Jeans?

[Nice65]

Who wears what?

I’ve been in 5.11 Defender Flex Slims for ages, but there used to be a straight leg version that I decided I’d prefer to the skinnys. But they are no more, at least I can’t find them anywhere.

I’ve been out of the denim market for so long I don’t know what’s what.

 

[noddy]

Same here. I have been wearing Swrve bike jeans almost exclusively for several years now. I think the stretch denim doesn't suit me now though. But, it's hard to find any other denim except certain Levis or hilariously expensive Japanese selvedge, which are too prissy in the end.

Discussing the matter with domestic advisors, I have been told to go try on some Naked and Famous jeans.

Maybe too dressy for what you are after, though, Rich. Just find some 501s. They still look good with boots. As do Converse and 505s (if you ever imagine yourself as one of the Ramones)

 

[Juttle]

All I have is a few pairs of 5.11’s, the ones with two cargo pockets and a very handy knife pocket on the top left. No idea what model they are but they last forever. I gave up on jeans years ago they made me look like a crippled old tosser who was trying too hard. I still look like that in 5.11’s but not quite so obvious!

 

[Nice65]

One thing I do like with 5.11 is I know my sizing and exactly what I’m getting so can easily shop online. Unfortunately their denim isn’t at all hard wearing, it’s quite thin, a knife or torch loose in the pocket and it’s soon rubbed through. That and the slim fit forces a change. I’ve had years in the Taclite Pros I think Juttle is referring to, but recently been happier in a less military/tactical type trouser. The Stryke pants are quite good, but they’re in grey/black/tundra type colours.

I might have to go to a bloody shop and do trying on. ☹️

 

[BorderReiver]

I gave up on jeans decades ago. Hard wearing but not at all comfortable. Probably an age thing.

 

[Greg]

One thing I do like with 5.11 is I know my sizing and exactly what I’m getting so can easily shop online. Unfortunately their denim isn’t at all hard wearing, it’s quite thin, a knife or torch loose in the pocket and it’s soon rubbed through. That and the slim fit forces a change. I’ve had years in the Taclite Pros I think Juttle is referring to, but recently been happier in a less military/tactical type trouser. The Stryke pants are quite good, but they’re in grey/black/tundra type colours.

I might have to go to a bloody shop and do trying on. ☹️

5.11s are true to size. I think you'd be ok ordering from Levi's for example in the same size. Carhartt too.

 

[Quarterstaff]

5.11s are true to size. I think you'd be ok ordering from Levi's for example in the same size. Carhartt too.

Id always check! I do like 501’s but to me, over the years, the denim seems to have changed, not as heavy and wear quicker, and the sizes seem all over the place. In the past I’ve had up to a 2” difference from the stated size. I tend to buy used now, had some good bargains on eBay but, if it’s not already noted, I ask for the actual physical measurements.

I’ve been having a peruse myself recently,
I wouldn’t mind taking a look at these……… https://hebtro.co/product/gvnr-16-selvedge-denim-jeans-indigo/ not keen on the price though!

and these caught my eye…. https://relcolondon.com/collections/jeans/products/jeans-14oz-selvedge-denim?variant=32031005245538

Japanese denim seems to have a good rep, but the prices!

 

[Greg]

I agree on quality. Levi’s are no better than any other high street fashion brand for quality these days. I do find them true to size, though it might be because there isn’t much incentive to massage the size I buy as it’s not a common one.

 

[ElThomsono]

Id always check! I do like 501’s but to me, over the years, the denim seems to have changed, not as heavy and wear quicker, and the sizes seem all over the place. In the past I’ve had up to a 2” difference from the stated size. I tend to buy used now, had some good bargains on eBay but, if it’s not already noted, I ask for the actual physical measurements.

I’ve been having a peruse myself recently,
I wouldn’t mind taking a look at these……… https://hebtro.co/product/gvnr-16-selvedge-denim-jeans-indigo/ not keen on the price though!

and these caught my eye…. https://relcolondon.com/collections/jeans/products/jeans-14oz-selvedge-denim?variant=32031005245538

Japanese denim seems to have a good rep, but the prices!

Last year I ordered Levi 501s from John Lewis and House of Fraser, each pair had a different country of origin (think Pakistan and Bangladesh) and there's at least an inch in difference in the waists, possibly two. Probably still my most commonly worn trousers because what else is there?

Right now I'm wearing Cactus Supertrousers (Trade Plus), these ones are five years old and are in great condition, but back then they were (inflation adjusted!) £130 delivered. Today that same pair of trousers is £254 delivered, which is way more than what they're worth to me.

 

[Quarterstaff]

Cheers Greg, rub it in Maybe I’ve been unlucky, Sod’s law

Mind you I flogged the over size ones on eBay and made a few quid!

 

[Quarterstaff]

Last year I ordered Levi 501s from John Lewis and House of Fraser, each pair had a different country of origin (think Pakistan and Bangladesh) and there's at least an inch in difference in the waists, possibly two. Probably still my most commonly worn trousers because what else is there?

Right now I'm wearing Cactus Supertrousers (Trade Plus), these ones are five years old and are in great condition, but back then they were (inflation adjusted!) £130 delivered. Today that same pair of trousers is £254 delivered, which is way more than what they're worth to me.

Always fancied a pair of Supertrousers, looks like I’ll be waiting for a sale

Are they true to size?

 

[ElThomsono]

I've got quite a few pairs, some bought new some scored off eBay, all have been sized correctly.

They're great trousers, just bloody expensive.

 

[Greg]

I am aiming to buy more used clothes this year, I am always in thrift stores anyway so might as well check. Amazing how much stuff is pristine. I guess yo-yo dieting is good for the second hand shopper.

 

[noddy]

I've got quite a few pairs, some bought new some scored off eBay, all have been sized correctly.

They're great trousers, just bloody expensive.

On sale direct from NZ at £150 right now.

Original Supertrousers Mens

These might just be the world’s best general purpose trousers and they’re made right here in NZ. These trousers can handle a shortcut through the gorse, nailing up some framing, or fitting the chains on the access road. On the flip side they are just as sweet for waiting for your fix at the...

cactusoutdoor.co.nz

 

[ElThomsono]

Those are the originals, my preference is for the trade plus as the knees last forever:

Trade Plus Supertrousers Mens

Going down on one knee might be a romantic gesture, but spending lots of your work day on your knees is less so, and can take it’s toll on your and your pants. That’s why we make the Trade Plus Supertrousers, a true fully-featured work pant in new Ultra C-Canvas with Kevlar-reinforced kneepads...

cactusoutdoor.co.nz

 

[noddy]

Ah! Thanks for the distinction

 

[ElThomsono]

£45 delivery, I suppose it is the opposite side of the world but still. And then there would probably be tax and import duty, Parcel Force release fee. I should send an old pair off to John Fenna and he can make me some counterfeits.

 

[noddy]

Are they made of some wonder fabric with a kevlar thread in it or something .. or just cotton

 

[ElThomsono]

Mainly 12oz canvas, Kevlar reinforced knees. I guess NZ workers aren't cheap.

 

[Jaggededge]

Have you looked at kuhl. Got a pair on now. Comfiest I've had. Hard wearing.

 

[Quarterstaff]

Have you looked at kuhl. Got a pair on now. Comfiest I've had. Hard wearing.

I’ve a pair of the Rydr’s and totally concur.
Picked up a pair of Khul shorts last year, charity shop, brand new, £5! Well pleased.

 

[Greg]

Mainly 12oz canvas, Kevlar reinforced knees. I guess NZ workers aren't cheap.

Dickies work wear seems popular here. Carhartt jackets but lots of Dickies duck cotton carpenter jeans etc. Perhaps because it's in Walmart and it's not expensive.

 

[Andylaser]

I pick up Craghoppers Kiwi trousers whenever they appear in the outlet store for half price. Well worth £23 or whatever they cost. I have only managed to wear out one pair. The rest suffered an untimely end due to paint, creosote, or some other idiot inflicted demise.

 

[Saint-Just]

I pick up Craghoppers Kiwi trousers whenever they appear in the outlet store for half price. Well worth £23 or whatever they cost. I have only managed to wear out one pair. The rest suffered an untimely end due to paint, creosote, or someother idiot inflicted demise.

Likewise.

 

[Fast but dim]

Always fancied a pair of Supertrousers, looks like I’ll be waiting for a sale

Are they true to size?

What size are you?

I'm a 34 to 36" waist and I'm definitely in a large.

There's no flex in the material,.so you don't want them tight😉