There have been a number of conversations in the forum about the vagaries of fit and sizing--one item of the same size and style by the same brand fits differently from a second identical item. And about the difficulty of finding good fits, period.

I thoroughly enjoy the articles at Fashion Incubator. http://fashion-incubator.com/tutorials/ (This is the index link.)

This one http://fashion-incubator.com/y.....aistbands/ explains how the manufacturer's decision to maximize profit by cutting the waistband on grain (instead of cross-grain like the adjoining pant fabric) causes disproportionate shrink at the waist. (Goes far in explaining the difference in fit between the 501's of my memory and my current pair of pants.)

This one http://fashion-incubator.com/a.....l_toe_pt2/ explains how outsourcing can cause fit issues. Summary: 1) There can be compatibility issues with patterns transmitted to foreign manufacturers using CAD. 2) Sometimes the designer gives the manufacturer a spec-sheet of the dimensions of a garment and the manufacturer will tweak the pattern--for example, by narrowing a pants pattern by flattening out the back-rise seam and then adding the "lost" length to the top of the pant at the waistband. This enables the manufacturer to get more pattern pieces out of their yardage while respecting the dimension on the spec sheet (but not the fit of the garment)! And if a brand has lax quality control or uses a bunch of different manufacturers, then you might find a different fit in every pair of pants you pick off the rack. (I paraphrased wildly, but you get the idea )

This one addresses the flat-butt / not enough room in the seat problem: http://fashion-incubator.com/j.....hese_days/