Close your eyes. Think “jeans.” Now open. They were 501s, right? With a classic straight leg and iconic styling, they’re literally the blueprint for every pair of jeans in existence — burned into the world’s collective cortex ever since Levi Strauss (the man himself!) invented them in 1873. To this day they’ve never gone out of style. And they never will.
Q**E
The Gold Rush of Denim
There’s a strange poetry to the way certain objects become embedded in the culture. Like a key that opens something far bigger than you expected. And if there’s one item of clothing that’s done that more than almost anything else, it’s Levi’s 501 jeans. You know them. Everyone knows them. The number itself—501—is practically a legend. A claim to something more than just denim. It’s the kind of number you’d see on an old gold-mining claim. The thing that started it all. The foundation.Levi Strauss wasn’t out there looking for gold, but in some ways, that’s exactly what he found. Because these jeans are something you don’t just wear. They’re something you inherit. They’ve lived a thousand lives before they even touch your legs. And when you put them on, you feel the weight of it. It’s like stepping into a legacy of men who built America with their hands, their sweat, their grit. And that—that—is not lost on you.The 501s have been around since the days of the Gold Rush, worn by miners and cowboys, soldiers and laborers, roughnecks and rebels. They’ve seen things. They’ve been places. They’ve survived hard labor, tough winters, long nights of uncertainty. Maybe you’ve never mined for gold or fought in a war, but when you button up those jeans, you can’t help but feel connected to those who did. There’s something elemental about them. The blue denim is like the color of a deep, unspoken sky, one that has seen everything and held its peace.But beyond the history, beyond the weight of their heritage, there’s the way they fit. The button-fly, which, let’s face it, makes you feel like you’re in a John Steinbeck novel—somewhere between The Grapes of Wrath and The Outsiders, like a kid on the cusp of something big but unsure of how it’s going to go. They’re a little bit rebellious, a little bit nostalgic, a little bit tough. You slide them on, and it’s like taking a step into that world—where the world’s a little harder, a little less forgiving, but you wear it with confidence.Sure, they’re not the most comfortable thing when you first get them, but that’s part of it. You wear them in. They get better, like an old leather jacket or a favorite pair of boots. Over time, they become a second skin. And like any good thing worth waiting for, they remind you that effort, endurance, and a little discomfort are what lead to something that feels real.The cut? It’s a classic. Straight-leg. Timeless. You could dress them up with a blazer or throw on a vintage tee, but they’ll always have that air of rebellion about them—like they’ve been through things you’ll never fully understand. They’re not fashionable—no, they transcend that. They’re iconic. They don’t need to follow trends because, honestly, they set them. It’s like having a piece of history in your closet, waiting to be worn, to be earned.If you ever felt like a character in The Outsiders—a little out of place, a little misunderstood—you’ll understand why these jeans feel like a rite of passage. Like the tough but heartfelt soul of America, handed down through the years, stitched into denim.They might not dig for gold anymore, but they’re still mining something priceless: authenticity.
D**M
Levi's say it all.. best jeans ever made!!
501 button fly jeans! these are the same jeans i wore as a teenager. still available today! same size i remember too!yes i'm one of those fortunate ones that still weigh the same as i did in highschool...lol 110 pounds!
A**R
They're Levi's
Hard to find in stores now days so I was extremely happy to find them here. They are very durable and the quality is good too. The material is thick like they should be but not in a bad way. They fit comfortably just like they're supposed. The color is the right denim blue. I will buy them again.
D**J
Expect some trial-and-error fitting.
OK: I've become the old dude who yells at nobody in particular about what things USED to cost and how they USED to be made.With that out of the way, these are not the 501s of old in terms of a) weight of the canvas or b) consistency of fit. The second is the reason for deducting a star, because when they ARE cut right, they work, but the actual cut of these newer pairs can be wildly inconsistent. I purchased multiple pairs in one order; same size, same color, but each fit a little differently. Shrinkage can also vary quite a bit.I still buy them because in general I like the cut, but plan on having to return a pair or two every time I "update the collection."
O**D
The old favorite
The classic 501 shrink to fit that is “comfort” clothes. It took some time to find these since Levi’s has put other items under the 501 umbrella. My last two pairs eventually got tight and wore through in the seat/crotch area after 3-5 years in the comfort zone. It will take a good 6 months of wearing and washing to get the loose glove fit.
H**H
Good
These are really good pants, but are undersized on the waist. I had to buy 2 sizes bigger on the waist. The inseam length is spot on. These are very comfortable to wear. The pockets are deep. The material is durable yet not stiff. Just be aware of the small waist issue and order accordingly.
F**K
Levi’s are still the best!
Went to Wranglers years ago but these Levi’s fit better than anything I’ve bought in 30 years! Buying more for sure!
Trustpilot
2 weeks ago
1 week ago