Langlitz Leathers Shop

Stopped by the Langlitz Leather shop in Porland, Oregon not long ago to get some gear made, and see how they make their world-famous leathers.

Portland's an easy city to navigate, whether you're driving or doing transit. I came by train and had no trouble at all getting from the city center to the Langlitz shop, which lies just across the Willamette River in Portland's Sunnyside District.

The shop is smaller than you might think, but don't let the size fool you: Langlitz Leathers casts a pretty big shadow in the leathergear world.  Founded by Ross Langlitz (the 'Langlitz' in Langlitz Leathers), the business has been in continuous operation since 1947 – going on 65 years. 

The shop is now run by David Hansen, Ross' son-in-law, who was extremely helpful to me, explaining options, processes and details. John and Scott also spent a lot of time doing their best to get me the customized Padded Columbia leather jacket and rangers I wanted.

Langlitz Leathers is nestled in an older, mostly residential, neighbourhood made up of single family homes, small shops, a few bars and coffee houses.

A heady aroma of leather, glue and chemicals hits you like a brick as you enter the shop, and everywhere you look is shiny black leather - black leather jackets, black leather pants, black leather vests and black leather gear - on hangers, on counters and piled almost to the ceiling.

They do sell off the rack leathers – but their stock in trade is custom-built leather jackets, pants, vests and rangers. Many of the items you see around the shop have shipping slips poking out of a pocket, on their way to clients around the world.

Behind and around the front office area are four cutting tables and eight sewing machines – and piles and piles of leather.

Dave suggests you come in for measurement and see the gear in person and have them explain options to you, then they can ship the finished product to you a few weeks later. I was leery about making a special trip just for a fitting, but in retrospect I'm glad I did.

Dave went through various options on the design of my jacket and rangers before taking my measurements, and made helpful suggestions regarding why or why not I might select a wide range of options. 

You might want to let them know in advance if you're looking for bike wear or 'uniform' wear. Bikers gernerally do't get their gear made skin tight, but some of us who are more into the uniform aspect of the gear may want a tighter, more military-looking fit.

As an added bonus, Portland was fun. It's a cool little city straddling the Willamette River, and I stayed at a motel not far from the shop, so it was easy to get around.

If you live close by or happen to visit Portland, stop by their shop, a short five minute drive from Portland city center. The store's open Monday to Friday and closed weekends.

LANGLITZ LEATHERS 2443-A SE Division Portland, Oregon 97202
Website: http://www.langlitz.com/
503-235-0049 (Phone)
503-235-0959 (Fax)


To request a catalog, email Catalog@Langlitz.com
For general questions, email Question@Langlitz.com
To contact the owner directly, email Dave@Langlitz.com