5.11 Jeans...Early Review

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I've had to hang up the concealed carry pink shorts due to colder weather. This lead to some frustration with longer pants for concealed carry. Been looking for and may have found a solution.

I buy jeans and casual pants one size up to accommodate IWB carry. At the same time, I prefer a slim cut so everything is not baggy, sloppy, and uncomfortable. The usual Levis (502) or other pants cut that way often present two problems for IWB, and in some cases OWB, carry: (1) they ride to far below the waist, and (2) inadequate / poorly placed belt loops. A belt too low puts the gun, IWB or OWB, right on the butt cheek or hip joint. This is awkward, uncomfortable, and is harder to conceal. Too few or poorly spaced belt loops make it hard for even the best gunbelt to work.

Somebody recommended the 5.11 Defender-Flex jeans and pants. Now, I'm not one for tacticool mall ninja type stuff and that's what immediately came to mind upon hearing "5.11." They said, "no, no, check it out. These are just regular jeans with a little stretch, a couple extra hidden pockets, and better belt loop placement." So, I stopped by the 5.11 store this morning, tried on the Slim Fit Defender-Flex jeans and...damn, they are comfortable. There's a good chance that these are going to work well. Also picked up a pair of the similarly constructed casual khaki type pants. Again, these are just regular looking pants but seem to work well for everyday wear and carry. I'll update the thread as some time passes.
 
I've had to hang up the concealed carry pink shorts due to colder weather. This lead to some frustration with longer pants for concealed carry. Been looking for and may have found a solution.

I buy jeans and casual pants one size up to accommodate IWB carry. At the same time, I prefer a slim cut so everything is not baggy, sloppy, and uncomfortable. The usual Levis (502) or other pants cut that way often present two problems for IWB, and in some cases OWB, carry: (1) they ride to far below the waist, and (2) inadequate / poorly placed belt loops. A belt too low puts the gun, IWB or OWB, right on the butt cheek or hip joint. This is awkward, uncomfortable, and is harder to conceal. Too few or poorly spaced belt loops make it hard for even the best gunbelt to work.

Somebody recommended the 5.11 Defender-Flex jeans and pants. Now, I'm not one for tacticool mall ninja type stuff and that's what immediately came to mind upon hearing "5.11." They said, "no, no, check it out. These are just regular jeans with a little stretch, a couple extra hidden pockets, and better belt loop placement." So, I stopped by the 5.11 store this morning, tried on the Slim Fit Defender-Flex jeans and...damn, they are comfortable. There's a good chance that these are going to work well. Also picked up a pair of the similarly constructed casual khaki type pants. Again, these are just regular looking pants but seem to work well for everyday wear and carry. I'll update the thread as some time passes.

Did you still have to buy them a size bigger or did they adjust their size for IWB carry?
 
Did you still have to buy them a size bigger or did they adjust their size for IWB carry?

I am undecided on that point. They have enough flex and stretch that you might not have to size up. You'd have to try it yourself. I sized up but might grab a couple in my non-IWB size as well. would probably work fine and fit better up top.
 
I don't have the jeans but I have several of the khaki pants and shorts. They all have an expansion point aka elastic so I buy my size and they work perfect for iwb.

Just fyi. Last pair of shorts I bought are too big on me even though thay are the same waist size as all my others are (I threw out the return label like a genius).
 
I wear cargo pants 90 percent of the time but the wife insisted I get some decent blue jeans for the rare ocassion when we go out with friends. I hadn't bought blue jeans in probably 5 years and didn't realize what they cost these days for regular ol' Levis.
So, the wife talked me into trying on some Lucky jeans, and they are my new favorite jeans. They as well have some stretch to them and are muy comfortable. Feel like they are already broke in. If the 5.11's feel that good, I may have to give them a shot.
 
5.11 makes good clothing - Where are the extra pockets?
 
I prefer a slim cut so everything is not baggy, sloppy, and uncomfortable. ... tried on the Slim Fit Defender-Flex jeans and...damn, they are comfortable.

"Look, Darling, Johnny Ringo...What do you think Darling, should I hate him?... I'm sure of it, I hate him."
 
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Just fyi. Last pair of shorts I bought are too big on me even though thay are the same waist size as all my others are (I threw out the return label like a genius).

I found that too, the newer material pants/shorts (not the old heavy cotton ones) are larger than usual. That or the old ones shrunk over time, because they fit me well and I'm swimming in the newer pairs that are the same size on the label.
 
5.11 makes good clothing - Where are the extra pockets?

They are up by the waistband, on the hip. Can't really see them. Right between the traditional front and rear pockets. They blend in. Check out some photos or pictures of the "Defender-Flex" jeans.

Incidentally, that nifty wallet that Curt made for me drops right into that small hip pocket.
 
The best pants I have found for shooting, carrying, and just wearing are the Kuhl brand.

Man they are amazing. Several different cuts, waist heights, etc. are available. Different fabric weights for different seasons, etc. They are spendy but worth every penny.
 
Stretch jeans??? I swear I never thought I'd read a thread about THAT!! But knowing what I know now I guess it's not surprising. So, wheres the best deal on a mini van??
Lol. At the dealership right next to the place with the shoes on sale. Buy 5 get 15 free!
 
I got a pair of the 511 pants a while back to try and the elastic in the waist band took me back to my elementary school days. Just like the old husky sizes I use to wear. Very comfortable, works well with iwb or owb.
 
I got a pair of the 511 pants a while back to try and the elastic in the waist band took me back to my elementary school days. Just like the old husky sizes I use to wear. Very comfortable, works well with iwb or owb.

The Defender-Flex jeans do not have an elastic waistband. They look like regular jeans. The fabric has a bit more "give" overall to facilitate movement...but they are not elastic waist or stretch pants or anything like that.


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Stretch jeans??? I swear I never thought I'd read a thread about THAT!! But knowing what I know now I guess it's not surprising. So, wheres the best deal on a mini van??
It’s helpful when carrying IWB as was posted above and also when cinching a gun belt tight for competitions. Not all of us can pull this look off like you can B.B.

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The Defender-Flex jeans do not have an elastic waistband. They look like regular jeans. The fabric has a bit more "give" overall to facilitate movement...but they are not elastic waist or stretch pants or anything like that.


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10-4.
 
The usual Levis (502)

For the love of all that is holy, please never spend money on anything made by The Levi Strausss Co.

Edit: Not trying to derail this thread, I just can’t keep my mouth shut when it comes to doing business with an “anti 2A” company. I will be going to the 5.11 store myself, as I’m pretty sure they aren’t “anti 2A”.
 
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For the love of all that is holy, please never spend money on anything made by The Levi Strausss Co.
Why?
Their products are relatively inexpensive and hold up great
 
Ok, well Im not swayed yet, I'll keep on wearing what I got and if I find more good deals on them I will buy.
 
Botach is offering a 25% discount on 5.11 gear thru the 24th. No coupon required, just put it in the cart and it gets discounted. Free shipping too.
 
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