The Forever Jean: Is Levi’s 501 Fit The Most Enduring … Ever?

This style go-to has been in wardrobes for 150 years.

The most enduring item in our wardrobes turns 150 this year. The OG denim, Levi’s 501 fit, still looks as good today as it did when it was first cut, back in 1873.

Originally the durable workwear of miners, the rivet-studded work pants had appeal beyond the work day and gradually seeped into the wardrobes of every person in society. Mid-century, they were a rebellious choice, loved by an emerging generation of ‘teenagers’. Today they’re firmly a staple in every closet, transcending age, size and gender with a wear-with-anything appeal. (Check out how to wear them for AW23 right here.)

Shop the look

Effortless and unpretentious, Levi’s 501s have the ability to bring even the most intricate couture down to earth and strike the elusive smart-casual balance coveted by baristas to tech billionaires. They work with cropped tees, silk shirts, tailoring – you name it. This season we’re wearing them with tank tops, bomber jackets and ballet flats.

A piece of pop culture, they’ve been sported by everyone from Marilyn Monroe in 1961’s The Misfits to Bruce Springsteen on the cover of 1984’s Born In The USA. Alexa Chung told Vogue of her love of 501s during her school days: “They were the only acceptable style of jeans. The Levi’s brand back then was so in touch with youth culture that it was hard to believe it hadn’t been created in a laboratory by a collective of style bloggers.”

Shop the look

More recently she, and the likes of Chloe Sevigny, prefer an abbreviated fit in the form of cut-offs. When you want to change them up, you can cut them into shorts to give them a new life too, or, cut the inside seams and sew them into a skirt. Denim is the perfect candidate for customisation and a blank canvas for your own twist and personal style.

It’s plain to see why this hardy wardrobe staple has weathered 150 years – they’re easy to throw on, comfortable and never go out of style. With credentials like that, it’s not hard to predict they’ll be around for 150 more.

Fast delivery – free over $50 – and free returns.

Shop more of our favourite Levi's 501 styles