How to choose the right pike brothers pants

Choosing a pair of Pike Brothers trousers means choosing between a dozen cuts, four iconic families and several denim weights. This guide gets straight to the point: we review the brand's iconic styles (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 Pike Brothers pants to order. Holdfast, official distributor in France.

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 the Pike Brothers brand et 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

Le Pike Brothers 1958 Roamer Pant This is the brand's best-selling model. With a straight, slightly tapered cut, mid-rise waist, and five pockets, it's the perfect Pike Brothers jean to recommend first to someone discovering 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

Le Pike Brothers 1936 Chopper Pant and his older brother 1958 Chopper 15oz These jeans are designed for motorcyclists. They have a looser fit than the Roamer, a high waist, and a slightly tapered leg that extends over 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

Le Pike Brothers 1923 Buccanoy Pant This 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

Le Pike Brothers 1905 Hauler Pant This is the brand's workwear chino: sturdy cotton, straight cut, mid-rise waist, two flap back pockets. Lighter than jeans, more structured than classic chinos. Recommended for someone who wants a Pike Brothers style. other than denim for 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 fans of military items, Pike Brothers reproduces US trousers from the Vietnam War: 1966 Jungle Pant in olive HBT and 1962 OG-107 Pant Made of jungle cloth (airy twill). Mid-rise waist, loose straight cut, 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're still hesitating between two families, browse the entire... Pike Brothers trouser catalogue at Holdfast (65 items 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:

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 jeans that don't crease for 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 pieces (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 Official Pike Brothers distributor in FranceAll products are authentic, guaranteed, delivered from Marseille, with 14-day returns.

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?

Le 1958 Chopper Pant 15oz is our #1 recommendation — thick denim that resists abrasion, high waist for the motorcycle position, length calculated to go over a boot.

Conclusion

Choosing a pair of Pike Brothers trousers is first and foremost choosing a cutting family (Roamer, Chopper, Buccanoy, Hauler, Jungle), then a denim weight tailored to your needs. If we had to choose just one: the 1963 Roamer Pant 11oz Metal In raw denim, it's the perfect all-rounder to enter the world of the brand. For everything else, browse the 65 items in stock at Holdfast.