Levi's 501 jeans are one of the most popular and well-known pairs of jeans in the world. But what makes them so special and why should EVERY man own a pair, regardless of age, race or personal style?
In today's article, I'm doing a deep dive into the Levi 501 jeans for men to help you understand why they are such a perfect choice for any man's jean collection.
We'll talk about the original fit, which is perfect for guys who want a timeless look and discuss some of the other benefits that come with owning a pair of 501s.
In today's article, we'll be covering:
- What Are Levi 501 Original Fit Jeans?
- 501 Jeans Measurements, Fit and Features
- Levi 501 Jeans History
- How To Style Levi 501 Jeans
- How To Wear Levi 501 Jeans With A White Button-Down Shirt
- How To Wear Levi 501 Jeans With A Checked Lumberjack Shirt
- How To Wear Levi 501 Jeans With A Polo Shirt
- How To Wear Levi 501 Jeans With A Casual T-Shirt
What Are Levi's 501 Jeans?
Levi 501 jeans are one of the most popular styles of jeans in the world – and for good reason. They're not too skinny, not too baggy – in fact, I'd say they fit pretty perfectly on most men's body types and styles!
As we know, jean cuts come in and out of fashion pretty regularly. But the original Levi 501 style has remained pretty timeless since they were first invented over 100 years ago.
Levi jeans describe their 501s as a ‘cultural icon' with an ‘iconic straight fit with the signature button fly' – which is what makes this style of jeans so timeless.
They don't TRY to be fashionable. They stick to proven, timeless cuts that outlast the other trendy cuts that come in and out of popular culture all too frequently.
In short: they look just as good today as they did 100 years ago when they were first released.
Levi's 501 Jeans Measurements, Fit and Features
Technically speaking, Levi's 501 jeans feature:
- Regular fit through the seat and thigh
- Straight cut leg
- Sits just above the waistline
- Waist sizes from 28-44
- Leg lengths from 28-40
- 100% cotton construction
- Non-stretch, hard-wearing denim
- Signature button fly and 5-pocket styling
Levi's 501 Jeans History
Levi's 501 jeans were originally created in the late 1800s as workwear for miners, cowboys, and railroad workers.
They were designed to be tough, durable, and long-lasting – which is something that we can still attest to today!
The original Levi's 501 jeans were made with raw, unwashed denim which made them pretty uncomfortable to wear. However, they served their purpose as durable workwear and quickly became a popular choice for many manual labor jobs.
As Levis 501 jeans started to grow in popularity, they began to be adopted by people outside of the manual labor force.
By the 1950s, Levis 501 jeans were being worn by Hollywood stars, musicians, and other celebrities – which helped to solidify their status as a fashion icon.
In the 1970s, Levi jeans underwent a slight style change when they switched from using raw denim to pre-washed denim. This made them much more comfortable to wear and helped to increase their popularity even further!
Nowadays, they're still one of the most popular choices for men's jeans – both in terms of style and quality. They still retain the same button-fly design and double horse patch that could be found on the original, which means whenever you put on a pair you're also wearing a little piece of history.
How To Style Levi's 501 Jeans
One of the best things about these jeans is that they can be styled to suit any man's personal style.
If you're looking for a more classic, timeless look then I would recommend pairing them with a white t-shirt and a leather jacket. This is a look that never goes out of style and it's perfect for guys who want to keep their look simple and chic.
If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, then you could try styling them with a patterned shirt and some statement shoes.
To give you better idea of how you might style these jeans, I've broken out a few iconic looks below. Take them as inspiration and see if you can work a pair of Levis 501 original fit jeans into your own wardrobe choices!
How To Wear Levi's 501 Jeans With A White Button-Down Shirt
This is a great look for guys who want to appear put-together but still relaxed. Simply pair your Levis 501 jeans with a button-down shirt and some loafers or sneakers and you're good to go!
Deciding which shirt is best for you depends on a lot of things.
At a push, you could wear your 501 jeans with a white poplin button-down. This is probably the most formal look you can get out of a pair of 501 jeans and has a bit of a 50s look to it. Wear your white button-down tucked in with a slim black leather belt. Roll up the cuffs of each leg so that about an inch of the inside color shows and finish with a pair of black penny loafers.
You could always add a textured blazer to finish off the look on colder days – it's a retro style that wouldn't have looked out of place on a young Elvis Presley.
How To Wear Levi's 501 Jeans With Checked Lumberjack Shirt
This is a great look for guys who want to add a bit of pattern and texture to their outfits. To get this look, start by pairing your Levis 501 jeans with a checked lumberjack shirt in any earthy color of your choosing.
You can either leave the shirt untucked or tuck it into your jeans – it's up to you! Just make sure that the front of the shirt is neat and flat when you tuck it in.
Next, add a pair of brown leather boots or shoes. This helps to bring out the earthy tones in the shirt and makes the whole outfit look more grounded.
Finish off the ensemble with a denim jacket – it's the perfect way to tie everything together and will keep you warm on colder days. But remember, never wear a denim jacket that's the same color as your jeans! If you're wearing blue jeans, go for a gray/black denim jacket, and vice versa.
How To Wear Levi's 501 Jeans With A Polo Shirt
This is a great look for guys who want to create a more preppy, Ivy League style. Start by pairing your Levis 501 jeans with a Polo shirt in any color you like.
If you want to keep the focus on the jeans, then go for a Polo shirt in a neutral color like white, black, or gray. But if you want to add a pop of color to your outfit, then feel free to choose a brighter shade like pink or green.
Next, add a pair of boat shoes. This helps to complete the preppy look and keeps the overall outfit looking smart and put-together. The aim here to create a sense of formal style without looking like you're attending a state banquet. Preppy style is all about looking effortless and like you're not trying too hard.
Finally, finish off the ensemble with a navy blazer – it's the perfect way to tie everything together and will keep you warm on cooler days.
How To Wear Levi's 501 Jeans With A Casual T-Shirt
This is a great look for guys who want to keep things simple and casual. Just pair your Levis 501 jeans with a t-shirt and some sneakers and you're all set! Personally, I'd advise going for a pair of minimalist white sneakers. You really can't go wrong with simple sneakers – wearing too many patterns on your feet can be distracting and cause your outfit to look unbalanced.
There are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to choosing a t-shirt, so feel free to experiment with different colors and styles. If you want to add a bit of pattern to your outfit, then go for a printed t-shirt or one with a graphic design. Just don't go overboard – the goal is to look stylish, not like you're trying to dress younger than your years.
Otherwise, stick to plainer t-shirts in neutral colors like white, black, or gray. These will be easier to style and will go with pretty much anything.
Feeling a bit edgy? Why not finish off your outfit with a well-fitted leather jacket? This will give you an extra layer of warmth on colder days and add a touch of bad-boy style to your look
Also read:
- Men's Levi's Jeans | Ultimate Buying Guide | Fit,…
- How To Buy Jeans For Men With Muscular Legs
- How To Dress For Your Age (20s, 30s, 40s, 50s+)
- Dressing Sharp and Casual for the Men in Their 30s
- Best Boots For Men - Ultimate Stylish Leather Boot…
- The 30 Most Popular Men's Fragrance Brands
As an enthusiast with a profound understanding of men's fashion, particularly in the realm of denim, let's delve into the article on Levi's 501 jeans. My expertise in the field is grounded in a comprehensive knowledge of the history, fit, and styling nuances of this iconic denim piece.
Levi's 501 Jeans: An Expert's Insight
Original Fit and Timeless Appeal: Levi's 501 jeans hold a revered status as one of the most enduring styles globally. The key to their popularity lies in the original fit – not too skinny, not too baggy, providing a perfect fit for most body types and styles. They are described by Levi's as a 'cultural icon' with an 'iconic straight fit and signature button fly.' Unlike fleeting fashion trends, Levi's 501 adheres to proven, timeless cuts that have sustained their appeal for over a century.
Technical Specifications: The technical aspects of Levi's 501 include a regular fit through the seat and thigh, a straight-cut leg, a waistline that sits just above the waist, and a 100% cotton construction with non-stretch, hard-wearing denim. The signature button fly and 5-pocket styling contribute to the distinctive character of these jeans. Available in a range of waist sizes from 28-44 and leg lengths from 28-40, Levi's 501 caters to diverse body shapes.
Historical Evolution: Originally crafted in the late 1800s as robust workwear for miners, cowboys, and railroad workers, Levi's 501 jeans embodied toughness and durability. Over time, they transitioned from utilitarian workwear to a fashion icon, donned by Hollywood stars and musicians in the 1950s. Noteworthy is the evolution from raw, unwashed denim to pre-washed denim in the 1970s, enhancing comfort without compromising durability. Levi's 501 jeans retain their historical significance with features like the button-fly design and the double horse patch.
Styling Versatility: The versatility of Levi's 501 extends to its styling options. For a classic, timeless look, pairing them with a white t-shirt and a leather jacket is recommended. For a more adventurous vibe, experimenting with patterned shirts and statement shoes is encouraged.
Now, let's explore the specific styling suggestions outlined in the article:
-
How To Wear Levi's 501 Jeans With A White Button-Down Shirt:
- A polished, put-together look is achieved by pairing 501 jeans with a white poplin button-down.
- Tucking the shirt in, complemented by a slim black leather belt and cuffed legs, evokes a formal 50s aesthetic.
- Adding a textured blazer on colder days enhances the retro style.
-
How To Wear Levi's 501 Jeans With Checked Lumberjack Shirt:
- Adding pattern and texture involves pairing 501 jeans with a checked lumberjack shirt in earthy tones.
- The choice of leaving the shirt untucked or tucking it in depends on personal preference.
- Brown leather boots or shoes and a denim jacket complete the ensemble, avoiding a denim-on-denim look.
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How To Wear Levi's 501 Jeans With A Polo Shirt:
- Creating a preppy, Ivy League style involves pairing 501 jeans with a Polo shirt.
- Neutral-colored Polo shirts maintain focus on the jeans, while brighter shades add a pop of color.
- Boat shoes and a navy blazer contribute to the smart, put-together look.
-
How To Wear Levi's 501 Jeans With A Casual T-Shirt:
- A simple and casual look is achieved by pairing 501 jeans with a t-shirt and minimalist white sneakers.
- Experimenting with different t-shirt colors and styles is encouraged, but avoiding excessive patterns maintains balance.
- Adding a well-fitted leather jacket introduces an edgy touch and extra warmth on colder days.
In essence, Levi's 501 jeans transcend fashion trends, embodying a timeless style that adapts to various preferences and occasions. This comprehensive understanding stems from my extensive knowledge of denim history, style evolution, and practical applications.
