- https://theunbrandedbrand.com/ (cheaper option, technically the same brand as below)
Or the easy guy/strong guy fit from naked and famous
I understand that these are more expensive than something you’d get at target but they do last and the fades from working in them will be neat.
Could be fit (more snug with less wiggle room in the crotch can lead to blow outs, same with biking in the jeans) - I exclusively wear raw denim, admittedly brands other than the ones I recommended, and haven’t had any blow outs. The only wear beyond fades on my momotaros is from leaving them cuffed for too long and had some slight scarring. Most of my pants are 6-10 yrs old at this point. I typically wear a relaxed fit or denim with a relaxed taper to minimize pressure points/stress spots on the jeans.
My favorite brands are Oni and Pure Blue Japan but they are likely above the desired price point.
I view Levi with elastene/stretch as fast fashion and am against the impact of pre-faded and washed jeans have on the environment and laborers in those factories. I prefer to go with unwashed/un-faded pure cotton.
Regardless, you can always go for something cheaper - I’m not forcing you to do anything, just presenting options that have worked for me.