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jadub

A-List Customer
Messages
339
Location
Saco, Maine

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There seems to be a lot of Aero's leather jeans being sold in Japan, mostly at a very good price - Problem is sizing. I've noticed that Japanese sold Aero trousers are a lot smaller than their EU/US counterparts. Maybe Aero has been using a different sizing chart for the Japanese market. Not sure.
 
Messages
16,851
While this thread is already here, lemme post a couple of short write-ups on my recent vintage acquirements..

First up, 40's or 50's German made leather (horsehide) riding trousers.

Found these thru local classifieds & they cost me $5. Never imagined I would be this much in love with 'em. Seems to me leather pants used to be a lot more in use throughout Europe than in the US as I've seen similar models often turning up here and there, tho I never saw ones that were this cool.

I've been told by the previous owner that these trousers belonged to his father who wore them on a bike during the 50's. I'm inclined to agree with this dating assessment as the ZIPP hardware and the overall styling would confirm this. It's the incredible condition of the trousers, however, that has me doubt the authenticity of the claim that they're this old but then again, if they were properly stored... Why not?

I was also assured that they are made from horsehide which of course is impossible to prove but the guy I bought 'em from didn't seem to understand this would make a difference... He just mentioned it matter of factly.

That said, leather would be the most noteworthy feature about them. Definitely that European old school tanning that can no longer be seen. Super thick, as you can see on the belt loops, yet incredibly soft. Naked hide, completely natural feel, free of any finish.

Other cool details are that all the pockets are leather lined, even the back pocket & the pants are lined all the way through.

What sucks is that they're kind of short but they don't look bad at all when worn on a pair of boots.

Regardless, these trousers are very easy to wear, have a unique cut & silhouette, being made more like suit pants rather than leather jeans and... What more to add, I just love 'em.


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Messages
16,851
Next up, Bates leather pants.

First off, huge shout-out to @TheOldFashioned for pointing these out to me. I was somehow the only bidder and ended up paying 50-something USD, shipping included for a pair of essentially brand-freaking-new Bates MC trousers. I don't think they've been worn once!

Anyway, these are full custom work with doubled pockets - two separate zippered pockets in addition to the regular side pockets - and possibly made to measure. Luckily, dude whose name is even embroidered on the Bates label, seems to wear the same size as me.
They're made in typical Bates heavy brown cowhide that while beautiful and rich in color is a bit too heavy on the finish & are lined throughout with golden polyester liner. Seriously the lining is blindingly golden, just that it looks yellow on the photos but it's a spectacle IRL. Other than that, main zipper is a brass Talon & there are two snap-on pockets on the back.
Oh, and these Bates brass zipper pulls alone are worth what I paid for these pants!

These pants are 70's af. Flared bottoms, tight at the waist, etc. If you like the look (as much as I do), it seriously doesn't get any cooler than this. I'm sure they were something else even back then and nowadays, definitely a statement piece, even on a chopper.

Needless to add, these pants are built crazy good which of course is something to be expected from Bates. Just super comfortable, same as their jackets.

Dunno what else to add other than how I am really very happy with these!

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Black leather pants are still in style here in Vienna, but the quality is usually quite poor.

I didn't know that! What style of leather pants do people wear in Vienna? I love leather trousers, just that not many are seen at all where I am (Croatia so near by, actually). Only bikers seems to wear them.
 

Sonero

Practically Family
Messages
867
Location
San Diego / Tijuana
I owned the most incredible pair of leather pants in the 90's. A gift from someone that wore them in the 70's. 5 pocket cherry red slim fit with a slight rip in the crotch that was patched up...Super Sexy.

If you guys want a really nice pair of leather pants I recommend LEATHERMAN in NYC. It is an institution for the gay leather scene in NYC. They make the best quality leather pants. I think the Hells Angels even buy from them but don't quote me on that.
Leather pants need to be purchased one size too small because they will stretch out considerably.

I love how a pair of thick leather pants feel but at 51 yrs old...NO but I do relish my youth. Instead I have been getting off on thick denim. I get the same pleasure from them and no one will whistle at me from their car.....like they used to do when I had those pants in the 90's. I was a rocker with long hair but most guys thought I looked pretty from behind !
 

Agent Black

New in Town
Messages
24
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Aero-Lethe...847942?hash=item595dec2b06:g:1j0AAOSwOQ9fvjHK

This seller in Japan seems to have many interesting items but I'm not comfortable enough with import duties etc. and I don't have the character to rock these in rural Maine.

Yeah, rock them Jadub! It's all about confidence, if you want them badly enough you can get it/ fake it. Rural Maine in winter is exactly where you should be wearing them. Start off in the house; in leathers you can turn the heating down...
 

de Stokesay

One of the Regulars
Messages
181
Location
The wilds of Western Canada
I have black leather Skintan brand pants that I wear on highway trips on the bikes, but I also have a pair of lederhosen shorts that I bought in Bavaria a few years ago to wear at Oktoberfest (you can drink more beer in lederhosen), and a grey pair of just-past-the-knee ones that my father bought in Germany back in the 1960s and which he used for curling. I also remember him wearing them with tall socks for cross-country (nordic) skiing when I was a boy. They fit me fine, and I wear them with my Strathcona boots and my Aero 1930’s half-belt jacket when I’m doing a board track racer impression.

Then there are these, but they’re a bit pre-golden age but they’re by far the most comfortable trousers I own. They are handmade brain tanned buckskin, and are soooooo soft. I wear them when I’m doing black powder shooting. The black thing on the left of the picture is the tail of a Siamese cat who opted out of abandoning the bed so a picture could be taken.

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Messages
16,851
I'm looking for a new pair of black leather pants this winter. I had Vince black leather leggings (that completely stretched out) but this time I would prefer a jean or pants style, rather than leggings. Any suggestions for brands and styles? I want them to be on the shorter or cropped side.

Hm... Your safest bet is Vanson, as it often always is but I personally would go used. There aren't that many good leather pants makers out there at this moment. Langlitz costs too much & isn't really worth the price. Aero is, however, worth the money, provided you can get them to build you a pair. . .

Do you intend to wear them casually or for riding a motorcycle?
 

Leather Walker

Practically Family
Messages
617
Location
Barcelona
^ These Langlitz pants arrived!

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I've been after a pair of Langlitz pants for a while, but I didn't want to spend a bundle on them either, so I waited patiently until I finally found what I was looking for. They're the Westerns model, with 10" leg zippers: Scovill on the legs and 4 pockets, and Conmar on the fly. And as you can appreciate, they all have that green corrosion, but they work properly. The snaps have it too.

I wouldn't know the exact period of manufacture, but by the type of zippers and snaps, I'd say 1970s. They have lining on the inside (I know many don't) and the leather is of supreme quality.

It's awesome, I'm really happy with them. They fit great, although there's still a bit of room, so I'll wear 'em with a Sam Browne belt. This is my first Langlitz garment, and I'm glad to own something from them, it's a blast.

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Chevalier

One of the Regulars
Messages
176
^ These Langlitz pants arrived!

View attachment 563492

I've been after a pair of Langlitz pants for a while, but I didn't want to spend a bundle on them either, so I waited patiently until I finally found what I was looking for. They're the Westerns model, with 10" leg zippers: Scovill on the legs and 4 pockets, and Conmar on the fly. And as you can appreciate, they all have that green corrosion, but they work properly. The snaps have it too.

I wouldn't know the exact period of manufacture, but by the type of zippers and snaps, I'd say 1970s. They have lining on the inside (I know many don't) and the leather is of supreme quality.

It's awesome, I'm really happy with them. They fit great, although there's still a bit of room, so I'll wear 'em with a Sam Browne belt. This is my first Langlitz garment, and I'm glad to own something from them, it's a blast.

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These are a great find! You could try to clean the green corrosion off of the leather, since it might damage the leather surface over time. I think the corrosion will come off of the zippers themselves with more use.

I have a pair like this that needed a repair on the inside of the leg, but it was totally worth it. With a lot of wear they do reform to your body shape, even if they are a bit loose. I ordered a pants belt for mine directly from Langlitz. It has broken in together with the pants.
 

Leather Walker

Practically Family
Messages
617
Location
Barcelona
Thank you! I'm very glad about them, they're really in great condition.
You could try to clean the green corrosion off of the leather, since it might damage the leather surface over time.
I'll do. There's some post talking about it. The other day I scraped off some of the corrosion on the zipper pull with my fingernail and the metal has lost a little of its shine, but nothing serious.

I have a belt of my CHP jackets, but too large for the pants, so I bought a belt in 32". It's about to arrive at home!
 

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