosen they demand, “The costume should be worn in the way that the individual feels comfortable” – Barbara Merk and Leonhard Schlienz completely agree on this point. “It is simply a garment that you put on and enjoy.”