Boys' Historical Uniform Garments: Lederhosen

Figure 1.--The French Scouts in the St. George's Scout Association all wear lederhosen. They are part of a Riaumont French troop.

Lederhosen are generally associated with Germany and Austria. Lederhosen were in fact widely worn by Hitler Youth groups. They have been worn, however, by European boys in uniformed organizations in many other countries as well. Lederhosen were widely worn by Hitler Youth groups. After World War II, Boy Scouts in Autria, France, and Germany often wore lederhosen. We thought this was also the case in Switzerland, but a Swiss reader tells us that this was not the case. They were, however, often worn in the Flemish VNJ. For the most part they were worn by individual boys whon substituted them for the regulation uniform short pants of their organization. Lederhosen seem particular suitable for hiking and camping because of their durability and minimal care necessary to maintain them. Boys report that their lederhosen "lasted forever"--unlike cloth shorts even denim. Some organiations like the French St. George's Scouts adopted them as part of the official uniform.

Countries

Lederhosen are generally associated with German and Austrian youth groups. HBU has noted them worn by boys in other countries as well. They were not restricted, however, just to these countries. They were also commonly worn by boys in Norway. I'm not sure about other Scandinavian countries. We thought they were worn by Swiss Scouts, but a Swiss reader tells us that ths was not the case. Lederhosen do not appear to have been popular in Poland, perhaps because they were assocaiated with Germany. They were also worn to some extent in France. I have never seen them in England.

Organizations

Lederhosen were in fact widely worn by Hitler Youth groups. They have been worn, however, by European boys in uniformed organizations in many other countries as well. After World War II, Boy Scouts in Autria, France, Germany, and Switzerland often wear lederhosen as part of their official Scout uniforms. They were also often worn in the Flemish VNJ.

Conventions

For the most part they were worn by individual boys whon substituted them for the regulation uniform short pants of their organization. Often photograpgs of Hitler Youth and Scouts, often some but not all the boys wear lederhosen.

Utility

Lederhosen seem particular suitable for hiking and camping because of their durability and minimal care necessary to maintain them. Boys report that their lederhosen "lasted forever"--unlike cloth shorts even denim. Some organiations like the French St. George's Scouts adopted them as part of the official uniform.

Types

There are two types of lederhosen, a short pants style and a below the knees knicker style. The short pants style appears to be the style most commonly worn by Hitler Youth boys and Scouts. Lederhosen shorts were often worn with briefer cuts than many other types of short pants.