Choosing a pair of Pike Brothers pants means deciding between a dozen cuts, four iconic styles, and several denim weights. This guide gets straight to the point: we review the brand's iconic models (Roamer, Chopper, Buccanoy, Hauler, Jungle), compare 11oz, 13oz, 15oz, and 21oz denims, and help you choose the right size for your body type. By the end, you'll know exactly which pair of Pike Brothers pants to order from Holdfast, the official French distributor.
Why Pike Brothers trousers?
Pike Brothers is an independent German brand, founded by Bert Visser and inspired by American workwear and military clothing from the 1900s to the 1960s. All trousers are cut and sewn in European workshops, using Japanese or Italian denim of a quality that few mainstream brands still offer. Specifically:
- High-end fabrics : Japanese selvedge denim 11oz / 13oz / 15oz / 21oz, military HBT twill, chino canvas, corduroy.
- Durable construction : triple-needle stitching, copper rivets, solid metal buttons, thick cotton pocket lining.
- Authentic vintage cuts : historically accurate reproductions, not fake vintage marketing.
- Reproducible : the brand relaunches its iconic models every season, so your favorite pants won't disappear from the catalogue after 6 months.
To delve deeper, also read about the Pike Brothers brand and the legend of the Pike brothers.
The 5 Pike Brothers trouser families you need to know
The Pike Brothers range includes around fifty different styles, but they all fall into five main categories. The best approach is to start by identifying the category that best suits your needs, then choose the color and denim weight.
1. Roamer — the classic 5-pocket selvedge
The Pike Brothers 1958 Roamer Pant is the brand's best-selling model. With its slightly tapered straight leg, mid-rise waist, and five pockets, it's the perfect first pair of Pike Brothers jeans to recommend to someone new to the brand. Available in 11oz to 13oz raw denim, black cord, and olive cord.
- Why? Every day, in town or on a motorcycle.
- Cut: straight slim, mid-rise waist.
- Flagship models: 1963 Roamer Pant 11oz Metal, 1963 Roamer 13oz Pitch Black, 1958 Roamer Black Cord, 1958 Roamer Olive Cord.
2. Chopper — workwear/biker jeans
The Pike Brothers 1936 Chopper Pant and its big brother, the 1958 Chopper 15oz, are designed for bikers. They have a looser fit than the Roamer, a high waist, and a slightly tapered leg that sits above a boot. The heavyweight 15oz denim resists abrasion better than 11oz and develops a beautiful crease after a few weeks of wear.
- For what ? Vintage motorcycle, custom, workshop, 40s/50s look.
- Fit: loose, high waist, length designed to be worn over boots.
- Flagship models: 1958 Chopper 15oz Indigo, 1936 Chopper Pants.
3. Buccanoy — the straight, dressed-up cut
The Pike Brothers 1923 Buccanoy Pant is the brand's dress pant version, inspired by 1920s railway workwear. It features a strict straight cut, a very high waist, vertical slashed front pockets, and two front pleats. Wear it with suspenders or a leather belt, tucked into your shirt. Ideal for those looking for Pike Brothers trousers suitable for a professional environment or for fans of the Boardtrack/20s style.
- For what purpose? Dressy vintage style, photography, events, casual weddings.
- Cut: strict straight, very high waist, with pleats.
- Colors in the catalogue: Chicago Blue, Chicago Grey, Dundee Grey, Alameda Brown, Upland Brown — see Buccanoy Chicago Blue, Dundee Grey, Upland Brown.
4. Hauler — workwear chinos
The Pike Brothers 1905 Hauler Pant is the brand's workwear chino: sturdy cotton, straight cut, mid-rise waist, and two flap back pockets. Lighter than jeans, more structured than classic chinos. Recommended for anyone looking for a Pike Brothers garment other than denim for the mid-season.
- For what purpose? Mid-season, workwear look without denim, city and workshop.
- Cut: regular straight, mid-rise waist.
- Flagship models: 1905 Hauler Alameda, Chicago Sand, French Asphalt, 1905 Hauler HBT Brown.
5. Jungle / OG-107 — the military pants
For military enthusiasts, Pike Brothers reproduces US Vietnam War trousers: the 1966 Jungle Pant in olive HBT and the 1962 OG-107 Pant in jungle cloth (breathable twill). Mid-rise waist, straight, loose fit, six pockets including two pleated cargo pockets on the thighs.
- Why? Military style, summer (OG-107 jungle cloth breathes well), careful historical reenactment.
- Flagship models: 1966 Jungle Pant Olive, 1962 OG-107 Beige, OG-107 Navy.
If you are still hesitating between two families, browse the entire Pike Brothers trouser catalogue at Holdfast (65 references in stock).
Understanding denim weights: 11oz, 13oz, 15oz, 21oz
The weight of denim (in ounces per square yard) determines its fit, warmth, durability, and how the pants will age. Pike Brothers is one of the few brands to offer the same cut in multiple weights—this is intentional:
| Weight | Sensation | Season | Breaking | For who |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11oz | Flexible, fluid | All year round, summer is okay | Rapid (3–4 weeks) | First purchase, mild climate |
| 13oz | Versatile | All seasons | Average (1–2 months) | The best compromise |
| 15oz | Rigid, structured | Mid-season to winter | Long (2–4 months) | Motorcycle, pronounced pleats |
| 21oz | Very rigid, cardboard | Winter, workshop | Very long (4–6 months) | Connoisseurs, big pleats |
In short: start with 11oz or 13oz. Move up to 15oz if you want jeans that really show wear and tear and can handle motorcycling. 21oz is reserved for denim enthusiasts who are okay with pants that don't crease during the first month.
Choosing your size: body shape and cut
Pike Brothers sizes are in US inches (28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40). Shrinkage after washing is minimal on sanforized garments (the majority of the catalog) — expect 1 cm in the waist and 1 to 2 cm in the length. For detailed cm/inch and leg length conversions, see our complete Pike Brothers size guide.
Which haircut suits which body type?
- A-shaped silhouette (narrow shoulders, wide hips) — opt for a straight cut with a high waist (Buccanoy, Chopper) to rebalance the silhouette.
- V-shaped silhouette (broad shoulders, narrow hips) — a slim-fit straight-cut Roamer enhances the look without being overwhelming.
- H-shaped (square) silhouette — the Hauler chino or the Roamer 13oz work in any situation.
- Muscular thighs — avoid very slim cuts, prefer the Chopper or Jungle Pant which leave room on the thigh.
Motorcycle sizing tip
If you're looking for Pike Brothers jeans to wear on your motorcycle, choose your usual jeans size: Pike Brothers cuts are already designed to allow for a natural riding position. For winter comfort, the 15oz Chopper is unbeatable.
How to care for your Pike Brothers denim
Pike Brothers raw denim will break in better if you follow these simple rules:
- First month Do not wash. Wear the trousers as much as possible to set the creases at your wear points.
- First wash Wash in cold water, inside out, without aggressive spin cycle, dry flat. Avoid machine washing at 40°C as it will quickly cause discoloration.
- Then Washing every 2 to 3 months is sufficient. Air instead of washing.
- Localized tasks : cold water + Marseille soap, no strong detergent.
FAQ — Pike Brothers pants
What is the difference between a Roamer and a Chopper?
The Roamer is a slim, straight-leg, five-pocket jean with a mid-rise waist, made from 11-13oz denim: a versatile city jean. The Chopper has a looser fit, a higher rise, and is available in 15oz denim: designed for motorcycling and workwear.
What weight of denim is suitable for a beginner using Pike Brothers?
The 11oz or 13oz. The 15oz and 21oz are stiff denims that require a month or more to become comfortable.
How can I be sure if Holdfast is an official Pike Brothers distributor?
Holdfast is an official Pike Brothers distributor in France . All products are authentic, guaranteed, shipped from Marseille, with a 14-day return policy.
Do Pike Brothers trousers shrink?
Very little. Almost the entire catalog is sanforized (pre-shrunk). Expect a 1 cm loss in size and 1 to 2 cm in length after the first cold wash.
Which Pike Brothers motorcycle pants are best?
The 1958 Chopper Pant 15oz is our #1 recommendation — heavyweight denim that resists abrasion, high waist for the motorcycle position, length calculated to fit over a boot.
Conclusion
Choosing a pair of Pike Brothers pants starts with selecting a cut family (Roamer, Chopper, Buccanoy, Hauler, Jungle), then choosing a denim weight suited to your needs. If we had to pick just one: the 1963 Roamer Pant 11oz Metal in raw denim is the perfect all-rounder for getting into the brand's world. For the rest, browse the 65 styles currently in stock at Holdfast.
Buy your Pike Brothers trousers at Holdfast
Holdfast is an official Pike Brothers distributor in France . Authentic trousers, delivery within 24/48 hours in France, free returns within 14 days.
- → All Pike Brothers trousers (65 models)
- → Complete Pike Brothers collection (323 products)
- → Detailed Pike Brothers Size Guide
To learn more: the Pike Brothers brand · the Pike Brothers style · the legend of the Pike brothers.