Good Jeans

[zenith2]

Jeans that have served me well:

Kimes Ranch
Levis 541
Wrangler (though the fit generally is less than desirable due to my frame)

[Halfneck]

As a kid, into young adult I wore Levis. Then I noticed the quality was not as good and started looking for replacements. Tried out Old Navy and they fit weird, plus the quality was not great. Next tried Wrangler, fit was off, but quality was OK. Then I got some Lee jeans and liked them.

That said I just switched over to Duluth Trading Ballroom jeans. Bit pricier but my youngest son is working there while in college so his employee discount is nice. Best jeans I've had, actually bought my 2nd pair yesterday to replace one of the worn out Lee jeans I was wearing.

[RustyIron]

Next tried Wrangler, fit was off, but quality was OK. Then I got some Lee jeans and liked them.

That said I just switched over to Duluth Trading Ballroom jeans.

Same here. Wrangler was ok, but didn't fit perfect. Lee fit pretty good. Levis fit the best, but the either the quality has declined, or I just don't know how to shop. Earlier today I ordered another pair of Lee jeans, but not without consulting this thread first. The Lees are $33 to my door. They'll start off as dress pants, and soon be demoted to casual pants. And if I'm being stupid by wearing them in the garage and they get covered in grease and welding spatter, then it's no big deal.

I checked out your Duluth. They looked good, and the web site had several styles available for under $35. As it turns out, those pants are all sized for underfed teenagers. The man-sized styles are more than I'm willing to pay.

[Airlsee]

My four pairs of Bulletprufes are all still going strong, although the gray pair have started fading into a strange pinkish color...not affected by other laundry. LOL

I still wear Levi 505's (non-stretch) and have several pairs of Raleigh selvedge jeans that have taken on a life of their own.

Iron Heart, Gustin and Naked & Famous get also mentions...

For stretch and durability I find the Bulletprufes hard to beat. I've done Duluth and Carhartt for work but at 5'10/160lbs and being semi-vain, they are function over form.

[cabfrank]

I've wanted to try Iron Hearts, but they are really expensive. I haven't been thrilled with Gustin or N&F. Being similar size, I think I'd feel the same way about Duluth and Carhartt.

[Airlsee]

I've wanted to try Iron Hearts, but they are really expensive. I haven't been thrilled with Gustin or N&F. Being similar size, I think I'd feel the same way about Duluth and Carhartt.

Curious; What are your go-to's at the moment? Not thrilled with the fit or quality?

[cabfrank]

Fit mostly. I've been wearing Rag & Bone, which I know are not really the same stuff, but I like the way they fit. It's almost time to try something new though.

[Airlsee]

Fit mostly...

Cut and weight make all the difference, but if you're looking for tough slim fit work pants, I do recommend the Bulletprufes but maybe size down and add length depending on how you like your fit.

Will (the owner) will work with you and returns/exchanges are super simple. You can find the pants for 60% off on a seasonal basis, they are completely worth a shot. I ordered one pair, then ordered another 3 pair the next time they were discounted.

Best of luck

P.S. I prefer the Slim Fit

[cabfrank]

Thanks. I am considering a pair of those.

[kennethsime]

Fit mostly...

Cut and weight make all the difference, but if you're looking for tough slim fit work pants, I do recommend the Bulletprufes but maybe size down and add length depending on how you like your fit.

Will (the owner) will work with you and returns/exchanges are super simple. You can find the pants for 60% off on a seasonal basis, they are completely worth a shot. I ordered one pair, then ordered another 3 pair the next time they were discounted.

Best of luck

P.S. I prefer the Slim Fit

I wear the “adventure fit,” because I am a person of considerable leg girth, but I also really love my Bulletprufes. I started with two, then did two more a year later - both on those crazy 60% off sales.

They are hands down the best jeans I’ve owned. I am looking forward to the day they decide to do an actual denim color, or several.

[Halfneck]

Next tried Wrangler, fit was off, but quality was OK. Then I got some Lee jeans and liked them.

That said I just switched over to Duluth Trading Ballroom jeans.

I checked out your Duluth. They looked good, and the web site had several styles available for under $35. As it turns out, those pants are all sized for underfed teenagers. The man-sized styles are more than I'm willing to pay.

Yea the price for the Duluth Ballroom jeans is more than I would usually spend on jeans. My daily work pants are mostly Wranglers Riggs Technician khakis. My jeans only get worn casually so they tend to last a good while. Once a pair starts to wear, they become my beater yard work pants. Since I was able to use my son's Duluth employee discount I paid around $40 for them. If they hold up as well as my Lee jeans, I'd even be willing to pay full price.

[Foehammer]

I wear American eagle jeans and they’re ok, but I’m thinking about getting some proper boot cuts that are more durable. Is Wrangler a good brand? Looking for something that won’t break the bank.

[mongo1958]

Carhartts jeans and dungarees.

[kennethsime]

I’m normally a “relaxed fit” jeans guy, as I’m pretty athletic and muscular through the legs. I accidentally ordered a couple of “straight fit” Carhartt jeans from Sierra.com at $20 a pop maybe a year ago, and finally wore a pair today while everything else was in the wash.

Definitely a bit restrictive, but I’ll be darned if I didn’t get several compliments. I’ll tell you one thing, I’m glad I can dress comfortably for work.