Hi Stax,

A couple of years ago I bought the navy FOB from JS. They were cheaper than they are now and they're superb. I'm a 36" waist.

I would also have look around for Polo 5 pocket cords. Very good quality and you'll find them at many dept. stores - usually with a saving

Someone I know had the Levis cords a few seasons ago and they were very nice.

I would also look at Cordings - although they don't do a 5 pocket they do a very nice needlecord trouser.

The Land’s End are good for the price, but the material is far too lightweight for a ‘best’ pair, and wears out in a year or so even with moderate use. Another vote for the FOB though. Since Levi’s stopped making the LVC 519s they’re the best alternative I’ve found. Excellent cut and a real decent heavyweight cloth.

Probably worth look at M&S if doing a store visit. I usually just search eBay for vintage Levi’s 518 / 519. If you can bare the effort TK might be worth a look, they’ve recently had a lot of Beams+ and Orlbar Brown stock, and if topic but I scored some wonderful Oliver Spencer shorts with a full rise and cut for £25

I went to the local'ish Levis store yesterday, when I called on Saturday they said they had the cords in stock, when I got there nope ! But I tried a pair of denims in the same cut and they weren't suitable, just took a look at the community clothing 5 pockets, now available in 6 colours, ( previously only navy I think), has anyone tried any of these or the CC denim which I'm assuming is the same cut ?, I'm still looking at the FOB but can't convince myself to spend £195 for a 'knock-about' pair of strides.... signs I'm getting old ! Change of subject whilst in Reading I went to John Lewis, noticed there was some very nice knitwear under their own label, cashmere shawl collar cardigan around £165 looked very nice,

Stax,

PM'd you

I agree about TK Maxx — I don't think I've ever had any luck there, apart from finding a nice pair of Loake boots for my son's birthday last year at half price.

To be honest I don't go into TKM that often and I've only found a couple of things of note but they do stock loads of Polo. I think it's made specifically for them.

A few years ago the main store in the city centre had loads of BD Baggies shirts. Quantity as opposed to different designs. I picked up a lightweight OCBD in a lovely light blue.

My local store also had some of the relaunched Gant OCBD's. The ones with the diamond logo. Whatever happened to them?

Stax- Let us know how you get on with your 5 pocket cords search. I'm also looking for similar. As a teenager (last century) I did wear white tab levi cords but I suspect the cut would not fit me so well now. I've looked at CC , J Lewis, M&S and even trekked around TKMaxx but all to no avail. I've bought quite a lot of bargains in TKMaxx over the last 20 years and a few were even made in USA items but it used to take a hit rate of 1/10 visits which is now about 1/15. I appreciate that only a nut case like me would visit the shop so often but it is located at the end of one of my Thames Estuary walks, that I do once a week when in Essex.

FSC - yes you are so right about needing less in retirement, probably like you, and a few other oldies on here , I look forward to the opportunity of wearing some decent (smarter) clothes, this Saturday evening we're out to dinner in the best restaurant in our town and I will take the rare opportunity to wear a jacket, I'll probably be the only person in the restaurant to be wearing one ! BTW - if you're wardrobe downsizing includes the J.Press/Grenfell golfer jacket please let me know !
Robbie - yep if I find any suitable cords I will of course let you know, I also favoured the levis white tabs back last century,( Ivy shop use to sell Wranglers ), beige & bottle green, wish I could get the same now, I think on levis USA that have some very similar, but couldn't find them in the UK, I think good stuff in TKM is just a myth ! Cheers,

Stax-HaHa,,'Good stuff in TKM is just a myth' I'm thinking of listing everything I have bought in TKM in the last 20 years but no one would believe me.And Lois is a no no from me.
When I get time I will list my TKM purchases.

Stax,
Life is too short to look through the aisles in TK Max.

Even for retired folk. Or perhaps moreso for retired folk .

B&M on the other hand. Great for bird food and children's toys.

If anyone is a 34" waist, Michael at Levisons has 3 or 4 pairs of NOS Vintage Levi's Slim Fits Big E, the classic boom era made in USA model with full rise. I think 3 at least are corduroy.

Shame we can't post pictures on the forum or I would had added some for reference.

Location if you don't know where it is. https://maps.app.goo.gl/AiTz4Rd9RgB7CkSa9

Last edited by Tomiskinky (2024-10-11 04:11:43)