The Pike Brothers size guide is the necessary step before ordering trousers, a shirt, a jacket, or a pair of boots from the German brand. The reason is simple: Pike Brothers doesn't manufacture "standard" clothing in the European ready-to-wear style, but rather... archival reproductionsEach style follows the original patterns from its era (1905, 1923, 1937, 1947, 1958, 1963…) and therefore fits differently from your everyday jeans. Add to that the raw denim, unsanforized chambray, and vegetable-tanned leathers that change with each wash, and you understand why a dedicated Pike Brothers size guide isn't a luxury but a necessity. At Holdfast, Official Pike Brothers distributor in FranceEvery week, we receive the same questions: "I usually wear a size 32, what size should I get in Roamer?", "Does the 1923 Buccanoy run large or small?", "What size should I get for the Tanker 1945?". This guide answers them, model by model, using the brand's official sizing method and our workshop feedback.
Leather label of the 1947 Roamer Pant 21oz: the "W32 L34" you choose corresponds to the archive pattern, not a modern EU size.
This Pike Brothers size guide starts here: why the brand doesn't size like others
A classic ready-to-wear brand starts with an average size and develops its sizes around it, with a calculated comfort margin to appeal to the widest possible audience. Pike Brothers does the opposite The brand takes an archival piece—a 1947 dockworker's jeans, a 1932 surveyor's shirt, a 1945 tanker's boot—and reproduces the pattern exactly as it was, using the fabrics, trimmings, and supplies of the period. The result is a garment that tells a story, but which might surprise you if you're only familiar with modern clothing.
Three concrete consequences for you:
- The rise (waist height) varies enormously from one model to another. A 1923 Buccanoy sits high, like a pair of 1920s dockworker trousers. A 1963 Roamer sits low, like a pair of 1960s jeans. Two pairs of W32 trousers, same brand, same size—two radically different silhouettes.
- Raw denim shrinks. Depending on the weight and treatment of the denim, you'll lose between 2 and 5% in the first hot wash. On a 21oz unsanforized denim, this quickly translates to a 3 cm reduction in waist measurement and a 4 cm reduction in inseam measurement.
- The shirts follow European weight guidelines. A Pike Brothers M is not a Zara M. The pattern is more boxy, the shoulders wider, the length more generous — all this to fall properly once tucked into high-waisted jeans.
This is why the Pike Brothers size guide is not simply a single table, and why Pike Brothers does not publish a single "French size / US size" table. The brand provides flat measurements, model by modeland asks you to compare these measurements to those of a garment that fits you well. It's more demanding, but also much more reliable.
Pike Brothers Size Guide: The official method, measure flat
Before looking at the size charts for each model, it's important to understand how Pike Brothers measures its clothing. The rule is the same for the entire range: The garment is laid flat, buttoned, slightly stretched to remove creases, then measured with a tape measure.No measurements are taken on the body. This method has a major advantage: it is reproducible, and you can check it yourself on any garment in your wardrobe.
Pike Brothers trousers and jeans: the 4 measurements that matter
- Waist measurement — Buttoned trousers, laid flat, slightly stretched. Measure in a straight line across the top of the waistband, from one edge to the other. This measurement, multiplied by two, gives your actual waist measurement. A W32 = 32 inches ≈ 81 cm finished waist measurement.
- Front rise (front rise) — From the crotch seam to the top of the waistband, following the fly line. A Roamer is about 28 cm. A Buccanoy is about 33 cm. The difference is immediately noticeable when putting them on.
- Back rise (rear rise) — Same starting point, measurement taken up along the back seam to the bottom of the waistband. The back rise is always longer than the front rise (by 5 to 10 cm depending on the style).
- Leg opening (lower leg) — From the outer seam to the inner seam, at the hem. This measurement distinguishes a Roamer slim (17,5 cm) from a Buccanoy straight (21 cm) from a Chopper carrot (18 cm).
The length (inseam / L32, L34, L36) is measured along the inside seam, from the bottom of the crotch to the hem. An L32 = 32 inches ≈ 81 cm, an L34 ≈ 86 cm, an L36 ≈ 91 cm.
Shirts, jackets and vests: the 4 measurements that matter
- Chest / pit-to-pit (chest) — Button-down shirt, laid flat. Measure from one armhole seam to the other, where the sleeve joins the body. Double this measurement to obtain the finished chest measurement.
- Shoulder (shoulders) — In the back, from one shoulder seam to the other. This is the most critical measurement for a good drape: a shoulder that is too wide will make the shirt shapeless, a shoulder that is too narrow will pull on the buttonhole.
- Sleeve — From the shoulder seam to the end of the wrist, following the elongated sleeve laid flat.
- Back length — From the base of the collar to the bottom hem.
For Pike Brothers shirts, the chest and shoulders take precedence: the length is always generous (made on purpose to stay tucked into high-waisted trousers), and the sleeve can be rolled up without betraying the style of the piece.
Pike Brothers size guide for trousers and jeans
For this Pike Brothers size guide, we've compiled the nine most popular trouser styles below, listed by year of release. For each style, we provide the cut, waist height, typical use, and our sizing advice based on customer feedback.
1947 Roamer Pant 15oz: the iconic slim-straight jean
Le 1947 Roamer 15oz is Pike Brothers' reference jean. Slim-straight fit, mid-rise waist (front rise ~28 cm), 15oz selvage denim in one-wash (so virtually no additional shrinkage). Our advice: take your usual size in raw denimIf you are between two sizes, take the smaller one — the leather of the belt will stretch 1,5 to 2 cm after three weeks of wear.
The 1947 Roamer also exists in a version 21oz Metal (Heavyweight, raw denim, shrinks in the first hot wash — order one size up) and in Dirty or Indigo colors. For motorcycle use, we recommend the 15oz weight: sufficient for abrasion resistance, flexible enough to remain wearable in summer.
1958 Roamer Pant 16oz: more structured, more sixties
Le 1958 Roamer 16oz It retains the Roamer cut but with heavier denim and a slightly lower waist. It embodies the aesthetic of the late 50s and early 60s—that of Californian bikers, T-Birds, and A-2 jackets. The difference in sizing compared to the 1947 is subtle but real: Choose the same size as the 1947unless you're looking for a really slim fit — in which case go down a size.
1963 Roamer Pant 11oz: the low-rise slim fit
Note: This is a separate model: the 1963 Roamers is the only one in the range to wear in really low height (front rise ~25 cm). Slim fit, lightweight 11oz denim, confidently sixties silhouette. Take your size in contemporary slim jeansNot your high-waisted jeans size. For a reference W32 Roamer 1947, many customers choose W31 or even W30 in 1963 Roamer depending on their body shape.
1958 Chopper Pant 15oz: the low-rise slim fit for choppers
Le 1958 Chopper Pant 15oz It's designed for riding a chopper: slightly lower waist than the Roamer, short front rise, generous inseam to avoid pulling on the knee when seated on a low seat. Slim fit, but less slim than a 1963 Roamer. Choose the same size as in Roamer 1947.
1923 Buccanoy Pant: the high-waisted docker's trousers
Men's straight-leg trousers - 1923 - Buccanoy pants - Chicago blue - Pike Brothers
Le 1923 Buccanoy Pant Chicago Blue These are highly technical trousers: high-waisted (front rise ~33 cm), straight cut, buttoned front (no zip fly). They sit well above the navel, in a 1920s style, and call for a wide leather belt to complete the look. True to the displayed figure — take your actual waist measurement, no more and no less. Note: with a button fly, you cannot "cheat" by one notch as you can with a zip fly.
1935 Machinist Trousers Elephant Skin: the indestructible workshop pants
Le 1935 Machinist Elephant Skin These are workshop trousers made from ultra-thick corded cotton (the "elephant skin" is a fabric with an irregular grain reminiscent of pachyderm skin). Straight workwear cut, mid-rise waist, deep pockets. Standard size — Take your usual Roamer size. If you intend to use it in the workshop with layers underneath, go up one size.
1947 Harvester Trousers Chicago Black: farmer's pants
Le 1947 Harvester Trousers It takes its cut from a post-war American farm pant: straight, slightly more relaxed than the Roamer, mid-rise, wide slanted pockets. Ideal for those who find the Roamer too fitted around the thigh. Take your Roamer size — the additional allowance is provided to the boss.
1940 Service Chino Leesville Sand: the military chino revisited
Le 1940 Chino Service This is Pike Brothers' version of the US Army uniform trousers from the eve of World War II: 9oz chino fabric, straight military cut, mid-rise waist, front pleats. It's the ideal piece for creating a more "dressy" Pike Brothers outfit without resorting to raw denim. Faithful cutter — take your actual waist measurement.
1962 OG-107 Trousers: Vietnam military pants
Le 1962 OG-107 Replicates the US Army OG-107 uniform trousers, made from olive drab cotton sateen. Straight military cut, mid-rise waist, side pockets and flap back pockets. True to the displayed W figure, but the military pattern leaves a clear ease in the thigh — don't go up a size to "be comfortable".
1905 Hauler Pant Alameda: the very high-waisted trousers
Le 1905 Hauler Pant This is the most extreme model in terms of waist height: front rise ~35 cm, the garment is worn well above the navel, with suspenders almost mandatory. Straight, loose workwear cut. Take your actual waist measurement and wear it with suspenders: it's the piece that most calls for the full 1920s vocabulary.
Pike Brothers Shirt Size Guide
The Pike Brothers shirt size guide is simpler: they all follow a moderate European sizing (S, M, L, XL, XXL). The difference between the models lies less in the sizes themselves than in the... cuts : some are very boxy (Roamer Shirt, Surveyor), others more fitted (Albatros, Henley), others frankly loose (CPO, Buccanoy workshirt).
1937 Roamer Shirt Red Flannel: the authentic lumberjack shirt
La 1937 Roamer Shirt Red Flannel is a wool/cotton plaid shirt, lumberjack cut, double chest pocket. Boxy cut If you are slim and slender, take your usual size. If you have broad shoulders or an athletic build, take a size down—otherwise the shoulders will drop too low. A Pike Brothers M fits a 95-100 cm bust measurement.
1923 Buccanoy Shirt: the high-waisted workwear shirt
La 1923 Buccanoy Shirt Wicklow Navy It takes up a 20s workshop shirt cut: low pointed collar, back panel longer than the front (to stay tucked into high-waisted trousers), double chest pocket. Generous cut at the shoulders, fitted at the waistTake your usual size; if you are between sizes, take the smaller one — this shirt is made to be worn close to the body at the waist and loose at the sleeves.
1932 Surveyor Shirt Clifden Green: the surveyor's shirt
La 1932 Surveyor Shirt Clifden Green This is a thick cotton outdoor shirt, inspired by the shirts worn by American surveyors between the two world wars. It has a boxy cut, long sleeves, and two flap chest pockets. Pike Brothers Standard Size : M = 97-100 cm chest, L = 102-107 cm, XL = 108-113 cm.
1947 Albatros Shirt White Chambray: the iconic worker's shirt
La 1947 Albatros Shirt White Chambray It takes the classic American work shirt: 100% cotton chambray, small collar, single left chest pocket. Slightly more fitted cut than the Buccanoy. Take your usual size, but bear in mind that non-sanforized chambray shrinks by about 3% on the first wash at 30°C.
1943 CPO Shirt Hamburg Blue: the navy wool overshirt
La 1943 CPO Shirt Hamburg Blue This is a dark blue navy wool overshirt, inspired by the uniform of US Navy Chief Petty Officers. It has a loose fit and is designed to be worn over a chambray shirt or a Henley. Choose your usual size if you want to wear it alone, go up a size if you want it as an outer layer over a thick flannel shirt.
1927 Henley Long Sleeve Mojave Blue: the worker's button-down tunic
The 1927 Henley Long Sleeve Mojave Blue: the worker's henley tunic, thick waffle cotton, workshop atmosphere.
Le 1927 Henley Long Sleeve Mojave Blue is a tunic with three buttons on the chest, long sleeves, thick waffle cotton. Slightly adjusted fit — If you are between two sizes, choose the larger one. Henley shrinks by 2 to 3% in length during the first wash.
Pike Brothers size guide for jackets and vests
1927 Harvester Jacket: the farmer's jacket
The 1927 Harvester Jacket is the chore workwear jacket in the range: thick cotton, three patch pockets, steel buttons. Straight cut with a slight marking at the waist. Standard size : M = 97-100 cm, L = 102-107 cm. Ideal worn over a chambray shirt or a henley in mid-season.
1937 Roamer Vest Elephant Skin: the worker's vest
Le 1937 Roamer Vest Elephant Skin This is the quintessential workwear vest. Two patch pockets on the chest, steel buttons, fitted back. Order your usual shirt size : the pattern is designed to be worn over a shirt or a henley, not over a thick overshirt.
1963 Roamer Vest 11oz: the denim vest
The 1963 Roamer Vest 11oz Metal is the sixties denim vest, the historical basis for patch vests. Slim fit, snap buttons.
Le 1963 Roamer Vest 11oz Metal
Order your usual shirt size. It is one of the most used items by the biker community to display club colours or personal patches.
Pike Brothers size guide for jumpsuits and overalls
1938 Mechanic Coverall: the workshop suit
Le 1938 Mechanic Coverall Off-White is a full-body suit made of cotton canvas, a reproduction of an aircraft mechanic's outfit from the late 30s. Size based on your largest measurement (bust or waist circumference)A customer with a 100 cm chest and 85 cm waist should choose size L (chest size takes priority). If you plan to wear it over thick clothing (in a motorcycle workshop, for example), go up a size.
1940 USN Dungarees: the US Navy overalls
La 1940 USN Dungarees 10oz Indigo is a dungaree with suspenders inspired by the fatigue uniform of American sailors. Size according to actual waist measurementThe straps can be adjusted over a 20cm range.
Pike Brothers size guide for boots and shoes
Pike Brothers uses the classic EU point system (40, 41, 42, 43…). But the shapes vary considerably from one model to another. General rule: Pike Brothers sizes run slightly large due to the Goodyear welted soles with generous construction. If you are hesitating between two sizes, take the smaller one — with a thick wool sock if needed to fill the gap.
1945 Tanker Boot: the tanker boot
The 1945 Tanker Boot Brown are a faithful reproduction of the US tanker boot: vegetable-tan leather, two-strap closure and metal buckles, stitched leather sole. Order your usual EU sizeIf you have a narrow foot, go down half a size. It's also available in Cognac, a lighter and warmer color. This is our best-selling boot for motorcycling.
1946 Mountaineer Boot: the mountaineer's boot
The 1946 Mountaineer Boot Black (also available in Bourbon) reproduce the post-war mountaineer's boot: 7 eyelet lacing + 3 hooks, Vibram lug sole. Standard EU shoe size, but leave 3 to 4 mm of space at the toe for play when going downhill.
1966 Low Quarters: the dressy workwear shoe
The 1966 Low Quarters Cognac Oiled These are low-cut, lace-up shoes in cognac-colored oiled leather with a derby cut. Perfect to pair with a 1940 Service Chino or a 1962 OG-107. Standard EU shoe size, faithful cutter.
1938 Cricketeer Shoe: the vintage low-cut sports shoe
The 1938 Cricketer Shoe Brown They revive the 30s cricket-style sports shoe: brown leather, grey canvas, white stitched sole. Standard EU shoe size, but narrow shape — if you have a wide foot, go up half a size.
Pike Brothers Raw Denim Size Guide: Understanding Shrink-to-Fit
A large part of the Pike Brothers range is made from raw selvedge denim, meaning it's unwashed. These pieces will shrink after the first wash. Here's what you need to know:
- One-wash The brand washed the garment once before sale. It has already shrunk. Take your usual size without adjusting.
- Raw — No washing. Expect 2-5% shrinkage depending on weight. For a 21oz non-sanforized garment, add one size to the waist and one inch to the inseam.
- Sanforized — The fabric has undergone a mechanical treatment that reduces its shrinkage. Shrinkage is limited to 1%. Regular fit.
Reading Pike Brothers product descriptions always mentions the denim's condition. If you have any doubts about a specific point in this Pike Brothers size guide, we are available by phone or email — for advice on a specific model, contact the Holdfast workshop.
FAQ: The Pike Brothers size guide in 7 questions
How can I find my Pike Brothers size without trying them on?
Take a pair of pants that fit you well, lay them flat, measure the waistband from one side to the other, and then multiply by two. Look up the Pike Brothers product details for the model with the corresponding measurement. Do the same for the inseam and leg opening. The "measure flat" method is much more reliable than "I'm a size 32."
Do Pike Brothers trousers run large or small?
They prune true to the displayed figure when the denim is one-wash or sanforized, and slightly small (Allow +1) when the denim is raw and unsanforized. The rise varies enormously depending on the year of the archive: a 1905 Hauler is worn very high, a 1963 Roamer is worn low.
What is the difference between the 1947 Roamer and the 1963 Roamer?
The 1947 Roamer is a slim-straight, mid-rise style (front rise ~28 cm), a reference to 1940s workwear. The 1963 Roamer is a slim-rise, low-rise style (front rise ~25 cm), a silhouette reminiscent of the 1960s. Many customers choose the 1963 Roamer for a smaller size than their 1947 Roamer.
My Pike Brothers jeans shrank after washing, what should I do?
This is normal with raw or unsanforized denim. The loss in a 21oz pair can be as much as 3 cm in the waistband and 4 cm in the inseam. For the waistband, wear the jeans for a few weeks—the leather waistband and the denim at the waist will stretch by 1 to 2 cm. For the inseam, it's final. The rule of thumb: with raw denim, always buy a little big, not too tight.
Do Pike Brothers shirts run large?
Pike Brothers shirt cuts are more square than those of contemporary brands — broader shoulders, a longer back panel, a generous bust. For a square or athletic silhouette, take your usual size. For a slender silhouette, go down one size.
What size should I get for Tanker boots?
The 1945 Tanker Boots run slightly large due to the generous Goodyear welt construction. Order your usual EU size; go down half a size if you have a narrow foot, or plan on wearing thick wool socks to fill the gap.
I order from Holdfast, am I entitled to personalized sizing advice?
Yes. Holdfast is Official distributor of Pike Brothers France Contact us by phone or via the form — provide your waist measurement, inseam measurement, and the desired style, and we'll confirm the size with you before you place your order. We also maintain a permanent stock that allows you to compare several sizes: it's the true physical counterpart to this Pike Brothers size guide.
To go further after this Pike Brothers size guide
If you're new to the brand, start with our article on Pike Brothers France at Holdfast to understand the official process, then our guide on How to choose the right Pike Brothers trousersFor the specific topic of heavy denim, read 16oz Selvedge Denim: Why it's the ultimate motorcycle pantsAnd for the story of the Pike brothers, see our article. The legend of the Pike brothers traces the founding of the brand.
Beyond this Pike Brothers size guide, the entire range available in France is on our Pike Brothers category, with dedicated filters for the Pike Brothers trousers, the Pike Brothers shirts, the jackets and vests, And Pike Brothers boots.
This Pike Brothers size guide is updated regularly based on changes to the product range and customer feedback. Last updated: April 2026.