Gap has decided to stop making my favorite jeans-reverse fit. These jeans wore well, fit perfectly, and came in long (to get that "stacked" look over Ariat boots-grin) Plus, they were full cut enough to get long johns on under them. They were a little pricy but most lasted 4 years. Gap also stopped making my second favorite, loose fit-these did set too low on the hips, but they did fit fairly well otherwise. I can still find both styles on Ebay and in consignment shops but I will need to find another brand that fits eventually.

My daughter works at Lerner in the mall, and their jeans (original style F?, fit well, but do not hold up to barn work or riding- they're just too thin. The discount is nice tho.

So, I'm on the look out for jeans that fit a women's figure (small waist, slightly ample hip) I prefer straight leg to boot cut- again, the "stacked" thing looks better with straight legged jeans.

I've tried Rockies- they make my butt look like the backside of a Volkswagon, I've tried the women's loose cut Wranglers but a few years ago the company changed the style of them and they no longer fit correctly, but I will try them again. Levi's are a lost cause, the thigh area is so tight that when I bent over I lost sensensation in my legs.

I'm not heavy, but at 5'6" I'm carrying a little more weight than I should, and I don't imagine I'm alone. Do men have these problems? My hubby doesn't seem to... So, what is your favorite brand of work jeans?

Stacy in NY

-- Stacy (KincoraFarm@aol.com), January 08, 2002

Answers

Carhartts, hands down! Whether it's the double-faced cotton duck or the relaxed fit, they simpl;y make THE best jeans. Used to wear Wrangler's, but no longer. They wear out just about as fast as Levi's.

-- matt johnson (wyo_cowboy_us@yahoo.com), January 08, 2002.

L.L. Bean natural fit.

-- linda skountzos (skountzos6@netscape.net), January 08, 2002.

But, who make's the LLB jeans. There are only four mfgrs in this country...Levi's, Wrangler-Lee, Carhartt & ?

-- matt johnson (wyo_cowboy_us@yahoo.com), January 08, 2002.

90 % of my jeans are all carharts,, last the longest and I get to deduct them for a working expense :)

-- Stan (sopal@net-port.com), January 08, 2002.

Carhartt for me too!!!

-- clove (Clovis97@Yahoo.com), January 08, 2002.

K-Mart---Route 66

-- Sonda (sgbruce@birch.net), January 08, 2002.

Levis...No comparrison

-- julie britt (jbritt@ceva.net), January 08, 2002.

I loved Gap jeans as well - was not aware they had quite making those kinds, since I haven't had to go back in years! Also, anything from LLBean is great - plus, they have a lifetime guarantee on everything. So, if you're not pleased, they will replace or refund your money. So, that may be worth a try.

-- hmm (h.m.metheny@att.net), January 08, 2002.

Land's End.

-- vicki in NW OH (thga76@aol.com), January 08, 2002.

Try Lee Riders Relaxed Fit. K-Mart and Wal-Mart both sell them. Like you, I need a more "generous" cut and these are the only ones that I have found that fit right all over.

-- Cindy in NY (cjpopeck@worldnet.att.net), January 08, 2002.

I get mine at Costco, signature series. Used to wear Levi's but they are too expensive for the time they last. I pay $12.99 and they wear as well if not better than Levi's. Relaxed fit. Did you try Levi 550s? they are fuller cut in the legs.

Columbia Sportswear makes several of the mail order Co's jeans, including Land's End and LL Bean.

-- laura (lauramleek@yahoo.com), January 08, 2002.

Thrift store :)

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), January 08, 2002.

Stacy I knew it was your post before I saw your name , hehe.I where levi's out to town and sweats at home .I like old navy for the kids they seem to hold up well.Maybe I'll try a pair for me .

-- Patty {NY State} (fodfarms@hotmail.com), January 08, 2002.

Do Carhartt's make jeans in women's sizes? I love their outerwear.

-- Debbie in Mo (risingwind@socket.net), January 08, 2002.

Stacy, you sound like my size too, I swear by Wrangler Relaxed Fit For Women, they come in various lengths too, and wear like iron if you get the dark ones that haven't been bleached already. Mine usually last over four years unless the barb wire gets them too much. They are straight leg and fit traditional women hips wonderfully, they do come in several colors but I only buy the dark denim because that is what lasts the longest being a farmer and getting hard wear. They run around 16 to 17 dollars at Walmart and some K-marts.

-- Annie Miller in SE OH (annie@1st.net), January 08, 2002.

http://www.carhartt.com/products/index.html

-- matt johnson (wyo_cowboy_us@yahoo.com), January 08, 2002.

I like the GAP "boy fit" jeans....hubby works at GAP and he bought some for me last year and they are definitely my favorite. They are boot-cut and also come in "long" version, although I am 5'11 and the "long" version was way too long for me. I have no idea whether or not they are still making this particular style, but they were only bought about a year ago so I would hope so.

-- Tracey in Alabama (trjlanier@cs.com), January 08, 2002.

Definitely Wranglers.

-- Tracy (zebella@mindspring.com), January 08, 2002.

This seems to be mostly a question of importance to the distaff side as to what makes their attributes most attractive! Gals, (I know that's politically incorrect, but really attractive [both physically and mentally] women don't care!) please believe me when I say that your jeans do not define you. Even though I am incredibly handsome, that does not define me! All of my women friends find my other attributes to be more important. Dress with what makes you comfortable, because even if you pick your clothes on the basis of making you look like a sex goddess, your attitude will be dreadful if you feel like you have a perpetual wedgie! My only caveat is to avoid Levis, as they are solidly in the camp of Comrade Hillary and the Wicked Witch of denying the 2nd Amendment, Witch Sarah. I would go naked before I would buy Levis! Now, now! Anyway, go for comfort. Your beauty is in your brain, not in your jeans! GL!

-- Brad (homefixer@SacoRiver.net), January 08, 2002.

I don't buy a whole lot of clothes. I bought a pair of Lee's at the thrift store last summer that seemed to fit just fine for five bucks.

But, I've got three pairs of older jeans that seem just made for me. They are Bill Blass petites. I got them at various TJ Maxxes. There's a TJ Maxx about an hour away, I'll have to go there again someday. I'm not sure if these are being made anymore.

I'm not particularly petite [5'5"]. But, I find these clothes seem to have the proper fit for me..room in the right places and leg length that doesn't require hemming.

-- pc (pc@somewhere.com), January 08, 2002.

But Brad, I don't want my butt to look like the back end of a Volkswagon! I'm not overly sensitive about the way I dress, it has to be a *very* special occaision before I dress up, and "do" the hair and face but I do need to be comfortable.

Patty, I forgot about Old Navy, they're actually owned by the GAP along with Banana Republic (I'll pay BR prices when hell freezes over) So, I'll try them next along with Wrangler woman's cut.

Thank you all for your help.

Stacy in NY

-- Stacy (KincoraFarm@aol.com), January 08, 2002.

OK smarty pants Brad I double dare you to post a picture of yourself on the countryside friends picture page.

-- Patty {NY State} (fodfarms@hotmail.com), January 08, 2002.

LL Bean jeans are made by Lee in the USA. My favorites!

-- Gary (Thormole@AOL.com), January 08, 2002.

Lee relaxed fit, not a jean made by Lee...there is a difference.

-- DW (djwallace@sotc.net), January 08, 2002.

Most of you are missing the boat by the looks of things. I had two pair of levis that wore out in three weeks. However, I got a pair of Dickie's jeans (they are flannel lined and are the stuff for cold weather!) on clearance 10 YEARS ago (five bucks). They only now have holes in the knees- but not in the flanel parts. I had to order two more pair direct from the factory as they are hard to find. These puppies wear like iron, are so comfortable! In summer, its wranglers and rt 66 but they wear out fast- about 5 prs a year to meet my needs. The 2 pairs of Dickies plus my 10 year old pair should see me through to the end=)... and Im only 24.

-- Kevin in NC (Vantravlrs@aol.com), January 09, 2002.

Kevin: If you have a "Big R", "Farm & Ranch", "Tractor Supply" or "Sears" store nearby, they all carry Carhartt and Dickies brands. Matt

-- matt johnson (wyo_cowboy_us@yahoo.com), January 10, 2002.

Shrink to fit levi 501 blue jeans. They look goofy because they are so blue and stiff, but they will outlast anything that is stone washed, acid washed, pre-washed etc. Those I use for all but the most abrasive of work. Then it is Carhartt logger pants either unwashed blue denim, or unwashed brown duck. They both have double thighs and knees and except for tears on barbed wire, they last for over a year of heavy use if you have 3 pairs to rotate. Takes about a month to get them so you can bend your knees. You can also use suspenders with them and they are loose and comfortable. I have seen women in those jeans and they look nice. My wife likes the fit but not the stiffness.

Try Gemplers.com for the best web collection of in stock carhart stuff. They are usually the best price, although there is one place i found that sold the logger pants for 2 bucks a pair less than Gempler's and they shipped for free. I tried to order from them and they were out of stock....38X38 is not that odd of a size. Gempler always has them.

Oscar

-- Oscar H. WIll III (owill@mail.whittier.edu), January 10, 2002.

I wear overalls the most (Carhart or Liberty) but my jeans are all Levi 550. They fit me best and wear well. When thinner I wear wranglers.

-- Jenny (auntjenny6@aol.com), January 10, 2002.

Oscar: I checked Gempler's prices and they're higher than what I pay at Big-R for Carhartts. Same model and sizing.

-- matt johnson (wyo_cowboy_us@yahoo.com), January 10, 2002.

Matt: Thanks for the heads up.

-- Oscar H. Will III (owill@mail.whittier.edu), January 11, 2002.

Oscar:

Where you you get your "shrink to fit 501's"? Levi's 501 is all my husband wears, but he complains that they wear out too fast. I'd like to try the original heavy denim ones (although I may need to wash them several times before he'll wear them). I can't say I've seen these in the stores next to the regular stonewash ones.

Julie in PA

-- Julie Whalen (julieannwhalen@hotmail.com), January 11, 2002.

Well, I guess I am obligated to respond to Patty & Stacy. Patty ~ I do not have the technoligical ability to display my visual likeness on this forum. The best I can do is to ask you to imagine Mel Gibson at a height of 6 feet. That's me! For more serious thoughts: Stacy, you have been sucked in by the people who believe that physical beauty defines both men and women! T'aint so! I am an incredibly handsome man, but I am more defined by my sense of humor (see immediately preceeding statement). Beauty is only in the eye of the beholder. And I am sure that most of you female honeys are "to die for". Nonetheless, you are all cool, attractive, fine ladies that I am sure I would find irrestibale. Just don't tell Maggie about any of this! GL! And have a great time!

-- Brad (homefixer@SacoRiver.net), January 11, 2002.

Oscar: www.SierraTradingPost.com is having a sale on Carhartts and other clothing items right now. BIG savings on lots of clothing items. Some are seconds, but most of what I've purchased from them over the years has been overstocks and the quality is very good to excellent.

-- matt johnson (wyo_cowboy_us@yahoo.com), January 12, 2002.

Stacy, you might also try Eddie Bauer - if you catch them on sale they are actually not too pricey (definitely NOT in the Banana Republic realm! And I agree with you on their prices!). I'm long- legged and skinny, so I understand about not being able to get jeans to fit -- on me they are always too short in the legs, or the legs fit and they are too long in the straddle! It's almost enough to make you wish for a skirt (but not in the winter!)

-- Christine in OK (cljford@mmcable.com), January 12, 2002.

Lee Riders Relaxed Fit and Route 66 (K-Mart). They both have snug waists with ample hip room. Most jeans (for me) are too tight in the hips if they fit good in the waist.

-- Sharon (spangenberg@hovac.com), January 13, 2002.

i love old navy painter pants (men's). men's jeans seem to be made better than women's--the zippers are made from metal and most seams are double or triple stitched. couple weeks ago, i got two pairs of "big worker pants" from old navy, and love them too! i seem to remember hearing somewhere that old navy is a branch or related to the gap, somehow, and notice similarities in the cuts of pants.

-- ere (eedeen@hotmail.com), January 25, 2002.