[dr_dshiv]

How do you just buy guaranteed classics. i.e., I want the heinz ketchup of wardrobe items. Consistency. I mean, Levi 501 is an example... but beyond that, everything I wear is so basic but it keeps changing. Even Nike Airforce One's keep changing so much. I just want a black shirt that stays black, black pants that actually fit and don't rip, a black sweater that doesn't pill much, a black jacket that I can beat the hell out of... etc.

[actualwitch]

I've seen a lot of people say that 501's got noticeably worse over the years. If you want good jeans buy traditional selvedge denim, you know the ones that can stand by themselves if you put them because they are so dense. Back then it was protective clothing so they are very durable.

[vladvasiliu]

I'm one of those people, though I don't use 501s specifically. I've noticed Levis quality has become hit-and-miss. I have two pairs, bought at the same time. Same model, same color, only the length is different [0], but same waist size.

They don't even fit the same! One is clearly larger, whereas the other was skin-tight when new. One seems somewhat thicker than the other.

[jstarfish]

Buy "work" clothes. Dickies, Carhartt, etc. for socks and jackets. Pants too if you like the fit.

Doc Martens for footwear if you like boots; they're mendable.

Tilly's shirts have held up surprisingly well for me but I think they carry Dickies stuff there anyway.

Dryers degrade most clothing and cause pilling. Avoid them and hang dry wherever possible.

[chiefalchemist]

In the last 15 yrs, I've used a dryer no more that three times. Aside from being better for clothes, it's less gas / electricity (i.e., better on the environment). Sans super high humidity, it's not a bad habit to have.