I was a loyal Levis wearer for decades. I even put up with the "coolness tax," the higher price that Levis command only because of the famous brand name. Those days have passed, though.

The "new" 505s are made from something a lot lighter and less durable than before. It seems like only a few weeks before the back pockets blow out, forcing me to buy again. In fact, older Levis with the heavier material are in better shape than the new ones, with less wear on them. A well-known competing brand still uses the heavier cloth, so that's where I'm buying now. If Levi went back to something more rugged, I might consider buying them again - but I really don't have time or patience to go around checking all the features of all the brands. I'd rather just go to the store, buy what I know, and be done with it.

Bye-bye, Levi. We had good times together, but that's the past. I have a future to get on with.

-- wiredweird