Levis 505 Jeans

[MikePA]

I was going to say the same thing, I read the flyer when it comes in the mail. I've often thought about trying a pair of Duluth's jeans.

I buy a lot of things from Duluth, have for years. Good company.

 

[jeff9366]

I wear Dickies short sleeved coveralls 90+% of the time, and they, too, have cut back on the depth of the front pockets. I paid a tailor $10 each to deepen the pockets. I noticed they are made in Guatemala. So when the ones I have wear out, I may be through with Dickies.

You should try RED CAP work clothes. The make permanent-press, 100% cotton, 0% polyester coveralls, pants and work shirts that are durable and cool to wear.

(RED CAP also makes blended fabric work clothes, so find the all-cotton offerings.)

I buy my RED KAP work clothers via the web.

 

[podagrower]

I gave up on Levi's about 10 years ago, asking people who don't know what an inch is, and probably can't read, to make jeans seemed to not work well. The reason I wore Levi's for so many years was that I could walk into any store, and pick up whatever style in my size and they fit. But the sizing was so wild, every pair had to be tried on (I don't shop, I buy), and the durability just disappeared. Member's Mark from Sam's club were the majority of jeans I've bought in the last 10 years.

But now, I've found Diamond Gusset jeans. American made from american cotton. The sizing is true, so do not simply order the same size you have been wearing, but they do make odd sizes like 35, 37, 39 waists. The denim is thicker, and the diamond gusset keeps me from wearing thru in that area. I have not worn a pair out yet, but did have to pass on my 2 year old ones after losing enough weight that they wouldn't stay up. They are pricey, at around $60/pair, but can frequently be found on sale for $40. And they make a jean style called defender, aimed at motorcycle riders with kevlar in the hip, but, and knee areas for added protection from road rash. Might be good in the field too.

 

[Happy Gilmore]

I gave up on Levi's about 10 years ago, asking people who don't know what an inch is, and probably can't read, to make jeans seemed to not work well. The reason I wore Levi's for so many years was that I could walk into any store, and pick up whatever style in my size and they fit. But the sizing was so wild, every pair had to be tried on (I don't shop, I buy), and the durability just disappeared. Member's Mark from Sam's club were the majority of jeans I've bought in the last 10 years.

But now, I've found Diamond Gusset jeans. American made from american cotton. The sizing is true, so do not simply order the same size you have been wearing, but they do make odd sizes like 35, 37, 39 waists. The denim is thicker, and the diamond gusset keeps me from wearing thru in that area. I have not worn a pair out yet, but did have to pass on my 2 year old ones after losing enough weight that they wouldn't stay up. They are pricey, at around $60/pair, but can frequently be found on sale for $40. And they make a jean style called defender, aimed at motorcycle riders with kevlar in the hip, but, and knee areas for added protection from road rash. Might be good in the field too.

Good to hear of another US made label.

 

[peterc38]

I stopped buying Levi's years ago. I can get Dickies jeans at a few stores here for about $20 and they last pretty good. I also buy Carharts and begin' from Maine, LL Beans.

 

[Pilot]

I've gotta address the 'greed" statement. It isn't greed, it's trying to stay in business against the competition, which is really tough. You say greed when you shop but you shop for the best value or the best price--that's greed just as much as it is that a producer or retailer does what he can to make a profit--or in your case if you work for someone else, it's what you do to make a living--wages, profit, same thing. As a consumer you can desert your old favorite brand and try Duluth, Red Kap or someone else. And if enough consumers get pissed at finding Levi's now have one fewer belt loops, as I did, or get pissed at other quality or value problems, Levi's will have to change or die.

 

[MotorSeven]

I would love to have a pair of Duluth Firehose jeans....but they don't mak'em in Giraffe size:irked:

 

[mjarrels]

I quit levis when they offered full benifits to their gay workers!

mark

 

[jeff9366]

Here is a LINK to Red Kap.

I know this is a pants thread but Red Kap's $17.00, 100% cotton work shirts are my favorites. Cool in hot temperatures, which have already arrived in Florida.

Their 100% cotton pants and work vests are also excellent.

Workwear Uniforms | Red Kap Done Right | Products | Men's Wrinkle-Resistant Cotton Work*Shirt

Red Cap work shirts today are like the Sears & Roebuck work shirts were thirty years ago.

 

[mark02tj]

I think it is inflation...and instead of raising prices the manufacturers are reducing the amount of product they are selling....

This is true for a LOT of products. A "half-gallon carton" of orange juice is now 60 or 62 fl. ounces instead of 64. Half gallons of ice cream are smaller too. Boxes of cereal are smaller unless you get the "value size". A 5lb bag of sugar or flour is replaced by a 4lb bag instead. Just a few of the examples that come to mind.

It won't be long until you go to buy a dozen donuts and they only give you 11 instead of the old "baker's dozen" of 13.

 

[paulharvey]

I too have noticed a change in my jeans. I think my wife shrank them cause they are harder to get buttoned, lol.

Seriously though I just buy Rustler from Walmart for $10 a pair anymore. The last couple pair of wranglers didn't hold up any better for $5 more a pair.

 

[JDgreen227]

I too have noticed a change in my jeans. I think my wife shrank them cause they are harder to get buttoned, lol.

Seriously though I just buy Rustler from Walmart for $10 a pair anymore. The last couple pair of wranglers didn't hold up any better for $5 more a pair.

Well, as for me I am keeping all my older Arizona brand jeans with the 34 inch waist because I just know someday I will be able to fit into them again....FAT chance of that....:laughing:

 

[NoTrespassing]

Finally, I found a good replacement for my old 505 and 507 Levi jeans. I started this post back in 2014 so it took almost 4 years of trying different brands before I can declare my search complete. There were other decent jeans I tried but for me the best dollar value I found were at Menards. I tried other low priced jeans but manage to rip out several pair.

I now wear Old Mill jeans from Menards. They're made in Mexico and cost about $12 per pair for regular, $13 for carpenter style, and a little more for insulated (lined). They have a generous pocket length unlike the Levis I ditched and they're fairly thick material for the money. I have about 5 pair now and plan to buy another 5 before they change the dang things on me.

Kevin

 

[Ford850]

Interesting. 505's used to be my go-to jeans, but the changes ticked me off. Nothing worse than a short pocket, but the other changes pushed me away too. I've been getting an assortment including some Wrangler, Riggs, and Carhartt. I've seen the Menards jeans but never tried them. I'll have to take a closer look next time I'm in there.

 

[Buppies]

Still wear 505s more comfortable than the others but for dress jeans Hiltl jeans expensive but always look nice. If I cannot splurge at least once what's the point