^this
I have been wearing 505's for over 40 years. The change was not recent, it was at least 20 years ago(or more). We can argue back and forth about the merits or non-merits of a global economy, but the fact is as soon as Levis stopped producing their jeans in the USA the quality fell. The outsourced jeans are thinner, are made from a different pattern(they just don't fit me like the old one's), and are not as durable. Seams come apart...sometimes abruptly when you are working, kneeling, squatting....not good and sometimes just plain embarrassing for me and Levi. I do not buy them anymore and it's a bummer.
Brookstone sells Made in USA Levi 501's for $148 ea...but not in my size(36x36)
I am thinking about trying these Made in USA since they do make my size:
All American Classic Jean Made in USA: All American Clothing Co