Shirts
Shirts should be collared and formal, in long or short sleeves. Pullovers and pleated shirts should also have collars, the V or T-shirt neck shirts do not exist in the traditional German clothing sphere. Trachten or formal dress wear for occasions and festivals are usually white or cream. Other shirt colors include plaids and checks, rarely block colors. The characteristic feature of such shirts is the embroidery and decorative work down the collar or even along the shirt pocket. Motifs include leaf or edelweiss in a non feminine but embellishing style. Stag buttons, medallions and stitched in suspenders are used to add to the distinctive German effect of such shirts.Vests
Vests are another part of the traditional German man's wardrobe. A smart loden vest is worn to compliment the lederhosen worn beneath. Colorful trimmings and embroidery are used to add to the formal look of the vest. A style popular amongst older gentleman and more orthodox accessory for a vest is a vest chain or a watch chain. What about coats, jackets and the like? This form of clothing varies based on regional preferences and customs. But one example would be the Loden cape, which is a heavy duty cloak or coat. This coat is water resistant and made of thick wool. It can be fastened by golden chains across the throat or by a buttoned up collar. A type of traditional style is the Altdeutsche Tracht, adopted in the mid 1800's, where men wore a long and fitted coat with an open collar. Such coats and indeed all clothing had to be black.
Lederhosen
Lederhosen are breeches or trousers made of leather or suede. They come in two variants, short, above the knee are called lederhosen, at the knee or longer than knee length are called bundhosen. They make for very durable and hardy wear. Though their buying or making cost may be high, lederhosen are capable of lasting for generations. Worn out and older lederhosen are equivalent to a nice, broken in pair of Levi's, comfortable yet, sturdy.
They can be plain and unadorned or artistically embroidered, with simple leaf motifs and designs. Lederhosen are usually in dark and somber colors like black, dark brown or green, with the embroidery being a brighter color, that gives off a debonair air. They have a distinctive frontal flap. These pants come in all shapes and sizes, from the brawny hunk sort to the skinny and fat. They can have suspenders. Bundhosen can tie-ups or strings at the knee level, to tighten them around the knee area, so emphasize the breeches effect.
For younger men, teens and boys, the lederhosen is shorter, way above the knee. The frontal flap drops out visibly and they have suspenders and braces to hold them up. They can have lighter colors such as gray or blue but are not embroidered. These are not part of Germany's national costume but were the traditional attire for farmers, field workers and laborers, due to the comfort of the trousers and their easy maintenance. This form of attire was widespread in reach and popularity, as German males of the Alpine, Bavaria and the cities wore lederhosen in work and at leisure times. Nowadays, they are worn only at German festivals and occasions but German men do sport this traditional pant, while hiking or working outdoors.
Accessories for Traditional German Clothing
Hat
German headgear once again differs from region to region and depending on the occasion. There's the Alpine hat, with a short brim only towards the front of the hat and made normally of wool or felt. The hat has a sharp or pointy top. A belted band at the crown with a feather stuck jauntily in one corner and dark, somber colors like green or black make this hat a smart headpiece.
Shoes
Shoes are made of leather, with laces or hooks along the side for closure. Thick woolen socks are worn under lederhosen, either full length or ankle length. Sometimes socks are embroidered. Suspenders are a very important part of adorning or completing the German man's attire.
They can be just narrow straps or come with an embroidered breast plate. Leather, felt or goat leather are materials used. Ties can clipped or tied on. They are usually heavily embroidered and paired with plain collared shirts. They must match the lederhosen in color and style. Tie rings and clip on badges or pins add a decorative touch.
