Levi's never stopped making the 501, but they ended American production for many 501s, particularly premium/vintage lines, by 2019, shifting to Japanese Kaihara Mills for denim after Cone Mills' closure, marking a significant end to U.S. manufacturing for that iconic jean. While Levi's still produces 501s globally (including in Australia), the "Made in USA" era for the classic denim largely concluded around 2003, with some premium efforts ending in 2019.
Levi's Men's 501 Original Fit Jeans (Discontinued)
How to identify vintage Levi's® jeans
The main difference is the fit: Levi's 501 Original is a classic, often higher-rise, straight-leg with a regular, slightly slimmer thigh fit; the 501 '90s offers a looser, more relaxed, slightly baggy silhouette with a lower rise and wider leg, mimicking vintage '90s styles for a more casual, modern look, though both feature the iconic button fly. The '90s version feels roomier and is designed for that effortless, slouchy vibe, while originals break in to mold to your body for a distinct shape.
The denim duo patented this process on May 20, 1873, creating the blueprint for all blue jeans—and the rest is history. We now know this icon as Levi's® 501® Jeans.
The main difference between Levi's 501 and 505 jeans is the fly and thigh room: the iconic 501 features a button fly and a more structured, slimmer thigh, while the 505 offers a zipper fly and a more relaxed, roomier fit through the thigh and seat, making the 505 more comfortable and easier to wear daily for many. The 501 is the original classic with a straight leg, whereas the 505 provides a bit more ease for those with larger legs.
Most important numbers on the back is the date code, and these come in 2, 3 or 4 digits. Specfically the month and the year. But how to know the difference for the year if only one number. In 1993 Levi's introduced 4 digit code, month ie 12 and then the year ie 95.
The Levi's 501s have defined denim style for decades, serving as a blank canvas for your style and a staple in every wardrobe, they're still as popular as ever! With a 501 fit for the whole family, at Just Jeans we want to celebrate this authentic style by highlighting some of our favourite 501 shorts and jeans.
Keep in mind that Wrangler jeans are generally built for durability and workwear, while Levi's often lean more towards casual style and everyday versatility. For example: If you're a rancher or regularly do manual labor: Wrangler's rugged construction and comfortable fit for movement might be your go-to.
If the care label has a red batwing Levi's logo, they were made after 1986. If the care label says “care on reverse”, they were made before 1992. If they have two lines of single lock stitching along the top of the back pocket (check the inside of the stitching by peeking into the pocket), they were made before 1978.
It's slim through the hip and thigh, like a good skinny jean, and follows the trend all the way down to the leg opening. The high rise accentuates your curves in all the right places. The sleek silhouette lengthens your legs. And the best part is this fit looks great on all body types (especially on petite frames).
The two-finger test for jeans is a simple method to check the waist fit: you should be able to comfortably slide two fingers between your waist and the waistband when standing, indicating a good balance between too tight and too loose, allowing for movement and preventing sagging. If you can fit more than two fingers, they're likely too loose; if you struggle to fit even two, they're too tight and might dig in or restrict sitting.
In the height of the Jordache sales boom, during the 1980s, the average price of the tight-fitting jeans was about $26 -- a relative fortune in those times. Today's vintage-style Jordache jeans range from $140 to $180 a pair -- about average these days.
Look for the Big “E” on the Red Tab: The most celebrated emblem of vintage Levi's is the coveted “Big E.” Denoting jeans crafted prior to 1970, this small but powerful detail resides in the red tab on the back pocket.
A: Normally Levi's 501 shrink to fit jeans you purchase in the exact size you wear. So you take them home turn them inside-out wash them in warm water & dry them completely. They should shrink down to the size you wear.
Going commando, or not wearing underwear can help improve ventilation and air circulation around the genital area, which can help prevent yeast infections and other skin irritations. It can also help minimize the number of bacteria on the skin, which can reduce the risk of infection.
Unwritten cowboy hat rules emphasize respect and tradition, meaning you remove it indoors (especially for the National Anthem, church, or meeting a lady), never touch or borrow someone else's hat without permission, and always place yours crown-side down (never brim-down or on a bed) to preserve its shape and luck. The hat should sit level and straight on your head, with the internal bow at the back, signifying respect for the tradition and culture.
A cowgirl is the female equivalent of a cowboy.
Levi's 501s, with their classic straight leg and button fly, offer a versatile fit that works for many body types, especially pear shapes (accentuating small waists, fitting curvy hips/thighs) and rectangle/apple shapes (creating a balanced, leg-lengthening line), with modern variations like the 501 '90s or Ribcage providing different rise/fit options for various proportions, making them a universally flattering blueprint when you find your preferred variation.
Expect this once-popular staple to quietly exit the trend cycle.
The "Big 3" denim brands are Levi's, Wrangler, and Lee, recognized as the foundational American companies that invented and popularized modern jeans, evolving from rugged workwear to global fashion staples, each with distinct styles like Levi's structured denim, Wrangler's Western roots, and Lee's comfort focus, according to XZ Apparel, Denimhunters, and Repsycho.
Still, nowadays, in the context of a vintage reselling market, the orange tabs are an easily recognizable sign that a pair of jeans is genuine vintage. This is why you see so many sold at higher prices than regular red tabs.
Genuine Levi's® also feature a red tab with straight stitching, are solid in colour as opposed to streaky, and come with a logo patch made from leather.
The 1963/64 model featured “Made in U.S.A.” centered in the space between, and following models adopted “WPL 423” (Levi's registration number) and “100% Cotton” to the left and right side (respectively) of “Made in U.S.A.”.