Waterproof Lederhosen Invade Munich

Good news, Germanic shorts-wearers!

Newly invented lederhosen-style swimming shorts are going on sale at this year's Munich Oktoberfest as a beer-proof alternative to the traditional leather breeches. Folk costume aficionados may frown — but the Austrian designer behind them says he's rejuvenating Alpine culture, and introducing it to a global audience.

"You wouldn't even need to wash the beer off, it's a fabric that dries immediately," says designer Peter Kolb of the shorts, which cost around $115. But not everyone will be thrilled.

Alpine traditionalists who last year complained about the growing trend towards cheap lederhosen imported from Asia may cry heresy at the sight of Kolb's lederhosen. After all, they're manufactured in China and don't contain a scrap of leather.

But Kolb insists he is helping to introduce Alpine traditions to younger generations, and is even exporting the region's folk culture to a global audience.

Kolb's future plans include a line of lederhosen ski pants. I hope we don't have to wait too LONG for those! Haha, get it? Long? Because lederhosen are-oh, whatever. Lederhosen!