Alternative to Levi 306 Sta Prest

StiffassBrit

Hi everyone, I would like to call on your expertise. I have been trying to get my hands on a pair of Levi 306 Sta-prest jeans featured in QOS. I have come across some on Ebay but never in my size, so I had a look on the Levi website to see if they had anything similar to the discontinued 306's. I found these:

http://www.levi.com/GB/en_GB/men-jeans/p/591090013

Would like some feedback as I'm thinking of investing a pair.
Cheers.

mrgatsby

StiffassBrit wrote:

Hi everyone, I would like to call on your expertise. I have been trying to get my hands on a pair of Levi 306 Sta-prest jeans featured in QOS. I have come across some on Ebay but never in my size, so I had a look on the Levi website to see if they had anything similar to the discontinued 306's. I found these:

http://www.levi.com/GB/en_GB/men-jeans/p/591090013

Would like some feedback as I'm thinking of investing a pair.
Cheers.

First off I wouldn't buy anything Levis on line.
I went into a macys store last week to pick up a pair of everyday blue jeans (I live in the US)
They had so many styles to chose from and I had tried on at least eight. I have to say, the quality control is now poor at best, the workmanship is crap, and within the different styles I went between a size 32 waist to 36.
I think Levis has outsourced to Asia.
There was a time I could just pick up a pair 32 x 32 (red tag) and that was that.
What a shame, no more Levis for me.

StiffassBrit

Thanks for the advice. I shall bear that in mind. Sounds similar to the Sunspel story when they out-sourced to Turkey........and put their prices up!

sandman1935

I work for Levis and it is sadly true they have outsourced to Asia but go in to an actual Levis store and try on several different pairs of jeans. I know in our store we have many similar looking pairs jeans to the 306 STA PREST
Look for 508's they run about the same in style

McQueen

sandman1935 wrote:

Look for 508's they run about the same in style

I agree about the 508's. I purchased a pair last year. I did size one up from my normal waist due to the thighs being so tight. I then had my tailor take in the waist and seat. Another option, and one that is also more substantial in weight is - https://www.jcrew.com/mens_feature/theliquorstore/denim/PRD~41229/41229.jsp?Nbrd=J&Nloc=en_US&Nrpp=48&Npge=1&Ntrm=wheat%20selvedge&isFromSearch=true&isNewSearch=true

sandman1935

I agree about the JCrew jeans. I have a dark wash pair and they are my favorite jeans better than Levis

Westward_Drift

I've become resigned to never finding a 306 Sta Prest in my size, or in my budget.

JC Penny's has the Levi's 508 in Silver Birch on clearance for $34.99. It's listed as regular fit with tapered leg. It is slimmer than their 505s and a lower waist than the 505, but it's not nearly as slim as the 511s where I'd have to size up and still have it look awful on me. I was able to take my normal waist size. The thighs were tight, but not uncomfortable and nothing compared to the 511s or the 7 for All Mankind jeans I recently tried on.

http://www.jcpenney.com/men/clearance/levi-s-508-regular-taper-jeans-/prod.jump?ppId=pp5003710828

If you have too many jeans but like the look and want something a bit dressier, Kohl's has Levi's Chinos in Silver Birch available. Price is $58.00, but it's often priced at $39.99 with additional promo code discounts availible. I picked up a pair for $24 and by ordering in store had no shipping charges.

http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1324719/levis-silver-birch-chinos-men.jsp

Unfortunately the J Crew 484 fit does not fit me at all. I'd have to size up and then have it altered.

Bourne. Jason Bourne

Sorry for bumping an old thread, but are these Levi's 511 the same as the sta prest?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00AFQEK50?vs=1

The Amazon link seems to be like chinos, too. I'm just confused as to whether the 511 chinos are different than the sta prest 511 chinos.

Thank you

McCoy

I have these in a beige colour. They're not STA-PREST. They're a 100% cotton jean-trouser (no stretch in the material) with slash side pockets. They're fairly robust and I like the cut, but the 511 leg is a little too slim for me.

Cheverian

McCoy wrote:

I have these in a beige colour. They're not STA-PREST. They're a 100% cotton jean-trouser (no stretch in the material) with slash side pockets. They're fairly robust and I like the cut, but the 511 leg is a little too slim for me.

They are also available in the Levis 513, more of a slim straight cut.

AngusrRoss

B-)

StiffassBrit wrote:

Thanks for the advice. I shall bear that in mind. Sounds similar to the Sunspel story when they out-sourced to Turkey........and put their prices up!

As far as I understand, the Riviera polo was always made in Turkey.

Bourne. Jason Bourne

Nothing, guys?

All I want to know if the sta prest 511s are still being made. If not, how comparable are the regular 511 trousers in the Amazon link to the sta prest 511?

I would actually love to own a pair that were stretchy with a cotton/polyester blend. Those are the most comfortable.

canoe2

Bourne. Jason Bourne wrote:

Nothing, guys?

All I want to know if the sta prest 511s are still being made. If not, how comparable are the regular 511 trousers in the Amazon link to the sta prest 511?

I would actually love to own a pair that were stretchy with a cotton/polyester blend. Those are the most comfortable.

I'm not a Levi's expert, but I'll share what I know:

511 is a cut/style (just like 501, 513, etc.) STA-PREST was a fabric used by Levis.

The Levis in QoS were the 306 style (not 511) in STA-PREST; here is a link with more info on them: http://www.jamesbondlifestyle.com/product/levis-sta-prest-jeans

As far as I can tell, Levi's is no longer using STA-PREST and it was not a fabric used with the 511 cut.

So here is where I get confused: I think the Levi's worn Haiti were a lighter color and more of a jean style (front and back pocket style), while the ones worn in the Mathis visit were more of a hybrid pant/jean style in a darker color. I've never been clear on that, but according to Matt S here http://thesuitsofjamesbond.com/the-shawl-collar-cardigan/, they are the same pants, so I will bow to his expertise and write off my confusion as due to camera filters.

So long story short: the 511 hybrids you are looking at on Amazon are not the same cut as the QoS 306s and they are not the same fabric (which I think you know), but you could get a pair of regular 511s, 513s or 501s in a close color. Hope that helps.

Bourne. Jason Bourne

You're right. You can even see the Levi tag on the back of Craig's pants in the Haiti scenes. Maybe they're regular 511 chinos in cotton, like in the Amazon link, except in the white?

BladeRunner684

Levis 513 in moonbeam color is what I have and I think they are an excellent alternative. Not as tapered as the 511 in the calf but definitely slim through the thigh and below the knee.

welshboy78

canoe2 wrote:

So here is where I get confused: I think the Levi's worn Haiti were a lighter color and more of a jean style (front and back pocket style), while the ones worn in the Mathis visit were more of a hybrid pant/jean style in a darker color. I've never been clear on that, but according to Matt S here http://thesuitsofjamesbond.com/the-shawl-collar-cardigan/, they are the same pants, so I will bow to his expertise and write off my confusion as due to camera filters.

Just to clarify - both the Haiti and Mathis villa are indeed the same jean style 306 STA PRESTS but in two diff colours:

Silver Birch (the white / creme looking ones)
Sand (I think this was what it was called - beige anyhow)

I have both pairs and can upload pics if anybody needs to see however plenty of pics already out there!!

Cheers!! {[]

Jacob

BladeRunner684 wrote:

Levis 513 in moonbeam color is what I have and I think they are an excellent alternative. Not as tapered as the 511 in the calf but definitely slim through the thigh and below the knee.

I agree - the moonbeam color is great. I have the 511 in moonbeam.

always shaken

sandman1935 wrote:

I work for Levis and it is sadly true they have outsourced to Asia but go in to an actual Levis store and try on several different pairs of jeans. I know in our store we have many similar looking pairs jeans to the 306 STA PREST
Look for 508's they run about the same in style

I went into the Levis store in Orlando premium outlets ,and the staff there had never heard of sta prest

sandman1935

always shaken wrote:

sandman1935 wrote:

I work for Levis and it is sadly true they have outsourced to Asia but go in to an actual Levis store and try on several different pairs of jeans. I know in our store we have many similar looking pairs jeans to the 306 STA PREST
Look for 508's they run about the same in style

I went into the Levis store in Orlando premium outlets ,and the staff there had never heard of sta prest

They were probably not avid JB fans. When I worked at Levi's I tried to find them through the company grapevine but nobody could find a pair.

canoe2

Bourne. Jason Bourne wrote:

You're right. You can even see the Levi tag on the back of Craig's pants in the Haiti scenes. Maybe they're regular 511 chinos in cotton, like in the Amazon link, except in the white?

I'm just going on how they look in the movie; I've never had a pair of 306s in hand, so I can't say if the cuts/styles below are a good match for the cut of the 306s (someone above mentioned the 508s are close to 306s).

If you are looking for Mathis visit Levi's, try these:

If you have thinner legs: 511s in Sand Twill: http://www.amazon.com/Levis-Mens-Slim-Twill-34x32/dp/B007M6154K/ref=sr_1_5?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1448921878&sr=1-5&nodeID=7147441011&keywords=mens+levis+511

If you have thicker legs: 513s in True Chino: http://www.amazon.com/Levis-Mens-Straight-Bastion-32x32/dp/B00C7XIIHA/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1448922200&sr=1-1&nodeID=7147441011%2C7147441011&keywords=mens+levis+513

If you want the stretch, you could try the 541s in Timberwolf (but these are a true straight leg):
http://www.amazon.com/Levis-Athletic-Straight-Timberwolf-Twill/dp/B00V34SN1K/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1448923121&sr=8-13&keywords=mens+levis+501

If you are looking for the Haiti Levi's (lighter color), try these:
Thinner legs: 511s in Porridge Melange: http://www.zappos.com/levis-mens-line-8-collection-511-slim-porridge-melange or in Optic White (not sure how "White" these really are): http://www.zappos.com/levis-mens-line-8-collection-511-slim-optic-white-rfp

Unfortunately in the 513s, that True Chino seems to be the lightest color they are making. But you could also try the 501s in Ecru
http://www.amazon.com/Levis-Mens-Original-Stonewash-34x32/dp/B0018OOVPC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448923121&sr=8-1&keywords=mens+levis+501 or search around for light colored 513s.

So you won's get the same cut (306) or fabric (STA-PREST) or exact color(s) used in QoS, but you will at least have the same brand. 5.11s will give you more of the tappered look and I am assuming you should hem them a little short.

canoe2

welshboy78 wrote:

canoe2 wrote:

So here is where I get confused: I think the Levi's worn Haiti were a lighter color and more of a jean style (front and back pocket style), while the ones worn in the Mathis visit were more of a hybrid pant/jean style in a darker color. I've never been clear on that, but according to Matt S here http://thesuitsofjamesbond.com/the-shawl-collar-cardigan/, they are the same pants, so I will bow to his expertise and write off my confusion as due to camera filters.

Just to clarify - both the Haiti and Mathis villa are indeed the same jean style 306 STA PRESTS but in two diff colours:

Silver Birch (the white / creme looking ones)
Sand (I think this was what it was called - beige anyhow)

I have both pairs and can upload pics if anybody needs to see however plenty of pics already out there!!

Cheers!! {[]

Thank you! Again! I think this the 3rd time in the last couple of months you've cleared up some confusion for me. {[]

Enjoying Death

Some good alternatives;

https://www.jcrew.com/ca/mens_category/PantFitGuide/Denim/770/PRDOVR~37897/37897.jsp?color_name=pale-camel

https://www.jcrew.com/ca/mens_category/PantFitGuide/Denim/484/PRDOVR~83664/83664.jsp?color_name=pale-camel

http://bananarepublic.gapcanada.ca/browse/product.do?cid=91449&vid=1&pid=404148003

Bourne. Jason Bourne

Thanks for taking the time for researching alternatives!

I guess another alternative is Ebay. There seems to be quite a few that aren't too expensive, even if they're not the same color.

Bourne. Jason Bourne

These seem to be another good alternative if you can find a lighter color:

http://www.amazon.com/Levis-Mens-Slim-Fit-Stretch-Pant/dp/B015A0Z7GG/ref=pd_sbs_193_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=41gY2-Zq0LL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL200_SR154%2C200_&refRID=1YQJJT7JBYT939EJJQBE

511 slim fit stretch pants. 67% Cotton/33% Polyester

I just hate wearing regular jeans. Never felt comfortable.

Now I did try those Banana Republic Japanese denim traveler pants, and OOOOOOOH BOY were they one of the most comfortable pants I've ever worn. They definitely stretched.

My favorite pair of pants I currently own are a pair of Kentfield linen pants from BR. They fit awesome, not too tight, and they're the lightest pair of casual pants I've ever owned. Good to wear down here in Florida!

Enjoying Death

Bourne. Jason Bourne wrote:

These seem to be another good alternative if you can find a lighter color:

http://www.amazon.com/Levis-Mens-Slim-Fit-Stretch-Pant/dp/B015A0Z7GG/ref=pd_sbs_193_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=41gY2-Zq0LL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL200_SR154%2C200_&refRID=1YQJJT7JBYT939EJJQBE

511 slim fit stretch pants. 67% Cotton/33% Polyester

I just hate wearing regular jeans. Never felt comfortable.

Now I did try those Banana Republic Japanese denim traveler pants, and OOOOOOOH BOY were they one of the most comfortable pants I've ever worn. They definitely stretched.

My favorite pair of pants I currently own are a pair of Kentfield linen pants from BR. They fit awesome, not too tight, and they're the lightest pair of casual pants I've ever owned. Good to wear down here in Florida!

Those BR Traveller pants are my fave. It's like wearing a cloud.

James Brosnan

For those looking for a completely screen accurate look and who are willing to pay for it, Magnoli offers his Quantum Chinos:

http://www.magnoliclothiers.com/quantum-chinos-pants-p-582.html

I've never compared the details to the real thing, and I'm just assuming that, based on the look and the name, the chinos are referring to the ones worn in QoS. Either way, Magnoli can make almost any SA wardrobe dream come true, for the right price. So, not necessarily a frugal alternative, but an accurate one for the more SA obsessed of us out there. I do not own a pair of these yet, but I will likely grab a pair at some point. I imagine he could make them in the Mathis visit color too.