The world’s most famous jean; the iconic and original blue jean, Levi’s® 501® celebrates 138 years of originality today, 20th May 2011.
To celebrate, we’ve hauled some of the coolest facts on the world’s most iconic denim brand and introduce you to the world’s very first pair of blue jeans. Plus we’ll show you how to become the ultimate Levi’s® collector, by owning one of only 2000 limited edition 501® jeans…
The World’s Oldest Pair of Jeans
In 1873, Levi Strauss was granted a patent on the process of riveting pants and introduced the World’s first Blue Jean on May 20th! These pants were called “waist overalls”.
They had one back pocket with the Arcuate stitching design, a watch pocket, a cinch, suspender buttons and a rivet in the crotch.
This original jean was simply known as “XX” – an industry term meaning to be of the highest quality. In 1890 these pants were labeled by the legendary lot number 501® and were called by the designation “lot 501 patent riveted waist overalls” until the 1960’s, when due to popular culture, started being referred to as jeans.
Levis 501 was born…
Dubbed the “XX”, these Levi’s® brand jeans were made in 1879 and still live on today. They are stored in a guarded, fire-proof safe at the Levi Strauss & Co. Archives in San Francisco, Calif. Today, they’re worth close to R1 million.
Limited edition 501® – Customized Finish
To celebrate the iconic fit of the 501® jeans, Levis® have released 2000 limited edition 501® jeans called “Checkout”. These have been inspired by the heavy worn jeans found in the LS&Co. archives and are available at all Levi’s® stores.
The “worn to death” finish 501® jeans come with a customization kit, allowing denim lovers to customize and mend distressed areas using different fabrics and quality thread to craft their very own unique pair of jeans that expresses their individuality. How cool is that?!
The Levi’s® 501® Ltd edition jeans is a celebration of the iconic fit with only 2000 pieces available globally.
More Levi’s® Facts:
Made for women
The first product Levi Strauss & Co. made for women was called “Freedom-Alls:” a one-piece garment made for both work and play, perfect for the women of the American West who had active lives.
The Longest Yard
It takes approximately 213 yards of thread to make a pair of 501® jeans. Levi Strauss & Co uses about 1.25 million miles of thread a year, an amount that would encircle the earth 50.2 times.
LOVE YOUR LEVI’Ss®?
We’d love to hear why you love your Levi’s® and your Levi’s® 501 Jeans. Comment below and share
