Sign in
Levi's 501 150th Anniversary Edition Jeans Mens Vintage Banner Pant 005013424
The edit · Denim
A pre-owned Levi's 501 pair of jeans. Vintage denim fits differently because it was cut differently, with higher waists, straighter legs and cotton that holds its shape. The fade is real, earned by somebody else's decade of wearing.
The jean that named a category.
Founded in San Francisco in 1853 by Levi Strauss, who patented riveted denim work trousers with Jacob Davis in 1873. The 501 is the original blue jean.
Vintage Levi's are collected by the fade, the era and the factory. Big E red tabs, selvedge and pre-1971 details are the grail markers, and Japanese collectors led the way.
Why it's called that
Levi's 501
The Levi's 501 has carried its lot number since 1890. The numbers were assigned to the styles as the factory logged them, and 501 simply stuck.
What to look for
The red tab, big E versus small e, dates it, as does the selvedge edge and the care label. Fades made by a real body, not a factory, are worth the most.
Selvedge edges, chain-stitched hems and real fades made by a body, not a factory. Raw denim shrinks, so know your measurements.
How to wear it
Let them sit at the natural waist and hem them to a raw edge. Pair heavy denim with something soft, a fine knit or a silk shirt.
Asking price
$79.99
Affiliate link — if you buy through it, The Vintage Guide may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Keep exploring
More like this
Similar finds from the denim edit.
