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'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
