What the heck is going on with the construction of Levis? I've been buying 541s as a standard 'smart' looking jean for years- lightweight, tapered, relaxed thigh and ass- basically the only jeans I've ever found off the shelf that fit me perfectly. I bought all my old pairs around the UK, but this week I picked up 3 new pairs from Texas. The fit still works but the details REALLY changed, and they look so much cheaper now...
Hello crappy cardboard, goodbye pleather

Nicely cut, square pockets are no more

They've cut back on the stitching on belt loops

The inseam has changed. Overlock is out, and flat-felled is in.

Bar-tack moved down so the pocket isn't held tight and can catch now

Chain stitched hem is no more. Why?

Saving stitches again inside the fly.

Basically all the historic little details that separated the jeans from your run of the mill mall-jeans are gone. E.g. all the little features Iron Heart and other high end jeans manufacturers also pride themselves on observing are gone. Way to no longer differentiate yourselves, Levis...
