Levi’s vintage for men and women

Levi’s vintage, the origin of a legend

The story of the Levi’s 501 begins in 1873 when Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis patented the first trousers with copper rivets, designed to withstand the wear and tear faced by Californian miners. However, it wasn’t until 1890 that the famous number “501” was assigned to these jeans, marking the start of a journey that would come to define casual fashion.

During the 50s and 60s, Levi’s jeans were adopted by young people defying social norms, while in the 80s and 90s they became a cultural icon associated with celebrities like Steve Jobs and Kurt Cobain.

Key features of vintage Levi’s 501s

The classic cut

One of the most appreciated features of vintage Levi’s 501s is their straight cut. This timeless design provides a relaxed yet structured silhouette, ideal for men and women seeking comfort without sacrificing style. Over the years, small variations in the cut have emerged, but the original fit remains the favourite among collectors and fans of retro style.

Selvedge denim

One of the most distinctive details of pre-1985 vintage Levi’s 501s is the use of selvedge denim, known for its durability and the impeccable finish on the side seams. This type of fabric was woven on narrow looms, giving the jeans their characteristic “red stripe” along the inner edges. If you find a pair of Levi’s with this detail, you’re holding a highly valuable piece.

The red tab and the “Big E”

Another distinctive sign is the famous red tab on the back pocket. Jeans produced before 1971 feature the word “LEVI’S” in capital letters, while later models switched to a version with a lowercase “e”. Collectors especially value “Big E” jeans, as they are considered the true vintage Levi’s.

Different styles of vintage Levi’s 501

Vintage Levi’s 501s have gone through many iterations over the years. For example, the 1947 model, released after World War II, marked the return of iconic details such as rivets on the pockets and the famous arcuate stitching on the back pockets.

• The 1947 Levi’s 501 features a slimmer cut and no cinch back, making it more stylish for the post-war consumer.
• The 1955 Levi’s 501 offers a looser, “anti-fit” cut at the waist, ideal for those looking for a more relaxed style.
• The 1966 Levi’s 501 model eliminated the rear rivets, replacing them with reinforced stitching to prevent wear on furniture.

Levi’s 501 for women: a versatile icon

Although Levi’s 501s started as workwear for men, their versatility quickly won over women’s wardrobes. Women adopted this style for its comfort and casual yet sophisticated appearance. Today, vintage Levi’s 501s for women are particularly sought after for their straight cut and high waist, offering a flattering and timeless silhouette.

Vintage Levi’s jackets and truckers

We can’t talk about vintage Levi’s without mentioning denim jackets. The vintage Levi’s jacket, especially models like the Trucker Jacket (introduced in 1962), is another wardrobe staple that remains as relevant today as it was decades ago. Vintage Levi’s trucker jackets have a classic design that pairs perfectly with the 501 jeans, creating the quintessential denim outfit.