
Vintage 2000s Deadstock Levis 501 Button Fly Heavy Weight Navy Blue Pants
The edit ·
A pre-owned Levi's 501 piece in blue, from the 2000s. Buy the piece, not the promise. Condition, provenance and a maker's mark are worth more than a brand name alone.
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.
How to wear it
Let the piece lead. Build the outfit or the room around it, not the other way round.
Asking price
$35
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 edit.

Barcelona Vintage Style Sticker Decal R8547
$12.95

Vintage Barcelona 1984-89 Home Football Shirt #10 Maradona Meyba Style Replica S
$70

Vintage Style, 1999-2000 FC Barcelona Centenary Rivaldo #10, Fan Version , “L”.
$48

THE ART OF BULGARI: LA DOLCE VITA AND BEYOND By Martin Chapman & Amanda Triossi
$49.99

Georgio Bvlgari 18k Gold Locket/Pill Box 30.3g Estate Vintage
$45,000

Penneys Spring Summer 1966 Catalog Mary Quant Fashion Vintage Clothing London
$44.99

Gap Press Vol 76 2007-2008 AW Paris London Vintage Fashion Runway Magazine
$49.99

Vtg 50s Penney's Marathon Gray Wide Brim Stratoliner Fedora 7 1/4
$189

Royal Stetson Fedora Hat Mens Size 7 1/8 Gray White Black Feather w/ Box Vintage
$69.99

1950s Champ fedora
$200


Sign in