If I were to bring Levi's to Austria...?

How would I know what size to get?

A couple of people have suggested that I should bring jeans or Levi's to Austria with me, but how would I know what size to bring, being that I am not sure who exactly I would be giving the to?

Also, why are they so expensive over there? Are all clothes expensive there? How will I afford new clothes if I need them while I am there? (I will be there longer than just a vacation).

Hmmm...so much to think about before going!

The perception of jeans is in Europe, and especially Austria, different than in the US. While in the US jeans are clothes especially used for working people (traditionally), they are seen as very fashionable in Europe. Therefore the companies also charge a higher price. This explains why jeans are much more expansive in Austria than in the US. For other kinds of clothes this is not the case and you will also find cheap clothes in Austria.
As for the size, I you do not know whom to give, it's quite difficult. However, maybe you can make a business out of it. Just bring a few jeans, if you do not find somebody you want to present, than you always can sell it.

what you could do is get there sizes once you get there and have your parent's send them over there. ....other than that it is a shot in the dark, or else you can attempt to talk to them prior and figure out their sizes. And yes our Austrian exchange student bought clothes and Jenes up over here. When I was there a few summers ago I remember the clothes being rather expensive and my "sister" (austria) thinking it was completely normal! Also levi's are an american thing so they would have to be imported.

In Austria, Jeans are usually measured in inch sizes, waist or hip size, at least in proper denim stores.
At least you can't go wrong with measurements...so if you want to bring something for someone, let him or her give you her measurements.

if youre coming from the US, then you will most definitely pay more for jeans here in austria. if you dont know what sizes youre after, though, i personally wouldnt bother bringing them across, to save a few quid.

everyone here does wear jeans, though. typically over 50% of people on the streets will be wearing jeans.. much unlike australia, where i come from

i noticed someone said that levis werent avaliable over here in austria (or something of that ilk). this isnt the case. i can think of two shops off the top of my head, here in vienna
[firstly in the main shopping street, mariahilferstrasse, and at a shopping center in kagran]

clothes are expensive here :D austria isnt a cheap country (despite sharing borders with hungary, the czech republic, slovenia and slovakia..), so you may find that the general trend is high quality, and paying for it

enjoy