Close your eyes. Think “jeans.” Now open. They were 501 Originals, right? With a classic straight leg and iconic styling, they’re literally the blueprint for every pair of modern jeans in existence;burned into the world’s collective cortex ever since Levi Strauss (the man himself!) introduced them in 1873. To this day they’ve never gone out of style. And they never will. The original blue jeans Our signature straight fit A blank canvas for customization and self-expression Made with non-stretch denim
Close your eyes. Think “jeans.” Now open. They were 501 Originals, right? With a classic straight leg and iconic styling, they’re literally the blueprint for every pair of modern jeans in existence;burned into the world’s collective cortex ever since Levi Strauss (the man himself!) introduced them in 1873. To this day they’ve never gone out of style. And they never will. The original blue jeans Our signature straight fit A blank canvas for customization and self-expression Made with non-stretch denim
Close your eyes. Think “jeans.” Now open. They were 501 Originals, right? With a classic straight leg and iconic styling, they’re literally the blueprint for every pair of modern jeans in existence;burned into the world’s collective cortex ever since Levi Strauss (the man himself!) introduced them in 1873. To this day they’ve never gone out of style. And they never will. The original blue jeans Our signature straight fit A blank canvas for customization and self-expression Made with non-stretch denim
Close your eyes. Think “jeans.” Now open. They were 501 Originals, right? With a classic straight leg and iconic styling, they’re literally the blueprint for every pair of modern jeans in existence;burned into the world’s collective cortex ever since Levi Strauss (the man himself!) introduced them in 1873. To this day they’ve never gone out of style. And they never will. The original blue jeans Our signature straight fit A blank canvas for customization and self-expression Made with non-stretch denim
Last updated at 05/22/2025 11:46:28
originally posted on levi.com
I didn't think that the original shrink to fit jeans were still available. But they are! The last pair I bought was in New York many years ago but Ive not seen them in UK stores since. But here they are - ordered online from the Levi website.It's many years therefore since I've sat in the bath with em on and then walked them dry. Would it still work? It sure did. I ordered my normal size - 32 waist, 30 leg - but when I tried them on arrival they were massive averywhere. I was minded to send em back, thinking they couldn't possibly shrink to fit me. But I love the stiff denim so much that I thought I just had to try it.Soaked in the hottest water I could stand in the bath for about an hour. Let them drip for 30 minutes so I wasn't paddlign water through the ... MoreI didn't think that the original shrink to fit jeans were still available. But they are! The last pair I bought was in New York many years ago but Ive not seen them in UK stores since. But here they are - ordered online from the Levi website.It's many years therefore since I've sat in the bath with em on and then walked them dry. Would it still work? It sure did. I ordered my normal size - 32 waist, 30 leg - but when I tried them on arrival they were massive averywhere. I was minded to send em back, thinking they couldn't possibly shrink to fit me. But I love the stiff denim so much that I thought I just had to try it.Soaked in the hottest water I could stand in the bath for about an hour. Let them drip for 30 minutes so I wasn't paddlign water through the house. Then took em for a walk on a sunny day! They dried pretty much completely in about 90 minutes.Result? Perfect waist and length size. Maybe a tad wider in the thigh than I would normally wear but therefore very comfy!I'm really pleased with them. Thanks Levi!If you're nervous about the shrinking process Levi has advice online and there's plenty of other advice out there too. Give it a go!
originally posted on levi.com
Ordered 3 pairs in 30x34 of the "Onewash Dark Wash - Non Stretch" in separate orders as each one gave off a terrible chemical smell, and was forced to return each. The first pair was washed before wearing. The smell was very apparent after warming up the fabric. i.e. after removing from the drier or after wearing them. Cupping your hands and blowing to warm the fabric works too. I returned the last 2 to the SF flagship store and they had never heard of this before. The ones in the store did not smell at all. I ordered the first pair from the same store as they don't generally carry the 30x34 size. I asked the store to investigate further. My first return was effected via chat on this website and I was very clear about the reason for returning. A bit disturbingly the ... MoreOrdered 3 pairs in 30x34 of the "Onewash Dark Wash - Non Stretch" in separate orders as each one gave off a terrible chemical smell, and was forced to return each. The first pair was washed before wearing. The smell was very apparent after warming up the fabric. i.e. after removing from the drier or after wearing them. Cupping your hands and blowing to warm the fabric works too. I returned the last 2 to the SF flagship store and they had never heard of this before. The ones in the store did not smell at all. I ordered the first pair from the same store as they don't generally carry the 30x34 size. I asked the store to investigate further. My first return was effected via chat on this website and I was very clear about the reason for returning. A bit disturbingly the return slip indicated the reason for return was an incorrect size. Absolutely not true and I added a manual note on the slip. Very suspicious. Bad dye lot? Only with this particular wash and/or size? I can't be the only one.And now, incredibly, I see the size I returned is available at my local store, and they never carry this size. They are selling the defective pairs I returned!If you are considering these jeans be sure to smell them before you remove all the labels.
originally posted on levi.com
Levi 501 Shrink-to-Fit button fly have been my jean of choice for years. I understand changes in denim manufacturing. But what I do not understand is changes in cut. At 6'7" 245lb I wear a 40W 38L and they shrink nicely to fit the way I like, slightly long in the leg for when wearing boots and a comfortable waist. The two new jeans I purchased have been soaked in hot water, washed and dried three times. Yet, they appear 'BAGGY'. I compared them to a pair of jeans purchased 5 years ago. The waist are the same the length are the same BUT the seat and especially the legs are noticeably wider. 0.75 inches wider, not so much an issue in the seat, but the leg diameter changes how the entire jean looks....baggy. Maybe that is the new trend, but this change in pattern and ... MoreLevi 501 Shrink-to-Fit button fly have been my jean of choice for years. I understand changes in denim manufacturing. But what I do not understand is changes in cut. At 6'7" 245lb I wear a 40W 38L and they shrink nicely to fit the way I like, slightly long in the leg for when wearing boots and a comfortable waist. The two new jeans I purchased have been soaked in hot water, washed and dried three times. Yet, they appear 'BAGGY'. I compared them to a pair of jeans purchased 5 years ago. The waist are the same the length are the same BUT the seat and especially the legs are noticeably wider. 0.75 inches wider, not so much an issue in the seat, but the leg diameter changes how the entire jean looks....baggy. Maybe that is the new trend, but this change in pattern and cut is not 'Original Fit'!!! If I wanted RELAXED fit, I would have ordered that.
| Shell | 100% cotton |
I didn't think that the original shrink to fit jeans were still available. But they are! The last pair I bought was in New York many years ago but Ive not seen them in UK stores since. But here they are - ordered online from the Levi website.It's many years therefore since I've sat in the bath with em on and then walked them dry. Would it still work? It sure did. I ordered my normal size - 32 waist, 30 leg - but when I tried them on arrival they were massive averywhere. I was minded to send em back, thinking they couldn't possibly shrink to fit me. But I love the stiff denim so much that I thought I just had to try it.Soaked in the hottest water I could stand in the bath for about an hour. Let them drip for 30 minutes so I wasn't paddlign water through the ... MoreI didn't think that the original shrink to fit jeans were still available. But they are! The last pair I bought was in New York many years ago but Ive not seen them in UK stores since. But here they are - ordered online from the Levi website.It's many years therefore since I've sat in the bath with em on and then walked them dry. Would it still work? It sure did. I ordered my normal size - 32 waist, 30 leg - but when I tried them on arrival they were massive averywhere. I was minded to send em back, thinking they couldn't possibly shrink to fit me. But I love the stiff denim so much that I thought I just had to try it.Soaked in the hottest water I could stand in the bath for about an hour. Let them drip for 30 minutes so I wasn't paddlign water through the house. Then took em for a walk on a sunny day! They dried pretty much completely in about 90 minutes.Result? Perfect waist and length size. Maybe a tad wider in the thigh than I would normally wear but therefore very comfy!I'm really pleased with them. Thanks Levi!If you're nervous about the shrinking process Levi has advice online and there's plenty of other advice out there too. Give it a go!
Ordered 3 pairs in 30x34 of the "Onewash Dark Wash - Non Stretch" in separate orders as each one gave off a terrible chemical smell, and was forced to return each. The first pair was washed before wearing. The smell was very apparent after warming up the fabric. i.e. after removing from the drier or after wearing them. Cupping your hands and blowing to warm the fabric works too. I returned the last 2 to the SF flagship store and they had never heard of this before. The ones in the store did not smell at all. I ordered the first pair from the same store as they don't generally carry the 30x34 size. I asked the store to investigate further. My first return was effected via chat on this website and I was very clear about the reason for returning. A bit disturbingly the ... MoreOrdered 3 pairs in 30x34 of the "Onewash Dark Wash - Non Stretch" in separate orders as each one gave off a terrible chemical smell, and was forced to return each. The first pair was washed before wearing. The smell was very apparent after warming up the fabric. i.e. after removing from the drier or after wearing them. Cupping your hands and blowing to warm the fabric works too. I returned the last 2 to the SF flagship store and they had never heard of this before. The ones in the store did not smell at all. I ordered the first pair from the same store as they don't generally carry the 30x34 size. I asked the store to investigate further. My first return was effected via chat on this website and I was very clear about the reason for returning. A bit disturbingly the return slip indicated the reason for return was an incorrect size. Absolutely not true and I added a manual note on the slip. Very suspicious. Bad dye lot? Only with this particular wash and/or size? I can't be the only one.And now, incredibly, I see the size I returned is available at my local store, and they never carry this size. They are selling the defective pairs I returned!If you are considering these jeans be sure to smell them before you remove all the labels.
Levi 501 Shrink-to-Fit button fly have been my jean of choice for years. I understand changes in denim manufacturing. But what I do not understand is changes in cut. At 6'7" 245lb I wear a 40W 38L and they shrink nicely to fit the way I like, slightly long in the leg for when wearing boots and a comfortable waist. The two new jeans I purchased have been soaked in hot water, washed and dried three times. Yet, they appear 'BAGGY'. I compared them to a pair of jeans purchased 5 years ago. The waist are the same the length are the same BUT the seat and especially the legs are noticeably wider. 0.75 inches wider, not so much an issue in the seat, but the leg diameter changes how the entire jean looks....baggy. Maybe that is the new trend, but this change in pattern and ... MoreLevi 501 Shrink-to-Fit button fly have been my jean of choice for years. I understand changes in denim manufacturing. But what I do not understand is changes in cut. At 6'7" 245lb I wear a 40W 38L and they shrink nicely to fit the way I like, slightly long in the leg for when wearing boots and a comfortable waist. The two new jeans I purchased have been soaked in hot water, washed and dried three times. Yet, they appear 'BAGGY'. I compared them to a pair of jeans purchased 5 years ago. The waist are the same the length are the same BUT the seat and especially the legs are noticeably wider. 0.75 inches wider, not so much an issue in the seat, but the leg diameter changes how the entire jean looks....baggy. Maybe that is the new trend, but this change in pattern and cut is not 'Original Fit'!!! If I wanted RELAXED fit, I would have ordered that.
This is my 5th pair of STF's. Been pleased with each pair until this one. Normally bought 30x34 or 30x36. Those shrunk perfectly, faded great and washed great but these were getting tight in the waste so it was time to size up. So I bought a 32x34. The length shrunk as expected but nothing else did. The legs are massive looking and look like the wide leg jeans of the 90's. Very disappointing because they are comically large and just seem like a waste of money now. I was expecting them to slim down some in the legs like my other did but they did not at all. The leg opening stayed at 8.5 (17) inches after hot soak when the other STF's i have all slimmed down to under 8 inches in the leg opening. I even did multiple scalding hot soaks on this new pair hoping for more ... MoreThis is my 5th pair of STF's. Been pleased with each pair until this one. Normally bought 30x34 or 30x36. Those shrunk perfectly, faded great and washed great but these were getting tight in the waste so it was time to size up. So I bought a 32x34. The length shrunk as expected but nothing else did. The legs are massive looking and look like the wide leg jeans of the 90's. Very disappointing because they are comically large and just seem like a waste of money now. I was expecting them to slim down some in the legs like my other did but they did not at all. The leg opening stayed at 8.5 (17) inches after hot soak when the other STF's i have all slimmed down to under 8 inches in the leg opening. I even did multiple scalding hot soaks on this new pair hoping for more shrinkage but it just didn't happen. Not sure what happened to STF's as it's been about 5 years since I bought my last pair but they are not the same. Pretty disappointing and definitely a high-risk purchase
I wore these for years, took an extended break, and recently bought three pairs. Unfortunately they are simply not the jeans they used to be, and certainly not anything I would recommend or buy again. The material itself is fine, but the inner seams are seriously unfinished, to the point of being uncomfortable on one pair. Worse, the hems are significantly thinner, both on the pant legs and at the top of the back pockets, allowing them to curl ridiculously. That's OK on the bottom hems, but in two of the three pairs I bought the back pockets are a joke. They certainly did not look that way when they arrived, but did after a single washing/drying. No amount of ironing will flatten them. Of course, having been washed, Levi's won't take them back - an expensive lesson ... MoreI wore these for years, took an extended break, and recently bought three pairs. Unfortunately they are simply not the jeans they used to be, and certainly not anything I would recommend or buy again. The material itself is fine, but the inner seams are seriously unfinished, to the point of being uncomfortable on one pair. Worse, the hems are significantly thinner, both on the pant legs and at the top of the back pockets, allowing them to curl ridiculously. That's OK on the bottom hems, but in two of the three pairs I bought the back pockets are a joke. They certainly did not look that way when they arrived, but did after a single washing/drying. No amount of ironing will flatten them. Of course, having been washed, Levi's won't take them back - an expensive lesson for me, I guess. So it looks like I'll be looking for other brands in the future. Sigh.
My mum and dad always went on about 501 Shrink-to-Fit. I myself have been wearing them since 1996 as they seem to be just about the best fit for me. However, these don't seem to be the jeans from the 1960's, or even the late 1990's/ early 2000s. Actually, I've really noticed a demise in quality over the last ten years.The actual fabric is not as thick or hard wearing as it was. I could count on a pair taking at least 4 months of wash and wear before becoming really comfortable. I'd buy them close to winter so that they would be thicker and warmer through the cold months and by summer the fabric was a bit more worn and cooler. Not the case anymore. A couple of washes and they feel like older pairs I've had for years.The amount of belt loops have also been ... MoreMy mum and dad always went on about 501 Shrink-to-Fit. I myself have been wearing them since 1996 as they seem to be just about the best fit for me. However, these don't seem to be the jeans from the 1960's, or even the late 1990's/ early 2000s. Actually, I've really noticed a demise in quality over the last ten years.The actual fabric is not as thick or hard wearing as it was. I could count on a pair taking at least 4 months of wash and wear before becoming really comfortable. I'd buy them close to winter so that they would be thicker and warmer through the cold months and by summer the fabric was a bit more worn and cooler. Not the case anymore. A couple of washes and they feel like older pairs I've had for years.The amount of belt loops have also been reduced. Granted, I went from 38s to 36s but it appears that the loops have been re-positioned and reduced to one at the very back instead of two. It's a minor annoyance, but the old arrangement was better for my keys and ID tag at work. I'm not surprised though. Everyone seems to be "shrinking" their products without cutting the price: my teabags have less tea in them, certain chocolate bars have bigger gaps between the sections, the list goes on. I can guess that quite a bit of money can be saved by reducing the number of belt loops. I guess corporations missed out on the whole "money isn't everything" lecture we got as kids, eh?So, to sum up, I like them, I'll probably keep buying them (which is why this is probably just a pointless rant), but they aren't what they used to be.
My hubby has only ever worn original 501 button fly jeans. I buy them in fives most of the time assuming his hard to find size (32x36) is available. Since he’s a construction guy, he works his jeans hard, especially when squatting down to do something. Unfortunately, the quality has gone downhill on these jeans and it doesn’t take more than a month to split at the forward crotch seam. His jeans aren’t tight either, just that the jeans always break there for lack of gusset fabric. The rest of the jeans are perfectly fine but no longer wearable so there goes $75 into the trash. I tried buying the stretch version 501, which he hated and gave away after the first wear. They’re too thin. The heavier denim is needed for stuff like preventing welding sparks. Also for when ... MoreMy hubby has only ever worn original 501 button fly jeans. I buy them in fives most of the time assuming his hard to find size (32x36) is available. Since he’s a construction guy, he works his jeans hard, especially when squatting down to do something. Unfortunately, the quality has gone downhill on these jeans and it doesn’t take more than a month to split at the forward crotch seam. His jeans aren’t tight either, just that the jeans always break there for lack of gusset fabric. The rest of the jeans are perfectly fine but no longer wearable so there goes $75 into the trash. I tried buying the stretch version 501, which he hated and gave away after the first wear. They’re too thin. The heavier denim is needed for stuff like preventing welding sparks. Also for when a sidewinder rattlesnake recently jumped him (we are in the desert) and left a pair of fang holes and a venom patch on his jeans but didn’t break his skin through the denim. So 5 stars for the heavy denim, 5 stars for the store service where I ordered them last, and 1 star for the crotch shred issue.
When they say “They just don’t make them like they used to” this is the example I will think of. I bought this pair of 501s not even 3 weeks ago, worn them maybe 6 times, washed two or three, and they have entirely fallen apart. First issue occurred with the button “latches”. They began ripping one by one, so I would repair them one by one, but on a pair of new Levi’s that cost 75+ bucks, I shouldn’t have to worry about something like that right off the bat. I’d like to think this is simply a manufacturer error, however there’s more issues. This morning while at work, they tore at the crotch on the right side, and the hole got bigger and bigger and the day went on (If I wanted a draft down there I’d wear basketball shorts), and then to top it all off, the fabric for ... MoreWhen they say “They just don’t make them like they used to” this is the example I will think of. I bought this pair of 501s not even 3 weeks ago, worn them maybe 6 times, washed two or three, and they have entirely fallen apart. First issue occurred with the button “latches”. They began ripping one by one, so I would repair them one by one, but on a pair of new Levi’s that cost 75+ bucks, I shouldn’t have to worry about something like that right off the bat. I’d like to think this is simply a manufacturer error, however there’s more issues. This morning while at work, they tore at the crotch on the right side, and the hole got bigger and bigger and the day went on (If I wanted a draft down there I’d wear basketball shorts), and then to top it all off, the fabric for the rear pockets, which is very obviously not any sort of canvas anymore, ripped as well from the seams of where I keep my zyns and wallet (lost 75 cents thanks to that). And then the last issue, the dye. I wash these inside out after vinegar spray every time, however the seams from where my phone, wallet, and zyns sit have dramatically lost color, and the pants have moved towards a light gray already. It’s really most unfortunate, I have a pair of 501s dated to 2007, and they’re great, nearly 18 years old and they’re holding up perfectly, but when I wanted to buy a new pair of pants, and stay true to the brand, the brand fell through here. (Sorry for the essay that you had to read, but still, do not buy these pants unless you only wish to wear them once and then throw away.)
The fit is great. I’ve been using 501s since two years ago. My first pair was a Rinse 33x36 and they look amazing with that distinguished cuff at the bottom even though those aren’t selvedge. These look great with a nice pair of shoes or sneakers to show off these jeans selvedge ID. I’m loving them. They’re just amazing. These also feel thick, really tough jeans for years of use. I got a Jacket made out of the same selvedge roll so now I can match them. They feel a bit tight. With some use they may loose a little bit (I hope they do) as the Rinse ones I mentioned before. They are just great to use. I noticed that tightness vary depending on where they’re made, so if you also noticed it like me, these are made in China. The Rinse ones I got 2 years ago are made in ... MoreThe fit is great. I’ve been using 501s since two years ago. My first pair was a Rinse 33x36 and they look amazing with that distinguished cuff at the bottom even though those aren’t selvedge. These look great with a nice pair of shoes or sneakers to show off these jeans selvedge ID. I’m loving them. They’re just amazing. These also feel thick, really tough jeans for years of use. I got a Jacket made out of the same selvedge roll so now I can match them. They feel a bit tight. With some use they may loose a little bit (I hope they do) as the Rinse ones I mentioned before. They are just great to use. I noticed that tightness vary depending on where they’re made, so if you also noticed it like me, these are made in China. The Rinse ones I got 2 years ago are made in Vietnam and are the most comfortable jeans I’ve ever had. They fit so perfect and adjust to your body amazingly. I bought another pair after those, but on the store from Mexico. Those were Rinse and the textile looked amazing, like those made on USA, but they were made in Egypt. I couldn’t even close the second button of the fly as they were way too tight. Same 33 on waist. A year ago I got a Black pair, but those are way too tight and I can barely use them. I always go with the 33 on waist as they adjust with some usage, but those are made in Egypt and are just really not adjusting to the waist and hips.Important to mention that I got another selvedge pair of this same fit, but on Deep Ocean Blue color and they are incredible! The color is beautiful and the texture of the textile is softer. They still feel thick and tough to use, but those seem to be lighter due to the material and texture. Above these words, the jeans are sick and good to go with if you’re thinking about buying them.
Rock solid 501! A true classic that wears beautifully.I am more a fan of the slim fits-- 512 was my favourite. That was until I got my 501, my first 501. My god, this is a magnificent pair. I now know why this is a classic. The wood bowl wash is superb. It's been a year since my purchase, and this pair remained sturdy and elegant throughout. These 501s will last forever. Bring on rain or cold. I got a 34 W and length 32, if I had to nitpick I would say it is a touch too long. Moreover, though I got the non stretch one, it feels so comfortable. The fit on the waist is simply perfect on this one. A belt is not mandatory if you get your true size, but you can use it only to reinforce the position. It also works reasonably well if you want to wear boots. Initially it ... MoreRock solid 501! A true classic that wears beautifully.I am more a fan of the slim fits-- 512 was my favourite. That was until I got my 501, my first 501. My god, this is a magnificent pair. I now know why this is a classic. The wood bowl wash is superb. It's been a year since my purchase, and this pair remained sturdy and elegant throughout. These 501s will last forever. Bring on rain or cold. I got a 34 W and length 32, if I had to nitpick I would say it is a touch too long. Moreover, though I got the non stretch one, it feels so comfortable. The fit on the waist is simply perfect on this one. A belt is not mandatory if you get your true size, but you can use it only to reinforce the position. It also works reasonably well if you want to wear boots. Initially it was a bit tighter on the thigh pockets, but with usage , it has loosened remarkably - just like how I would have liked it!
| Shell | 100% cotton |
