Carhatt still makes a great quality denim overall. My last pair finally gave out after 22 years. I ordered a pair that I anticipated were going to be a size larger than I usually wear, so that I could wear my long johns under them. I could have ordered my usual size and still have fit long johns under them. I'm also not crazy about the new fastener design. I don't think they are hard to open and close, but I have found that they don't lay flat when fastened. However that's more an annoyance than a functionality issue. I would be happy to see the standard fasteners return, though.  Carhartts always run long, so expect that as part of the product, not as a flaw.  These aren't stiff, no breaking in needed. They are perfectly comfortable right out of the box.