Find a real pair of 30's, 40's or 50's 501s and then compare the price to a repro?
I'm pretty sure that most Levi's LVC are made with Cone Mills fabric. You can also find bargains for LVC too...but I can guarantee you that the early adopters for the J. Crew jeans didn't pay $65. It's ok to admit you're cheap! ;-)
BTW, Lofgren has a couple nifty new items out there this month:
http://item.rakuten.co.jp/speedway-shop/lc-010/
http://item.rakuten.co.jp/speedway-shop/lc-012/
http://item.rakuten.co.jp/speedway-shop/ls-006/
http://item.rakuten.co.jp/speedway-shop/ls-007/
This is not reproduction workwear but Round House workwear in Shawnee Oklahoma has been manufacturing since 1903.
http://www.round-house.com/index.html
I have a couple pairs of their dark blue bib overalls and a pair of the hickory stripe. The hickory stripes once they broke in are one of the most comfortable things I own. They also have an awesome herringbone coverall. Other items of note, engineers caps, and the hard to find carpenters coveralls. They are the last company in the U.S. to manufacture overalls here. If you want authentic depression era work clothes (and want to look like a dust bowler) you can't get much closer. Plus if you go to Shawnee you can tour the factory.
Mr. Conwill,
Thanks for pointing out Pointer. I looked at their material and it looks really good. For working on the car I would go with a good set of coveralls. They...well...cover all and unlike overalls don't let dirt get down your back sliding underneath. Plus with the heavy riveted buttons on an overall you can still scratch paint. However if your sitting at a bench rebuilding a generator than you can't beat a good thick set of coveralls.
I saw that one too. Amazing. I want it.
Mr. Conwill,
Thanks for pointing out Pointer. I looked at their material and it looks really good. For working on the car I would go with a good set of coveralls. They...well...cover all and unlike overalls don't let dirt get down your back sliding underneath. Plus with the heavy riveted buttons on an overall you can still scratch paint. However if your sitting at a bench rebuilding a generator than you can't beat a good thick set of coveralls.
Lefty, where can I get the vest you pictured??