The miner´s apron (German: Arschleder, Bergleder or Fahrleder) is part of the clothing worn, especially historically, by miners in the mining industries of German-speaking Europe. Variously called in English a miner´s apron, a miner´s after-apron, breech leather or miner´s leather apron, it was a leather apron that served to keep the seat of the trousers from wearing out when working or moving around the mine (Fahrung) as well as keeping out the cold and moisture when sitting. It also provided protection especially when entering inclined mineshafts. Another advantage was that it stabilised the internal organs from mechanical shock and vibration by acting as a sort of kidney belt. The miner´s apron was a triangular or, more rarely, semi-circular piece of leather and was supported by the body belt. In Germany the design of the modern miner´s apron is governed by DIN standard 23307 Gesäßleder für den Bergbau (Arschleder).
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