Aero Leather Classic 60's Bike Trousers Review

Figured I'd get some wear into these before writing a review. While I wanted to avoid all the usual praises, the more I wear them, more difficult this seems to be. Hard to be 100% objective when we get something new that we paid major money for but the issue with these pants is that they really are awesome!

► Style - Aero's take on a classic 60's UK motorcycle pants, made by a number of makers such as Rivets, Highwayman, Lewis Leathers, Belstaff, etc. Don't know who came up with the design but I've seen these made by pretty much every major UK motorcycle gear company of the era.

► Material & features - CXL Horsehide. Massively heavy at that, the trousers are heavier than any Aero jacket I've had (so far) but there's of course more leather in 'em.
Hardware is all the classic stuff; Talon zipper, cross zip belt buckle, ball & chain zipper pulls, etc.
They're 2/3 lined with cotton drill. Realization that Aero's cotton drill is heavier than most of my jeans is entertaining.
Two regular & two zippered pockets on the back. Full belt. Etc.
Bonus feature is that the matte finish of the CXL makes the pants appear almost tame. Almost. Definitely ain't got that shiny leather pants vibe going on. They don't look obscene and IMO, that's a plus.

► Construction - If we are to agree that Aero jackets are a well made, sturdy pieces of outerwear, these somehow appear to be twice as nice. Hard to say how or why, really, just that they feel monstrously tough. I seriously doubt it you could find a better made leather pants, anywhere, by anyone. I suppose I won't be needing another pair in my entire life.

► Fit - If I am to compare these to any regular jeans, I'd say they are straight fit, high rise cut that's a bit on the slim side. Note that these (seem to) run 100% true to size. Mine are a 32 waist and that's how they fit. All in all, straight, slim & tight around the waist - all of which translates to a perfect pair of motorcycle trousers. They fit me exactly like IH 777's did, which are described as being Super-slim.
Note that they don't (drastically) widen at the hips, like most leather pants, which is something I've feared the most while waiting for 'em to arrive. But luckily, no, they're perfectly straight.

► Conclusion - Despite how actually insanely heavy these trousers are, for some reason, I find them to be more comfortable than the Iron Heart super heavies. They just fit right, especially at the waist.
I feared these will be just for an occasional wear but I feel I could practically live in them, despite the high waist that I thought would be a problem. To be honest, they're much more serious as a true bike piece than most Aero jackets.

All in all, I didn't think I'd be as happy as I am with these. Thought they'd be okay trousers made in outstanding leather (was mostly going for the tea-core effect) but at this point, I can't think what else to get that would feel like an upgrade.
Still a long way to go, I barely even began breaking them in but so far, things are progressing nicely and I think I'll wear them more and more as it gets colder, provided I quit being a wuss & start wearing them casually. That'd be the day I'll get rid of jeans altogether.

I won't say go get these because 1. these are leather pants, 2. I might have been lucky or have the right build for them so this might not be the case with you and most importantly, 3. Aero isn't making them anymore.
I've also read some complaints about this particular model on TFL so they may not be for everyone...

I'll just say, if you're looking for a high quality leather trousers, try these on before buying because if they fit, you will NOT find a better pair.

Really nice pair, and good review!

I like that the legs aren't cut from smallers pieces, like many of these leather trousers are.

Interesting width on the back belt loop

Those look sharp Monitor! Leather trousers really are not for me, but for thsoe who can make them work, these appear to be an excellent choice. Shame Aero is not making them now - perhaps the market was just too small to continue?

Great review and sick pants! I inherited a pair of veeeery heavy thick leather pants from my uncle, he toured the world as a percussionist and probably found them during his travels. Beautifully made but just a tad too tight on me, about a 32 jeans size.

Awesome patina and grain on the leather, they truly are a piece of art to me, my girlfriend thinks different haha. When I was more skinny I used to wear them indoors sometimes and agree that it's one of the most comfortable pants to wear.

Huge stigma against leather pants though it seems , haha.

They do look super cool. I kinda want some...

I agree; they look cool. Maybe they'll come back.

For me personally it would be either leather pants (with a denim jacket for example) OR a leather jacket. not both at the same time. (I don't ride, would love to in the future)

I was in Chicago O-Hare airport awaiting a flight a few years back and sat down next to a fellow in his later 20's who was wearing a nice, thick Motorcycle jacket. We had a nice discussion about each other's favorite leather jackets as well as other topics of conversation. After about 10 miunites I noticed he was wearing leather trousers too. He was quite happy to discuss that, he was a Mennonite carpenter and has several pair of them. Almost does not wear regular jeans. He preferred the comfort of the leather. I could see that if it's below about 60F/15C outside. But get much above that and I would have to think you would sweat - a lot. Unless on a bike and keeping moving.

deswaaf said:

Great review and sick pants! I inherited a pair of veeeery heavy thick leather pants from my uncle, he toured the world as a percussionist and probably found them during his travels. Beautifully made but just a tad too tight on me, about a 32 jeans size.

Awesome patina and grain on the leather, they truly are a piece of art to me, my girlfriend thinks different haha. When I was more skinny I used to wear them indoors sometimes and agree that it's one of the most comfortable pants to wear.

Huge stigma against leather pants though it seems , haha.

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Alright, so you do realize that now you absolutely have to post photos of 'em and even possibly sell them to me, considering they're not getting the love (in the form of wear, nothing else XD ) they deserve.

I keep telling people heavy leather pants look great because they don't drape thus NEVER look like shapeless textile tubes or God forbid, dad jeans. They keep their form, the creases are always set and they just really look so much better than even the nicest jeans. Or at least that's what I think but either way, it's why I find it sad there seems to be such a huge stigma about them.

You are 100% right though about them not being wearable with a leather jacket, at least not of the same color, but yeah, that's something that actually cannot be pulled off (I mean, figuratively speaking, of course). They do look great on a sherpa denim jacket!

AeroFan_07 said:

Those look sharp Monitor! Leather trousers really are not for me, but for thsoe who can make them work, these appear to be an excellent choice. Shame Aero is not making them now - perhaps the market was just too small to continue?

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People were getting the wrong size all the time which isn't surprising since there's ZERO room for error with these trousers. You either get the right size right away or end up with something you can't wear. I wasn't sure whether to buy a 32 or a 34 and was even considering a sz. 30 'cause Aero's stuff is sometimes one size oversized but turns out, if I had gotten a smaller pair, I wouldn't be able to pull them on. Just as if they were one size larger, they'd be equally unwearable and I'd look ridiculous.
You have to be 100% sure about the size and Aero will make them for you but I understand they don't want to go thru endless returns from people who aren't sure what size pants they wear.

Carlos840 said:

They do look super cool. I kinda want some...

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Don't do it! Otherwise you'll end up with another collection that will need more space, another hanger and whatnot 'cuz it's the same as jackets. You won't even realize what has happened before getting a confirmation from Stu that your two pairs, brown and black heavy HH jeans, are on the way. At least you have a voice of reason that will stop you from buying a chewed up, crusty old leather pants with laces.

wear it more often would like to see some brown showing through the edges and creases.

I don't know how to keep a leather pants inside clean though do you wear longjohn or bicycle pants inside? people are squirming at the idea of jeans not being washed weekly, or when they hear only washed once a year, what do you plan to do with leather pants cleaning method?

I imagine water vinegar spray from inside and brushing?

Monitor said:

it's why I find it sad there seems to be such a huge stigma about them.

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The two things that come to my mind when i think of leather pants:

1:


2:

Did you say where you got them from?

Not trying to sound weird or anything, but I’m looking forward to seeing how you wear them.

kenucklehead said:

Did you say where you got them from?

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Directly from Aero but this is a pair that someone returned and I happened to ask at the right moment. I'd have gotten the classic jeans as well if they had them.

JustinW said:

Not trying to sound weird or anything, but I’m looking forward to seeing how you wear them.

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I posted a few fit pics in the WJAYWT thread, tho they must've been buried by now. It's not weird, why'd it be. They're just motorcycle pants. I find suits much more weird to wear. All the layers, rules, everything constantly having to be perfectly set in place... Man.

Carlos840 said:

The two things that come to my mind when i think of leather pants:

1:

2:

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Lol, I can guarantee you that the writers for this episode never wore leather pants in their lives but not only that...


...best part is that 20 something years later, the comments on this video are mostly about how awesome he looks! Of course everyone had to put him down at the end of the video tho coming from the group of people dressed... Like that, I'd take it as a compliment. Nice shirt, Chandler.

@Monitor

deswaaf said:

@Monitor

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These are sweet!!! Very lovely hide.

Monitor, those are an awesome pair of jeans. There is something about proper leather motorcycle pants that feels very "Engineered" when you wear them. I love the dog leg hip pockets and have a couple of pairs of Lewis Leather pants like that myself. I've also seen this design detail on old leathers from Highwayman, Interstate etc. It makes me wonder if there is any user advantage to this detail or if it is just a neat bit of styling. I've also seen this detailing on the wonderfully named Buckler "Sexy B-----d" denim jeans.

North_Star said:

Really nice pair, and good review!

I like that the legs aren't cut from smallers pieces, like many of these leather trousers are.

Interesting width on the back belt loop

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That leather-tube-as-belt-loop thing is something that was typical of the Lewis Leathers version, sold as either the 934 or 935 jeans, I guess it either spreads the strain better when you lean forward in the saddle or prevents snagging against your packback if your jacket rides up.

deswaaf said:

Great review and sick pants! I inherited a pair of veeeery heavy thick leather pants from my uncle, he toured the world as a percussionist and probably found them during his travels. Beautifully made but just a tad too tight on me, about a 32 jeans size.

Awesome patina and grain on the leather, they truly are a piece of art to me, my girlfriend thinks different haha. When I was more skinny I used to wear them indoors sometimes and agree that it's one of the most comfortable pants to wear.

Huge stigma against leather pants though it seems , haha.

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In the 80's in Britain it wasn't completely unknown to see an "Ordinary guy" wearing leather jeans instead of denim jeans but we had colder winters in those days! By the time I started riding the leather pants gene pool had shrunk to bikers only and now I'm the only rider in my area who I'm aware of who rocks leather pants. I think a lot of riders grudgingly wore them for safety until breathable abrasion resident fabric became widely available.
For a long time I think there was a perception that leather jeans were "Uniform" for rockstars, bikers and gay BDSM practitioners; surely all cool activities but not exactly mainstream.

deswaaf said:

For me personally it would be either leather pants (with a denim jacket for example) OR a leather jacket. not both at the same time. (I don't ride, would love to in the future)

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I agree there, double leather is as hard to pull off as double denim, I wouldn't wear both together unless I was on the bike.

AeroFan_07 said:

Those look sharp Monitor! Leather trousers really are not for me, but for thsoe who can make them work, these appear to be an excellent choice. Shame Aero is not making them now - perhaps the market was just too small to continue?

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I should have thought that if they were selling them as fast as they could make them, they might be making something along those lines. Maybe not a sixties design (Ken's very strict on the 'nothing after 1959' rule), though I believe the plain is for the Godiva label to do sixties stuff. Maybe if there's a big rocker revival... Can't imagine myself wearing leather trousers out and about, but a pair of those with knee and hip pad pockets would be great for anyone riding. Much nicer cut than just making a pair of regular jeans in leather. Actually had a pair of the latter years ago (not Aero, mind!) - found them well cheap somewhere, wore 'em maybe once with a Halloween costume. Didn't much like them, but then I'm not much keen on any kind of trouser other than denim in a jean cut. I do seem to recall thinking they'd be very practical in the rain. Not sure whether I cleared them out yet or if they're hiding in a box somewhere waiting, though given they were a 34" waist which I will never be again....