Men's 5.11 Slim Defender-Flex Jeans Tactical Reviews, Deals, Problems and Guides

Typically everything I buy from TG in a 34' waist, fits me like a glove; however, the Defender -Flex jeans looked baggy and not all all trim in the areas one expects jeans to fit. Loose-cut jeans have more form than these did, especially since they are made with stretch fabric. Probably could order down a size or more, but I did not want to play that game, given the non-jean like fit. Also, the fabric does not have a true denim appearance, if that is an important criteria. Interesting idea, but form did not meet function. Went back.

While I love 5.11 pants, they're too baggy. These jeans aren't as tactical (cannot carry lots of gear) but they have 7 pockets. The 2 additional back pockets will handle most pistol magazines (you might be able to force an AR mag but it's not ideal). Additionally, the watch pocket is deep enough to hold a mag or knife. Beyond this, they are very comfortable, strong and well placed belt loops, and lighter than typical jeans. I have purchased 4 pairs and love them. The only con is the "indigo" color bleeds. You'll have to wash them many times (hot water) before your hands don't turn blue when wearing them. :-) I'm 6'3", 188lbs, 33 or 34 W x 34 L. They do not "ride up". I purchased both 33 & 34 waist to accommodate IWB on occasion.

Bought these as an all-purpose jean for weekend adventure, training without needing to be kitted out and general wear.

First, the quality is great. They feel durable but they move well. Getting a 36” inseam is also awesome as a taller guy with a lean build (6’4” 185 lbs) and limited options.

But the slim part is where they miss, as do many other clothing companies who do “slim.”

They are super loose in the seat/upper legs and even after a wash don't have a great fit. That’s fine for a regular pant but disappointing for something sold as a slim pant.

Hoping they refine these a bit to make a jean closer to the VertX Delta pant.

Love these pants. Have two pairs now. They fit great and are very comfortable. Great workmanship with no spotty sewing or thin spots in the material. They stretch some which is very nice for me chasing my kids and playing around. Can wear these pants anywhere and use them for many things. The extra pockets are great for a phone or an extra mag or even a front pocket wallet. There is no printing. Would recommend these to everyone.

After stopping by my local 5.11 store and purchasing a set of indigo mislabled slims (what i now know to be straight cut). I decided to take take the risk and purchase another set from TG which ive been ordering from from for a few years now. I was right these came alot slimmer. than the set from in store. Would be 5 star but one thing not mentioned in any reviews that i saw is that on the product there is a warning label. The defender flex line has a 'enzyme' wash that may cause the coloring to rub of on other surfaces and intended for the pant to fade over time. Besides this the front pockets are more shallow when compared to the Condor Cipher. Hopefully this helps you the customer make a more informed purchase than i did.

Far as I’m concerned are the best jeans ever made there really really really comfortable they stretch and give easy but yet holding there we know they hold the place really good the best jeans you could ever wire for concealed carry and then you know I don’t know what else to say but they’re they’re really really good genes

Decent jeans, love the pockets and the flex denim. The denim is really thin, like women's jeans, not like Levi's or Carhartt's.
The reviews said the slim and strait leg were very similar. I disagree, the slim are more like a skinny jean that the kids wear. The dye really bleeds alot, so wash them several times if you don't want blue legs or seat covers in your car.
I would probably buy them again (strait leg) although i think they are a bit pricey.

Quality and fabric were fine but the cut of the jeans did not fit me. For a "slim" cut, the only place that they were slim was in the calf. The thighs and seat had extra room, more like a loose cut but the calf area was too tight. They ended up looking like a pair of breeches on me.

I bought the indigo jeans and one of every color of pant. True to size. Fit and feel great. I really like the fact that the material is mainly cotton — not nylon. I was looking for a causal dress jean that was set up for concealed carry without screaming, tactical! Fully satisfied.

The front pockets are too shallow. They need full length front pockets. They are also low-rise waisted jeans. Men's jeans should not be low-rise waisted ever. If 5.11 made these 2 changes, they would be great jeans. All said, these jeans are comfortable. I bought pairs in both colors. The indigo look like the cheap jeans of the 80's. I added a small amount of bleach to the wash and they lightened up a bit. I did not purchase the slim fit jeans, I bought the regular fit and they are very comfortable.