I cut the jeans a couple inches below the crotch past the bottom of the inside pockets. I have others that I have taken the pockets off. But the last few pair, I give to my neighbor. She makes duffel bags out of them. This past Saturday I went to the SA near me and got some tall men and big guy (3x plus)jeans for %50 off already discounted ticketed price. We both washed them and cut them to her specs. She attached Velcro to tops of pockets to stay closed. These will be donated to Women and children's shelters. The teenage boys like these best. the zippers stay In place for the opening. It's rare but when I find corduroy, I grab it.