I’ve had the same frustration with jeans lately—seems like no matter what brand I try, the knees or seat give out way too soon. I’m crawling around on roofs and in attics a lot, so I put them through their paces, but still… you’d think “work jeans” would last longer than a few months.
About re-stitching seams: I’ve actually done this a handful of times, mostly because I’m stubborn and hate tossing out a pair that’s otherwise fine. Here’s what’s worked for me:
1. Turn the jeans inside out and check how much fabric you’ve got left at the seam. If it’s frayed down to nothing, it’s tough to get a strong repair.
2. Use heavy-duty thread—regular sewing thread just doesn’t cut it for denim. Upholstery thread or even waxed thread is better.
3. Double-stitch if you can, especially in high-stress spots like the crotch or knees.
4. If you’ve got access to a sewing machine, zig-zag stitches hold up better than straight ones for repairs.
5. For hand-sewing, keep your stitches tight and close together. It takes longer but holds up better.
Honestly, sometimes my repairs last longer than the original stitching did, but if the denim itself is thin or worn out, it’ll just rip somewhere else next time.
As for brands—Carhartt used to be my go-to, but even those seem thinner now. Duluth Trading jeans are a bit better in my experience, but they’re pricey and not indestructible either. I’ve had weirdly good luck with old Levi’s from thrift stores; maybe it’s just that they were made before everything went “stretchy.” The new stuff with spandex mixed in feels comfy at first but doesn’t hold up to real work.
If you’re patching holes, iron-on patches inside plus some stitching around the edge helps keep them from peeling off after a wash or two.
At this point, I just rotate between patched-up old pairs for messy jobs and save the newer ones for when I need to look halfway presentable. Not sure there’s a perfect solution unless someone starts making jeans like they did 30 years ago...
That’s pretty much my routine too—old patched jeans for the dirty jobs, newer ones for when I need to look halfway decent. I hear you about the “work jeans” these days. Even the brands that used to be bulletproof seem to wear thin way too fast, especially with all the crawling and kneeling we do. Have you ever tried reinforcing the knees before they go? I started sewing canvas patches inside the knees as soon as I get a new pair, and it does buy me a little more time. Still, nothing seems to last like the old stuff... Maybe it’s just the way things are made now.
Even the brands that used to be bulletproof seem to wear thin way too fast, especially with all the crawling and kneeling we do.
I’ve noticed the same thing—jeans just don’t hold up like they used to, especially on a job where you’re constantly moving around on rough surfaces. I’ve tried the canvas patch method too, but lately I’ve been experimenting with iron-on denim patches on the outside. They look a bit rough, but they actually last longer for me than the sewn-in ones. Still, I miss the days when a pair would last a whole season without needing repairs... Maybe it’s just the materials, or maybe we’re just harder on them now.
I’ve tried the canvas patch method too, but lately I’ve been experimenting with iron-on denim patches on the outside. They look a bit rough, but they actually last longer for me than the sewn-in ones.
I hear you on the iron-ons—mine end up looking like I lost a fight with a glue gun, but they do hold up. Ever tried those double-knee work pants? I thought they’d be invincible, but I still managed to blow through the knees after a few months. Maybe it’s just all the attic crawling... Anyone found a brand that actually survives a crawlspace season?
I’ve tried just about every “indestructible” work pant out there, and none of them have survived a full season of crawlspaces and attic gymnastics. Those double-knee Carhartts? Lasted me maybe three months before I had daylight coming through both knees. Duluth’s Fire Hose pants held up a bit longer, but the stitching eventually gave out—probably from all the scooting around on insulation and nails.
Honestly, I’m starting to think the only real solution is knee pads over whatever pants you’ve got. Not the most stylish look, but at least my jeans don’t end up looking like Swiss cheese by spring. Anyone else just accept that pants are basically disposable in this line of work, or has someone actually found a pair that can handle all the crawling and squeezing? Maybe I’m just too hard on my gear...