awells

30 minutes ago, 428CJ said:

You already have what I would push as the ideal cut for your body: the 1955. What is your exact problem with it?

Don't go with the '66; it's lower rise with more taper in the thighs, and will this exacerbate your problems.

The '44 is straight and a bit slim; if you don't like the '55, then you definitely won't like the '44.

You might like '33's; they have a dungaree-like feel to them, with very relaxed fitting legs...but they don't look anything like a regular, modern jeans cut. They will stand out from other jeans (which the wearer may or may not like), and are not as versatile stylistically.

You also might enjoy Wrangler 31MWZs. They're very similar to an LVC 1955 in fit, but they are perhaps even looser in the butt and rear thighs. They are available in a sanforized rigid finish. You could buy about eight pair for what a pair of LVCs costs.

That said, I am surprised you have problems with the 1955's. The reason the 1955 is such a great fit for guys with big butts and thighs (like me) is that it fits all of that stuff in the pants without issue, but also has a drawn in waistband in comparison. In other words, they are the very definition of a post-war relaxed fit jean: a "straight-sided bell," if you will.

*If* those are '55's in the photo you posted, then they appear to be downsized; you need the next size up in my opinion.

The rule of thumb for guys like us is to ignore waistband size, and size the pants for the thigh and butt fitment. Cinch up your belt or have a tailor deal with the waistband (and any desired taper) later if you need to.

Thanks for all the advice people....^^ this is what i'm leaning towards. Previously owning raw or selvedge denim, non LVCs...I haven't pre-soaked them and these 1955s have certainly given me a better idea of the level of shrinkage to expect (despite obviously reading up before hand)...still find it difficult to try on for size and then buy a size up confidently....what's your approach 428CJ? and if I wear them in for 6 months or whatever, will I still get the same amount of shrinkage after the first wash as I would if I washed them straight off the bat? any tips here would be great also!

Hello!

Long time lurker, first time poster here - seeking some advice with some LVC jeans.....I currently own some 1955 501s so not totally new to this, but also not totally happy with the fit of those jeans so before investing in another pair I thought i'd come speak to the experts here to get some advice. I'm slightly bigger bummed than the average gentleman and have fairly chunky thighs, which isn't necessarily a problem because I like wider/straighter fitting jeans (I guess you'd call it a 50s fit?), so I can normally buy wider fits and even size up to get the correct fit in the upper block but the seat and thigh measurements of the jeans are naturally more of a consideration. 

My current pair of 501s, as pictured below, are a 34x36 and have been rinsed once at 30 deg when I first got them, but aside from a bit of English rain, haven't been wet since. Judging by the current length of the legs there may be some more shrink in them yet, and I'm planning to wash them again soon but doing so blind and pretty sure it wont sort the issues I have with the fit. I like the fit from around the knee downwards but I find them a bit too snug around my upper thigh and bum and would rather a profile something like the red line in the attached pic. They are still a touch roomy around the waistband and I often need to tighten my belt to keep them in the right place, so I'm not sure about sizing up any further but have considered that as an option, and I suppose i may have to in order to get the fit I want. Likewise, I have also considered the 1966 501s for a more tapered fit and a perceived larger seat and wider fit at the top of the leg, but the measurements i've found haven't really clarified that - they seem to be narrower at the bottom rather than wider at the top and the lower rise might not be good for me? so I would potentially still need to size up and have the waist issue again. I have also considered orSlow 105s as I have a couple of other pairs of orSlow trousers which I like the fit of - some US Army Fatigue Pants and some 2 Pocket Cargo pants, and i'm all ears if anyone has any other suggestions!!

Any advice would be massively appreciated - whether to either size up, try the 1966s or try some other jeans altogether.

Thanks a lot!