Beinkleid

Beinkleid is a German term used for any garment worn on the legs. In its broad sense it covers a range of legwear, including trousers (Hose or Hosen), breeches, stockings and hose, as well as leggings or similar forms depending on period and region. The word emphasizes the function of covering the legs rather than a specific cut or material.

Etymology and historical context: Beinkleid derives from Bein, meaning leg, and Kleid, meaning garment. It appears in historical and descriptive texts to distinguish legwear from upper garments such as coats or shirts. In European fashion history, leg coverings evolved from close-fitting hose and chausses in the Middle Ages to various forms of breeches, pantaloons and modern trousers in later centuries. In German-speaking areas the term serves as a generic category in inventories, catalogs and scholarly works to describe leg garments across eras and social classes.

Types and usage: Throughout history, Beinkleid encompassed several distinct forms depending on era and gender. For men, this could mean hose, hose with codpiece, breeches, or long trousers. For women, it included various styles of stockings or fitted legwear, sometimes worn with petticoats. In costume and museum contexts, Beinkleid helps classify and compare period garments, textiles, and construction methods, rather than prescribing a single contemporary garment.

Contemporary usage: In modern German, Beinkleid is primarily a technical or historical term. Everyday language tends to use Hose for trousers and Strumpfhose or Socken for stockings and socks. Beinkleid appears more often in historical texts, fashion history scholarship, and museum descriptions to reference legwear across different centuries and cultures.