UPDATE 9/2023: I finally had to wash these, and was sad to find that they do shrink in the wash. So the 30 inch length that was perfect for me before washing is now too short. They're also less soft now that I've washed them. I will order a new pair in the 32 length and try to get the length tailored since they aren't offered in a 31 inch length.
Seriously, finding jeans like these is like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It's virtually impossible, so it feels almost miraculous when it does happen.
I have decently large thighs (from cycling and other things), and calves, and a decent size rear. Most men's jeans are too straight, so they're too tight across the thighs (showing pocket lines and underwear lines), or too saggy in the butt, or the legs are just plain too tight, or they're too baggy and look messy.
I'm a tall, muscular guy with a decently athletic build. I don't claim to be a model or anything, but pants shouldn't look as sloppy on me as they tend to. I shouldn't have to pick between pants that fit like skinny jeans and pants that make me look like I have absolutely no sense of fashion (i.e. the infamous baggy, shapeless, "dad jean" fit). I see tall, muscular guys in movies and tv shows that have great fitting jeans that complement their muscular builds without looking like skinny jeans, and I think to myself "people love this look, so why can't I find that pants that fit like that?"
It turns out, pants like that do exist. These Levi's 541 Athletic Fit pants in the Native Cali color fit, feel, and look amazing. They're beautifully manly pants, without being too "cowboy" or too "hip". They're very neutral, allow you to wear them with leather dress shoes, boots, or sneakers, without looking too weird.
The fit around the hips/but is great, with enough room for them to sit where you want them to (not low-cut skinny jeans or saggy hipster jeans), so you shouldn't have issues with "plumber's crack", as long as you get the right fit and wear a belt.
The fit around the thighs is also great. Depending on what size you order, they have enough room that they don't show pocket lines or underwear lines, and unlike many pants, they're actually cut in such a way that if the pants fit well at the waist, the thighs aren't too tight. These come in 1 inch sizes, you can experiment to find the right fit for you. I find that both the 36 and the 35 waist fit me well. The 35 I do fold up the pockets to avoid pocket lines, and that size gives me more of a "custom-made for me" look. The 36 has a little more room, so the lines aren't an issue so far, but they aren't quite so fitted, but they also aren't straying into "dad-jean" territory.
I also love that even though they have extra room in the seat and thighs, they aren't too tight in the calves, OR too wide and shapeless at the ankle. As I mentioned, my legs are different widths at the thigh, knees, calves, AND ankles, so finding jeans that fit ok in all places is incredible. The fit being right at the ankles makes for a nice modern look that can work with a variety of footwear. If the ankles were wider, they would splay out at the show and give more a bootcut or dad-jean look that doesn't look good with sneakers or other snappy fits.
The one downside is that the length varies. I had to buy two pairs of the same length to find one that fit right. The other pair was slightly too short.
I haven't washed these yet, and I'm reluctant to do so until I really have to. It's possible that doing so will change my rating. But right now, they fit perfectly, and the color is so black that I can wear these with a formal black vest and a button down and it looks great. I'm sure the dye will fade over time the more I wear these, and then they'll become more casual-wear jeans. But for now I love these just the way they are.
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