Durable jeans for less than $40?

[Trale]

I've browsed the "Top ten jeans" thread, and in my mind there's no way to justify buying a pair of $200+ jeans. For me to throw down that much money, they would have to be absolutely wrinkle free, stain-repellent, water-proof, dirt-proof, never-needs-washing, indestructable, and comes with life-time moneyback guarantee.

With that said, is there anything special about "designer" jeans that makes them better than a $20 pair jeans one can find at Ross?

Right now, I'm looking at a replacement for an old pair of $20 jeans. I've worn it now for about 6months, and it's coming apart. The fabric at the rear is thinning, and will probably develop a tear or hole in the next few weeks. The seams at the leg's end are also shredding. These are problem's I've had with jeans for a very long time. (BTW, I'm 5"10, 160 lb, in other words, not fat).

My serious question is, if I pay more for a pair of jeans, would I get better fabric that's considerably more durable? Or is that all jean fabrics are alike and I would only be paying for better "design"?

 

[dusty]

Originally Posted by Trale

My serious question is, if I pay more for a pair of jeans, would I get better fabric that's considerably more durable?

Yes

 

[Get Smart]

Originally Posted by Trale

Or is that all jean fabrics are alike and I would only be paying for better "design"?


design is a huge part of what makes/breaks a pair of jeans. It could be made from the best "zimbabwean cotton japanese shuttle loomed selvage denim" but if it fits poorly no one is going to wear it. It's easily argued that the premium brands do have better design/fits than a run of the mill $40 pair.

 

[Trale]

Originally Posted by dusty

Yes

care to elaborate?

 

[j]

If you are in or near NJ (or Japan) or have someone near there, get a pair of Uniqlo Ring Denim jeans. They are about ~$30 or so and so far my pair has worn like iron. In fact they are breaking in more slowly than my APCs which are known as one of the most durable brands.

 

[dusty]

Originally Posted by Trale

care to elaborate?

I've been wearing my oldest pair of premium denim, a pair of PDCs, 1-3 times a week for over three years. There is not even the beginning of a hole yet. Obviously not all of the $180 retail price went to making durable denim, but there certainly is a difference.

 

[LA Guy]

Originally Posted by j

If you are in or near NJ (or Japan) or have someone near there, get a pair of Uniqlo Ring Denim jeans. They are about ~$30 or so and so far my pair has worn like iron. In fact they are breaking in more slowly than my APCs which are known as one of the most durable brands.

The man has the answers, though Uniqlo jeans are closer to $50 than $30 in the States. APCs do wear like iron. They are considerably better constructed than Uniqlos, the hardware nicer, and the denim is tighter woven, but I'd be hard pressed to justify the price difference based on durability alone...

 

[Trale]

Originally Posted by Get Smart

design is a huge part of what makes/breaks a pair of jeans. It could be made from the best "zimbabwean cotton japanese shuttle loomed selvage denim" but if it fits poorly no one is going to wear it. It's easily argued that the premium brands do have better design/fits than a run of the mill $40 pair.


Fit isn't a problem for me even at the $20 price range, I may have to try on about 10 pairs in dressing rooms from various brands, but I usually find one that's comfortable and suits my frame in the end. My problem has been durability. My current jeans are developing a hole on one butt cheek due to an asymetrical pocket design in the back (one pocket has an extra pattern/stiching the other doesn't). In previous jeans, tears usually form around the back pocket's stitching as well, which makes sense there's a lot of stress there and the sudden change in fabric thickness due to the pockets.

I suppose better design could possibly distribute stress better, but I'm more interested in the fabric material differences between cheap and expensive jeans. If paying more means I get fabric that's signicicantly better, then I might consider spending more than $40.

 

[Trale]

Originally Posted by LA Guy

The man has the answers, though Uniqlo jeans are closer to $50 than $30 in the States. APCs do wear like iron. They are considerably better constructed than Uniqlos, the hardware nicer, and the denim is tighter woven, but I'd be hard pressed to justify the price difference based on durability alone...


I'm in CA (SF bay area). But if I'm ever in NJ, I'll be sure to check them out. I'd be willing to give APCs a try, but do any typical stores carry them (Macy's, Mervyns, etc)?

I'd rather not buy any clothes online since I can't try them on first.

 

[Trale]

Originally Posted by dusty

I've been wearing my oldest pair of premium denim, a pair of PDCs, 1-3 times a week for over three years. There is not even the beginning of a hole yet. Obviously not all of the $180 retail price went to making durable denim, but there certainly is a difference.

Good to know. Visually speaking, I don't see any appreciable difference between premium jeans and regular jeans. I have more respect for premium jeans if they really do last longer and have other practical superior qualities.

 

[minya]

Rustlers, available from Walmart.

 

[nairb49]

Lee makes some almost indestructible workhorse denim.

But I think you may have partly* answered your question in that your $20 jeans are falling apart after six months, whereas Nudies, for example, recommend the first wash AFTER six months.

Granted, I agree that no jean is worth $200 or $150 for that matter unless it has collectible/vintage value, but then, whats really worth its price these days? Grain of salt I suppose.

 

[Trale]

Originally Posted by minya

Rustlers, available from Walmart.


Really? Will definitely check them out.

Do you have a pair? What's your review of it?

 

[minya]

Originally Posted by Trale

Really? Will definitely check them out.

Do you have a pair? What's your review of it?
No, I don't, but I'm honestly puzzled by what you're looking for from a pair of jeans.

- Durability?
- Fit?
- Design?

If you're really put off by paying high prices for jeans, and all you care about is durability, just get whatever's cheapest (ie, Rustler at Walmart). I'm sure millions of workers buy and wear them. They'll probably last you six months, at least -- and they cost, what, $10 - 15? Can't be too expensive.

If you care about fit and design, then be prepared to spend more money.

 

[Get Smart]

my coworker bought a pair of Rustlers from Walmart. $15 and dry denim. If you just want no-nonsense-cover-your-butt jeans then these will do that. Fit wise they were straight legged and more on the relaxed side. The indigo in the denim didnt look too good. He wore them once and never again. I'd buy them if I shat myself and needed something quick and cheap to change into. But if I were to take a blind wear-test with all distinguishing marks taken off between various premium and cheap jeans, I know I would never pick the Rustlers.

*and this coworker who bought the Rustlers is cheap as hell and could care less about "quality" jeans or clothes in general, and even he could tell the Rustlers sucked.