Langlitz Leathers

Langlitz is well known for it’s fantastic quality custom motorcycle leathers. However, they really aren’t set up for walk in customers. I’d say unless you’re ready to get measured for a set of leather and have called ahead, don’t bother stopping in.

These guys are beyond good! The best customer service I’ve ever had. I live in Australia and dealt with. Them by phone and email. They are very knowledgable, and super friendly. My jacket I got made to order is by far my favourite jacket. The quality is unbeatable, and I feel so good wearing it. Buy a jacket from Langlitz, and you really do become part of their family. It sounds silly, but it’s true. The best purchase I have made in years.
I highly reccomend Langlitz. I didn’t think it was overly expensive, not when its heirloom quality and built to save my skin in case of an accident.
Get on board, you won’t regret it.

Been doing business with Langlitz for thirty five years. They’ve custom designed for me three of the finest motorcycle jackets I’ve ever seen or worn. The last one made in 1993 is a custom combination of the Columbia and Aviator models constructed in heavy black goat skin and designed by Jackie and me. When out and about, the jacket never leaves my side. It fits me beautifully and whether on the bike or in the boardroom, this Langlitz beauty gets rave reviews from everyone who takes notice. Most importantly, the Langlitz protects me while riding. Do business with Langlitz and have patience. Companies like Langlitz and Wesco (who made my custom black Boss engineer boots) are the best in the business. Experience them for yourself. You will appreciate the quality of workmanship and design.

I’m glad Portland has a truly American company still, as I have never seen one (being born in the 90’s) until now. Workers are actually making their products right in front of you. The highest quality leather you can buy. The only downside is the price, which is very expensive, but I’m not complaining too loudly. You get what you pay for by all means and I’m more than happy to pay full price. All of their work is custom, so if something doesn’t fit after they make it, it does on the used or misc rack. That’s where I got my vest. Fits me perfectly and at a huge discount. It’s practically brand new, and I can live with the fact that it has someone else’s name in it. It sure as hell looks badass on me. I won’t buy any other leather anything. Anything made of leather I’ll get from Langlitz.

Well, where to begin. I’m a fan of Langlitz. The people who run this company are the salt of the earth. Every time I make it into the shop it’s like a pilgrimage for me. The history of the brand and why & how Ross started the company are a lesson in ingenuity and integrity. And how the brand has embraced and honored those values since the mid 1940’s makes for one of the greatest stories of American manufacturing ever.
About the actual garments, they’re simply the finest motorcycle leathers made. They are the best. They’re beautifully constructed and tailor made to fit from quality materials. Hard to say enough about the feel of your own Langlitz jacket or pants, best I can say is they’re worth far more than you’re ever pay.

Though I don’t ride any longer, and was living in Asia at the time (was home for a visit) where it was far too warm for one, I ponied up $ 900 for a goatskin Columbia in 2007. Great fit, great service. Am tempted to get a Cascade next time I’m in PDX.

This place is great! I went in to put $$ on my boyfriends leather pants that were on layaway and I was greeted by the owner who offered me something to drink. Paying $ on the layaway was easy. I ended up buying a few coffee mugs one for me and one for the BF.
It was really cool to see the leather being worked on. The workers work on the leather right there, not in china, not in thailand, but right there!!! I can’t wait to get my own leathers from these guys, someday!
I believe they are open early Monday-​Friday.

After last Monday’s breakfast at Petite Provence, I decided to walk down Division and explore this part of Portland. And to paraphrase Forrest Gump: «The Rose City is like a box of chocolates… you just never know what you’re gonna find…
Case in point: Langlitz Leathers near 25^th and Division.
Langlitz was founded in 1947 and remains a family owned and operated business. They specialize in quality leather goods to meet the needs of the serious motorcycle rider. That includes custom order jackets, shirts, vests, pants, breeches, and accessories like gun purses and saddle bags. And although I’m not quite ready to get in touch with my «Inner Harley», my short visit to their shop was fun, educational, and inspirational.
I walked in an the owner immediately greeting me and offered me coffee and an introduction of what he had off the rack. I drank in the sweet smell of fine leather and admired the energy of the skilled local crafts persons making these World renowned «Made in the USA» garments. I wasn’t quite ready to take this kind of a fashion leap, but I did grab a catalog on the way out with a few ideas in mind.
And who knows? One day I might choose to Crack It on the Big Slab with my Biker Babe… And when I do, I’ll be dressed from head to toe in Langlitz Leather.

This is such a hidden gem in our city. Langlitz has been doing leathers since 1947 and it appears their dedication to quality since 1947 still goes on these days.
I dropped by on a suggestion of one of my coworkers about this place that makes custom leathers but he’s never been there. I go there and i realized that this isn’t the right shop for me. I ride street sport bikes but their style is more of that vintage old café racer style. A bit disappointed but still impressed to see their shop.
the greatest thing is you can see the staff there hand making people’s orders and you know that this is a local shop. no outsourcing no cheap labor from a land far away just skilled craftsmen working at what they are good at. Wish i had a café racer so i can go down there and get me one of these jackets.

Founded in 1947, Langlitz is regarded by many as the best manufacturer of motorcycle jackets in the world. The company is still run by the second generation of the same family, and all the jackets are made on the premises.
The styling is very traditional and strongly focused on the US market: the leathers can be made with thickly quilted and padded arm and shoulder protectors, but they do not include the removable body armour that is normally found in European leathers. Think Marlon Brando in The Wild One, but in in a heavier quality leather, and you’ve got it. Their racing leathers are more café racer style (think: Ace Café c. 1955) but made in equally heavyweight leather.
Understandably, their main customers tend to ride Harley Davidsons and similar traditional motorcycles rather than sports bikes, although they do make racing leathers as well. That said, they have customers all over the world, including both Europe and the Far East. Their popularity is such that, at times, the waiting lists vary from a month to several months for made to measure items.
There is a limited choice of designs for both jackets and trousers (jeans and motorcycle breeches), although you can have all sorts of accessories added such as extra pockets, detachable fur collars and epaulettes, if you so choose — all of which are detailed on the website. They offer a range of heavy duty cowhides and goatskins. The ‘build’ (stitching, zips, etc) is second to none — I have no doubt my jacket will long outlive me, however long that is!
Most of their customers order jackets made to measure by mail order: they keep a range of stock size jackets in the shop but, given the cost, most go for the made-​to-​measure option. The company provide you with a very detailed measuring chart and lots of instructions, which need to be read carefully. It’s is worth taking these seriously as, once shipped to the UK, it’s hard to send them back for alterations. (Thanks to the cost and hassle of shipping through customs at both ends).
If you are in the US on holiday and thinking of buying a jacket, a trip to Portland to get measured up before you leave would be a good idea: you can also do a tour of the workshops at the same time.
They are very happy to discuss any queries (including shipping issues) over the phone — I can vouch for that: in fact, customer service is second to none, in a very old fashioned (and good) sort of way. The website lists pages of accolades and testimonials from satisfied customers.
It’s only fair to point out that all this quality and service means that the leathers are seriously expensive: expect to pay around £700 — depending on the sterling-​dollar (or Euro-​dollar) exchange rate. It’s worth waiting until the home currency is strong before ordering! And don’t forget that UK Customs will add on a stiff set of import taxes on arrival.
If you visit in person, they also sell a range of other leather items (belts, saddle-​bags, etc) as well as Wesco motorcycle boots.