The Pike Brothers size guide is essential 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 reproductions of archival designs . Each model follows the original patterns from its era (1905, 1923, 1937, 1947, 1958, 1963, etc.) and therefore fits differently from your everyday jeans. Add to that the raw denim, unsanforized chambray, and vegetable-tanned leathers that change with washing, and you understand why a dedicated Pike Brothers size guide isn't a luxury but a necessity. At Holdfast, the official Pike Brothers distributor in France , we receive the same questions every week: "I usually wear a size 32, what size should I get in Roamer?", "Does the 1923 Buccanoy run large or small?" "What shoe size do I need for the Tanker 1945?" This guide answers that question, 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 body type and develops its sizes around it, with a calculated comfort margin to appeal to the widest possible range. Pike Brothers does the opposite : the brand takes an archival piece—a 1947 dockworker's jeans, a 1932 surveyor's shirt, a 1945 tanker boot—and reproduces this pattern exactly as it was, using the fabrics, trimmings, and supplies of the period. The result is a cut that tells a story, but which may surprise you if you are 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 isn't just a single table, and why Pike Brothers doesn't publish a single "French size/US size" chart either. The brand provides flat measurements, style by style , and asks you to compare these measurements to those of a garment that fits you well. It's more demanding, but it's also much more reliable.
Pike Brothers Size Guide: The official method, measure flat
Before looking at the size charts for each garment, 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, gently stretched to remove any creases, and then measured with a tape measure . No measurements are taken on the body. This method has a major advantage: it's repeatable, and you can verify 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
The 1947 Roamer 15oz is Pike Brothers' signature jean. Slim-straight fit, mid-rise (front rise ~28 cm), 15oz selvedge denim, one-wash (so virtually no additional shrinkage). Our advice: take your usual raw denim size . If you're between sizes, choose the smaller one—the leather waistband will stretch 1,5 to 2 cm after three weeks of wear.
The 1947 Roamer is also available in a 21oz Metal version (heavyweight, raw denim that 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, yet flexible enough to remain wearable in summer.
1958 Roamer Pant 16oz: more structured, more sixties
The 1958 Roamer 16oz retains the Roamer cut but with a heavier denim and a slightly lower rise. It embodies the aesthetic of the late 50s and early 60s—that of Californian bikers, T-Birds, and A-2 jackets. The sizing difference compared to the 1947 is subtle but real: take the same size as the 1947 , unless you're looking for a truly slim fit—in which case, go down a size.
1963 Roamer Pant 11oz: the low-rise slim fit
Note that this is a unique style: the 1963 Roamer is the only one in the range designed to be worn with a truly low rise (front rise ~25 cm). It features a slim fit, lightweight 11oz denim, and a distinctly sixties silhouette. Choose your usual size for contemporary slim jeans , not your usual high-rise jeans size. While the standard Roamer 1947 size is W32, many customers opt for W31 or even W30 in the 1963 Roamer, depending on their body shape.
1958 Chopper Pant 15oz: the low-rise slim fit for choppers
The 1958 Chopper Pant 15oz is designed for the riding position on a chopper: a slightly lower rise than the Roamer, a shorter front rise, and a generous inseam to prevent pulling at the knee when seated on a low seat. It has a slim fit, but less slim than the 1963 Roamer. Order the same size as you would for the 1947 Roamer.
1923 Buccanoy Pant: the high-waisted docker's trousers
Men's straight-leg trousers - 1923 - Buccanoy pants - Chicago blue - Pike Brothers
The 1923 Buccanoy Pant Chicago Blue is a highly technical pant: high-waisted (front rise ~33 cm), straight leg, button fly (no zip fly). It sits well above the navel, in the 1920s style, and calls for a wide leather belt to complete the look. The sizing is true to the size shown —take your actual waist measurement, no more, no less. Note: with a button fly, you can't "cheat" by a notch like you can with a zip fly.
1935 Machinist Trousers Elephant Skin: the indestructible workshop pants
The 1935 Machinist Elephant Skin is a workshop pant made from extra-heavy corded cotton (elephant skin is a fabric with an irregular grain reminiscent of elephant hide). It features a straight workwear cut, a mid-rise waist, and deep pockets. Standard sizing —take your usual Roamer size. If you plan to wear it in the workshop with layers underneath, go up a size.
1947 Harvester Trousers Chicago Black: farmer's pants
The 1947 Harvester Trousers are based on the cut of post-war American farm trousers: a straight cut, slightly more relaxed than the Roamer, with a mid-rise waist and wide slanted pockets. Ideal for those who find the Roamer too fitted around the thigh. Choose your usual Roamer size —the extra ease is already included in the pattern.
1940 Service Chino Leesville Sand: the military chino revisited
The 1940 Service Chino is Pike Brothers' take on the US Army uniform trousers worn on the eve of World War II: 9oz chino fabric, straight military cut, mid-rise waist, and front pleats. It's the perfect piece for building a more "dressy" Pike Brothers outfit without resorting to raw denim. True to size —take your actual waist measurement.
1962 OG-107 Trousers: Vietnam military pants
The 1962 OG-107 replicates the US Army's OG-107 uniform pants, made from olive drab cotton sateen. It features a straight military cut, mid-rise waist, side pockets, and flap back pockets. The sizing is true to the size W shown , but the military pattern allows for a definite ease in the thigh—do not go up a size for a "comfortable fit."
1905 Hauler Pant Alameda: the very high-waisted trousers
The 1905 Hauler Pant is the most extreme model in terms of waist height: with a front rise of approximately 35 cm, the garment sits well above the navel, and suspenders are practically mandatory. It has a straight, wide workwear cut. Take your actual waist measurement and wear it with suspenders: this is the piece that most evokes the full vocabulary of the 1920s.
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 than in the cuts : some are very boxy (Roamer Shirt, Surveyor), others more fitted (Albatros, Henley), and others decidedly loose (CPO, Buccanoy workshirt).
1937 Roamer Shirt Red Flannel: the authentic lumberjack shirt
The 1937 Roamer Shirt in Red Flannel is a plaid wool/cotton shirt with a lumberjack cut and two chest pockets. It has a boxy fit : 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 sit too low. A Pike Brothers size M fits a 95-100 cm chest.
1923 Buccanoy Shirt: the high-waisted workwear shirt
The 1923 Buccanoy Shirt Wicklow Navy features a classic 20s work shirt cut: a low pointed collar, a back hem longer than the front (to stay tucked into high-waisted trousers), and a double chest pocket. It has a generous cut at the shoulders and is fitted at the waist . Take your usual size; if you're between sizes, choose the smaller one—this shirt is designed to be fitted at the waist and loose in the sleeves.
1932 Surveyor Shirt Clifden Green: the surveyor's shirt
The 1932 Surveyor Shirt Clifden Green is a heavyweight cotton outdoor shirt inspired by the shirts worn by American surveyors between the two World Wars. It features a boxy cut, long sleeves, and two flap chest pockets. Standard Pike Brothers sizing : M = 97-100 cm chest, L = 102-107 cm, XL = 108-113 cm.
1947 Albatros Shirt White Chambray: the iconic worker's shirt
The 1947 Albatros Shirt White Chambray is a take on the classic American work shirt: 100% cotton chambray, small collar, single left chest pocket. It has a slightly more fitted cut than the Buccanoy. Order your usual size , but keep in mind that unsanforized chambray shrinks by approximately 3% in the first wash at 30°C.
1943 CPO Shirt Hamburg Blue: the navy wool overshirt
The 1943 CPO Shirt Hamburg Blue is a dark blue navy wool overshirt inspired by the uniform of US Navy Chief Petty Officers. It has a relaxed fit—this garment is designed to be worn over a chambray shirt or a Henley. Choose your usual size if you plan to wear it on its own; size up if you intend to wear it as an outer layer over a heavy 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.
The 1927 Henley Long Sleeve Mojave Blue is a tunic with three-button front closure, long sleeves, and is made of heavyweight waffle cotton. It has a slightly fitted cut —if you are between sizes, choose the larger size. The henley shrinks 2-3% in length after the first wash.
Pike Brothers size guide for jackets and vests
1927 Harvester Jacket: the farmer's jacket
The 1927 Harvester Jacket is the workwear jacket in the range: heavyweight cotton, three patch pockets, steel buttons. Straight cut with a slight waistband. Standard sizing : M = 97-100 cm, L = 102-107 cm. Ideal worn over a chambray shirt or a henley in the mid-season.
1937 Roamer Vest Elephant Skin: the worker's vest
The 1937 Roamer Vest in Elephant Skin is the quintessential workwear vest. It features two patch chest pockets, steel buttons, and a fitted back. Choose your usual shirt size : the pattern is designed to be worn over a shirt or henley, not over a heavy 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.
The 1963 Roamer Vest 11oz Metal
Order your usual shirt size. It's one of the most commonly used items in the biker community to display club colours or personal patches.
Pike Brothers size guide for jumpsuits and overalls
1938 Mechanic Coverall: the workshop suit
The 1938 Mechanic Coverall by Off-White is a full-body cotton canvas coverall, a reproduction of an aircraft mechanic's uniform from the late 30s. Sizing is based on your largest measurement (chest or waist) . A customer with a 100 cm chest / 85 cm waist should choose size L (chest measurement takes precedence). If you plan to wear it over heavy clothing (in a motorcycle workshop, for example), choose one size up.
1940 USN Dungarees: the US Navy overalls
The 1940 USN Dungarees 10oz Indigo are bib overalls inspired by the fatigue uniform of American sailors. Sized according to actual waist measurement , the straps are adjustable over a 20cm range.
Pike Brothers size guide for boots and shoes
Pike Brothers uses the standard EU sizing (40, 41, 42, 43…). However, the lasts vary considerably from one style to another. As a general rule, Pike Brothers shoes run slightly large due to their Goodyear welted soles with a generous construction. If you are between sizes, choose the smaller one—and add a thick wool sock if needed.
1945 Tanker Boot: the tanker boot
The 1945 Tanker Boot Brown is a faithful reproduction of the US tanker boot: vegetable-tanned leather, two-strap closure with metal buckles, and a stitched leather sole. Order your usual EU size , or half a size down if you have a narrow foot. It is also available in Cognac, a lighter and warmer color. This is our best-selling boot for motorcycle use.
1946 Mountaineer Boot: the mountaineer's boot
The 1946 Mountaineer Boot Black (also available in Bourbon) replicates the post-war mountaineering boot: 7 eyelet lacing + 3 hooks, Vibram lug sole. Standard EU sizing , but allow 3 to 4 mm of room at the toe for downhill movement.
1966 Low Quarters: the dressy workwear shoe
The 1966 Low Quarters Cognac Oiled are low-cut, lace-up shoes in cognac-oiled leather with a derby cut. Perfect to pair with 1940 Service Chinos or 1962 OG-107s. Standard EU sizing , true to size.
1938 Cricketeer Shoe: the vintage low-cut sports shoe
The 1938 Cricketeer Shoe Brown is a throwback to the 30s cricket-style sports shoe: brown leather, grey canvas, and a white stitched sole. Standard EU sizing , but a narrow fit—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 fit true to size when the denim is one-wash or sanforized, and slightly small (add one size) when the denim is raw and unsanforized. The rise varies considerably depending on the year of manufacture: a 1905 Hauler sits very high, a 1963 Roamer sits 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 shirts have a more boxy cut than contemporary brands—broader shoulders, a longer back hem, and a generous chest. For a boxy or sporty silhouette, choose your usual size. For a slimmer silhouette, go down a 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 an official Pike Brothers distributor in France : contact us by phone or via the form — provide your waist measurement, inseam, and the desired model, 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 distribution channels, then our guide on How to Choose the Right Pike Brothers Pants . For the specific topic of heavyweight denim, read 16oz Selvedge Denim: Why It's the Ultimate Motorcycle Pant . And for the history of the Pike brothers, our article The Legend of the Pike Brothers recounts the brand's founding.
Beyond this Pike Brothers size guide, the entire range available in France is on our Pike Brothers category , with dedicated filters for Pike Brothers trousers , Pike Brothers shirts , 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.