Ananova:

German designers are promoting a skirt for male drinkers to wear at the Munich Beer Festival.

They say their Oktoberfest Frock is a lot more comfortable than traditional lederhosen.

Doreen Anders and Andreas Landinger, from Munich, say they were influenced by the Scottish kilt in creating the drinking-dress which comes in 'short' or 'calf' length.

There are no tartan designs but the kilt comes in colours in-keeping with the blue-and-white Bavarian flag and other symbols of the Oktoberfest beer festival.

A spokesman for the designers say the skirt "combines softness with comfort" and does not inhibit the wearer like lederhosen, which can "be a bit tight around the calves and stomach".

Landinger, who started designing skirts for men a year ago, said: "I think they're going to go down well.

"We've already had a few dozen orders and once one everyone realises how comfortable they are, I think they'll really catch on.

"With all that beer flowing at the fest you need to make sure your belly is free to take it in."