Portola Classic Taper 20 Ounce Indigo Denim

The. good: Beautiful denim. Not as stiff as I was expecting. Fantastic workmanship. But, the size chart is dead accurate. This is a great thing if you want a slightly looser Portola or have massive thighs (my legs aren't exactly smallI), but I like my new jeans to fit ever so slightly snug and let the denim stretch out to perfection. I'm 6', 186 lb. Lean athletic build. Waist is 35". My other Portola pair (black and white 17oz , size 32 - amazing!) fit me perfectly. But these, also size 32, fit slightly larger. More room in the thigh and 1" added to the rise make these jeans fit slightly large. They feel more like a straight leg than a slight taper. I wanted to really love these, but the fit is slightly off for my body. They still look good, and the waist fits well, but they don't hang like I would prefer. Again, the 17 oz black and white are incredible.... probably my best fitting jeans ever. So many compliments on them. These would be incredible too if they had the same measurements.

These have quickly became one of my favorite pairs. I was originally shopping for a fresh pair from a brand I thought I’d stay loyal to (sorry IH, you’re also incredible.), but my local denim store was out of stock.

I asked the clerk to make an order, and recommendations for other brands with a wide thigh + taper. I’m convinced most manufacturers despise leg day, and view relaxed taper as preference when it’s necessary for those who squat.

I brought a stack to the dressing room and my indecisive mind immediately made a decision. Perfect fit and the slub reminded me of my previous favorite, PJBxBenzak Cote d’Ivoire, but heavier with an earthier weft.

I would highly recommend these to anyone, especially those looking to ease into denim over 16 oz. You won’t work up a sweat breaking in the copper fly buttons, and the fabric softens quickly so being a masochist isn’t a prerequisite. Back pockets are unique, coin pocket is wide enough to be practical and the front pockets are made of a decorative stripe pattern. My only qualm is that I feel the belt loops are too narrow, which doesn’t really matter and a personal preference.

Overall, I think these are excellent and I look forward to the future patina. I will definitely be considering Freenote for my next purchase.

Been waiting 2 years for these to come out again and snatched up a pair immediately. Love the slightly higher rise and slightly larger thigh they put on this pair of Portolas. Killer killer Jean to have. I have no idea why they’re not sold out yet ? Haha

I own both these and a pair of Avila cuts. The cut on these is perfect for a guy like me who has larger thighs but still wants a tapered leg opening. Couldn't be happier. The heavy weight denim is a bonus too, these things are built like tanks. They feel like plate armor on my legs.

Great pants. Been wearing them over the past couple weeks and you'll know that these will literally last you the rest of your life, and then some. Incredibly well constructed. By far my favorite pants I own.