Make them last a lifetime

Leather Lederhosen Care Guide

Genuine leather lederhosen get better with age. A little care keeps them supple and looking great for many seasons. Here is the simple routine we recommend.

Suede brush, leather balm and a cotton cloth beside brown suede lederhosen

4 simple steps

The care routine

  1. Illustration: brushing suede in one direction

    Brush after wearing

    Let mud and dirt dry, then brush suede gently in one direction with a soft suede brush to lift dust and restore the nap.

  2. Illustration: spot cleaning with a slightly damp cloth

    Spot clean gently

    Dab marks with a slightly damp, clean cloth. Do not rub hard or soak the leather. Test any cleaner on a hidden area first.

  3. Illustration: lederhosen air drying on a hanger away from heat

    Air dry naturally

    If they get wet, hang them at room temperature away from radiators, heaters and direct sun. Never use a hair dryer.

  4. Illustration: an open tin of leather balm

    Condition occasionally

    Smooth leather benefits from a leather balm once or twice a season. Use a suede-specific product on suede, never a greasy balm.

Do's and don'ts

Do

  • Brush suede after each wear
  • Store on a wide hanger or folded loosely in a breathable cotton bag
  • Let damp leather dry slowly at room temperature
  • Use products made for suede or leather and test them first
  • Have heavy stains treated by a leather specialist

Don’t

  • Machine wash or tumble dry leather
  • Dry with heat, a hair dryer or in direct sun
  • Store in plastic or a damp place
  • Use household detergents, bleach or solvents
  • Iron or press leather
Dark brown suede lederhosen with embroidered suspenders on a wooden hanger

Troubleshooting

Stains, beer and festival days

Beer or drinks: blot (do not rub) with a dry cloth straight away, then dab with a slightly damp cloth and air dry.

Mud: let it dry completely, then brush it off. Wet mud rubbed into suede spreads the stain.

Grease and food: blot excess immediately. A suede eraser can help on light marks; for heavy grease, ask a leather specialist.

Shiny areas: worn suede can look shiny at the seat and knees; gentle brushing restores some of the nap. A little patina is part of the character of real leather.

Caring for the rest of your outfit

  • Shirts & blouses

    Follow the care label; most cotton shirts and dirndl blouses can be washed gently and ironed while slightly damp.

  • Dirndl & aprons

    Many dirndls and aprons need gentle washing or dry cleaning. Always check the care label first.

  • Seasonal storage

    Clean everything before storing, keep it cool, dry and dark, and air it out once in a while.

Leather care FAQs

Can I wash leather lederhosen?

No, never machine wash or soak genuine leather. Brush off dry dirt and spot clean with a slightly damp cloth; leave heavy stains to a leather specialist.

How do I dry wet lederhosen?

Hang them at room temperature away from heat sources and direct sunlight and let them dry slowly. Then brush suede gently to restore the nap.

How should I store lederhosen?

On a wide hanger or folded loosely in a breathable cotton bag, in a cool, dry place. Avoid plastic covers, which trap moisture.