How to choose Pike Brothers trousers: the complete 2026 guide
In this article
Deciding between a Roamer 21oz, Buccanoy 2204 or Mechanic Bib? This guide explains the Pike Brothers range and helps you choose biker trousers to suit your build, style and riding.
Who are Pike Brothers?
Pike Brothers is a German heritage workwear brand founded in Hamburg in the 2010s. With an almost documentary obsession, it reproduces American workwear from the 1930s to the 1960s: miners’ trousers, mechanics’ overalls, work jackets, selvedge denim jackets and chambray shirts. Every model is identified by its reference year: 1908 (miner), 1937 (post-Depression denim), 1947 (Roamer), 1954 (work pant), 1958 (lightweight Roamer), 1966 (Explorer)…
The brand has become a cult favourite in the chopper, bobber and café racer communities for 3 reasons:
- Authentic materials : selvedge denim woven in Japan, 21oz blended cloth and natural indigo
- Vintage fits : high waists, wide straight legs and metal press studs
- Period details : selvedge-appendix back pockets, copper rivets and selvedge fabrics with coloured edges
The main Pike Brothers trouser models
1947 Roamer 21oz: the heavyweight
The iconic model. 21oz denim (compared with 12oz for standard Levi’s), so thick it literally crackles when folded new. A roomy straight 1947-style fit with turn-up hems.
Who is it for? Chopper and bobber riders who want light natural protection against road abrasion.
Sizes : W28 to W42 (US sizes). The waist of 21oz denim shrinks by 1.5 cm after its first wash.
1937 Roamer Pant: the lighter version
The same fit as the 1947 in 14–16oz denim. More comfortable for everyday wear and summer riding.
Who is it for? Daily riders who want the style without the stiffness.
1958 Roamer 15oz indigo: the balance
A Roamer cut in raw indigo 15oz denim. The ideal compromise between the strength of the 1947 and the comfort of the 1937.
1908 Miner Pants: the most radical
American miners’ trousers with a very high waist and an integrated buttoned waistband. Wide straight fit. A distinctive look.
1935 Mechanic Bib (overalls)
The mechanics’ overalls in their original heavy blended cloth. Front bib, H-shaped braces and tool pockets. Iconic in the workshop and on a motorcycle.
1936 Chopper Pant
Purpose-built biker trousers with riveted pockets and slightly flared legs to fit over engineer boots.
1966 Explorer Pant
Utility trousers with several side pockets, a straight fit and medium-weight denim. More versatile than the Roamer models, ideal for off-road riding and camping.
How to choose your Pike Brothers size
Pike Brothers sizes are in US inches (W28, W30, W32…). Approximate conversion :
| French size | Waist circumference (cm) | Pike Brothers size |
|---|---|---|
| 36 | 71 | W28 |
| 38 | 76 | W30 |
| 40 | 81 | W32 |
| 42 | 86 | W34 |
| 44 | 91 | W36 |
| 46 | 97 | W38 |
| 48 | 102 | W40 |
| 50 | 107 | W42 |
Golden rule : choose your usual size. 21oz denim shrinks slightly (1–2 cm around the waist) after its first wash. If you want a close fit straight out of the washing machine, choose one size up. For a relaxed, roomy look, choose your exact size.
Pike Brothers vs Hold Fast: which should you choose?
This is the question we hear most in the shop. Here is the comparison:
| Criterion | Pike Brothers | Hold Fast |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Germany (production in Portugal/Czechia) | France (European production) |
| Style | US heritage workwear, 1930–1960 | Japan Style prisoner biker clothing |
| Signature material | 14–21oz selvedge denim | Black-and-white striped 16oz denim |
| Average trouser price | 180-250 € | 120-150 € |
| Fit | Roomy, high-waisted | Fitted straight cut |
| Visual signature | Period details (copper rivets, selvedge edge) | Black-and-white convict stripes |
| Who is it for? | Heritage purists, authentic everyday wear | Bikers seeking an immediate outlaw look |
Our advice : Pike Brothers for construction quality and the collector appeal of heritage clothing. Hold Fast for immediate visual impact and a distinctive biker style. Many of our customers keep both in their wardrobes.
Pike Brothers FAQ
Does Pike Brothers denim shrink much?
Raw 21oz denim loses 1–2 cm at the waist and 2–3 cm in length during its first hot wash. To minimise this, wash cold and inside out, and dry flat.
Do Pike Brothers offer made-to-measure clothing or alterations?
No, it is ready-to-wear. For length, ask a local tailor: the selvedge seam folds into a turn-up hem, in the US 1950s tradition.
How should I wash my Pike Brothers?
Machine-wash at 30°C on a delicate programme, inside out, without fabric softener. Dry flat. For the first wash, use cold water to set the indigo and limit colour transfer to other clothes.
How long do Pike Brothers jeans last?
A pair of 21oz jeans worn daily and well cared for can last 8–15 years. Hems wear out, while the stitching stays strong. A long-term investment compared with Levi’s 501s replaced every 2–3 years.
Do Pike Brothers make women’s sizes?
No, the range is exclusively for men. High-waisted cuts with narrow waists can suit androgynous figures in W26–W28.
Can you ride a motorcycle in Pike Brothers trousers?
Yes, but these are NOT CE-certified trousers. 21oz denim provides natural resistance to road abrasion but has no armour or knee protectors. For regulatory riding safety, add removable sliders or wear CE-certified trousers over them.
Where can I buy Pike Brothers in France?
Our shop school-of-cool.com has been an official Pike Brothers retailer in France since 2018. Permanent stock of 1947 Roamer 21oz, 1935 Mechanic Bib overalls, 1936 Chopper Pant and 1966 Explorer.
Discover the Pike Brothers collection
Made your choice? Browse the complete collection here:
Shop all Pike Brothers clothing →
Need personal advice? Contact us on WhatsApp or by email: we know every model and have tested them all personally.
👖 Explore the whole brand: discover the complete range Pike Brothers at School of Cool – selvedge trousers, Roamer shirts, deck jackets, accessories and sale items.
