The Breakdown

  • Levi's 501: classic straight fit, durable selvedge roots
  • American Giant: made in USA, heavyweight cotton, no stretch gimmicks
  • Both repairable and built to last decades with basic care
  • Modern Levi's can vary by factory; check tags for origin
  • No planned obsolescence or data-harvesting nonsense

Side Effects

jeans and tees that survive multiple owners, zero brand virtue signaling

Buy Instead

Stick with these. For Levi's, seek vintage or made-in-USA pairs; American Giant tees already hit the based bar.