Maybe someone could post instructions on how to weave limber tree branches into cloth so we can make our own anti-anti brand jeans... In today's world of corporate mergers, subsidiaries, subcontractors, holding companies, etc. you are going to be very hard pressed to find any product that isn't connected to the anti's in some way shape or form. You would be surprised to know that when you boycott some of these companies and buy an alternate product you may very well still be buying from them as they will often manufacture for other private labels. So if 501s are what fit you, wear them for Christ's sake! I wear Walmart jeans because on the rare occassion I wear jeans its usually for something messy, so why spend $40 or more on a pair when I can spend like $15? Otherwise I always had a preference for 550's.