When Levi Strauss partnered with tailor Jacob Davis in 1873 on a patent for riveted pockets on work pants, they couldn’t have dreamed the impact it would have through the centuries.
The Levi’s 501 button-fly jean—the original and first-ever blue jean—was born on May 20, 1873. Now, 140 years later, it is even more relevant to global culture and style than ever before.
Time magazine’s “Fashion Item of the 20th Century,” the original Levi’s 501 button-fly jean is already an American icon embedded deep in world cultural heritage.
From presidents to movie stars, musicians to fashion icons, entrepreneurs to athletes, Levi’s has a cultural significance defined by those who wear them. No other product has been worn, loved or reimagined quite like it.
In 2013, the Levi’s brand pays tribute to its classic 501. The message is simple—the 501 unifies everyone, while allowing individuality. No matter what style, the 501 remains a genuine
fashion staple.
Designed with uncompromised authenticity and tailored to perfection, the 501 jean has evolved through the years, improving with age to provide every generation the jean they need.
This season, the 501 jean is updated for a more contemporary fit, featuring a slightly bigger open-up waist, a slimmer leg silhouette and bottom opening, finer fabric, reinforced stitching, adjusted placement for larger pockets, and modernized belt loops, inseams and cuffs.
Moreover, the 501 jean will be available in non-denim fabric and new bold colors, including mineral red, chalk blue and true chino.