Originally Posted by Duragrouch

I think the bigger problem is the lap-felled (4 thickness) double-sewn seams, expecially in the crotch.

There's a great program on NHK Japan, haven't seen it in a while, Cycling Around Japan, usually hosted by some Japanese-fluent anglo; USA, Canada, UK, etc. One has lived in Japan many years, goes by "Bobby Judo", he's often seen riding a road-race bike good distance, like 30-40 miles, in tight skinny jeans, I immediately thought the same thing, WTF? Now, denim is a twill, 1-under, 2-over weave, which both gives it the diagonal pattern, but also provides a bit more stretch I think than a pure 1:1 weave. Judo's jeans I'm guessing are part spandex, doesn't take much.

BTW, the show frequents these small towns all over Japan, each highlighting a particular craft good; Heirloom quality vegetables, bean pastes, lacquered chopsticks, fishing villages, one show was in a farm area on steep slopes, the farmers were constantly raking the soil back uphill, wearing the rake to nubs; Buy a new rake? No, brought to local blacksmith who forges or welds on new tines and hammers to shape. Didn't say, but my guess is, no cheaper than buying a new rake, but it helps keep the blacksmith employed, both good for community, and to have around for more money-saving repairs.