Great cut, great fit...
I'd been a fan of another company's particular cut for forty-odd years, but that company has seriously lost the plot and lost it's way where original cuts and fits are concerned. They seem to be catering to what only they assume to be a contemporary demand for their own perceptions where cuts and fits are concerned. They couldn't more wrong, they couldn't be more misguided. I remembered trying a 501 in my youth and thinking it was a comfortable cut and fit - I just didn't like how far below the yolk the back pockets were sited, and so I leaned to that other manufacturers product, and so to the present. I remembered the 501 cut - even sfter all this time - so I thought I'd give them a try. As soon as they were delivered I could see they were a much more favourable ... MoreI'd been a fan of another company's particular cut for forty-odd years, but that company has seriously lost the plot and lost it's way where original cuts and fits are concerned. They seem to be catering to what only they assume to be a contemporary demand for their own perceptions where cuts and fits are concerned. They couldn't more wrong, they couldn't be more misguided. I remembered trying a 501 in my youth and thinking it was a comfortable cut and fit - I just didn't like how far below the yolk the back pockets were sited, and so I leaned to that other manufacturers product, and so to the present. I remembered the 501 cut - even sfter all this time - so I thought I'd give them a try. As soon as they were delivered I could see they were a much more favourable cut and fit than the one I'd been wearing for decades. The position of the back pocket seemed the same but the 'problem' (with that) had disappeared into the mists of time! I put the 501s on straight away. I haven't worn anything else, since. The only problem is a problem with all contemporary jeans manufacturers: there are far too many colour options... and sadly the unwashed raw denim original isn't one of them.... Show more
mckendrick1955
originally posted on levi.com
Hemp blend is a fun variation on the classic
Bought my usual pre-shrunk size, 36x32, and they arrived ENORMOUS: comically large in every direction compared to a middle-aged pair of pre-shrunk 502’s I own. Wore them in a warm bath, then stood in them 2 hours until dry: they shrank but not enough. So soaked them in utility sink in hottest water I could bear, then in a hot tumble dryer for an hour. That did the trick: massive shrinkage all over, waist and length now perfect. Legs still on the looser side but it’s a nice little-loose fit. Daffodil blue is very dark and only lightened slightly by that hot water: still darker than old-school indigo.The hemp blend has a nice nubby appearance you can’t see in the photos (tiny pale speckles) so make sure you like that. It seems robust and is quite rough to the touch. ... MoreBought my usual pre-shrunk size, 36x32, and they arrived ENORMOUS: comically large in every direction compared to a middle-aged pair of pre-shrunk 502’s I own. Wore them in a warm bath, then stood in them 2 hours until dry: they shrank but not enough. So soaked them in utility sink in hottest water I could bear, then in a hot tumble dryer for an hour. That did the trick: massive shrinkage all over, waist and length now perfect. Legs still on the looser side but it’s a nice little-loose fit. Daffodil blue is very dark and only lightened slightly by that hot water: still darker than old-school indigo.The hemp blend has a nice nubby appearance you can’t see in the photos (tiny pale speckles) so make sure you like that. It seems robust and is quite rough to the touch. The ankle opening is stiff enough to hurt where it rubs the tops of my feet if I’m barefoot!... Show more
ShrinkToFat
originally posted on levi.com
Levi’s 501 is classic and for all styles
Levi’s 501 are great, I made sure to get Non stretch (how denim should be) and they finally gave me some options in the UK for some light, but pure cotton jeans. They are beautiful quality, feel lovely, and it is very sturdy. Overall they are classic jeans nobody can go wrong with. They fit standard, not too tight, not too baggy, and although personally I would rather some more room at the top and a higher rise, there are other Levi’s styles that accommodate for that. Personally, I thought the colour I bought Chemicals would be a bit less blue, but it is no matter, and I do like it, all the great features make up for it.... Show more
Joe
originally posted on levi.com
Levi's quality
Levi's 501 Original Fit Crash Courses are truly exceptional and that is probably why they have been around for a hundred years. When I picked up the 501's, the fabric felt soft to the touch and I liked the lighter "Stonewashed" black color. I put them on and was surprised how well they fit -- perfectly! The waist fit snug but not too tight -- just tight enough so I do not have to wear a belt. The thighs have room but are not too baggy. At 6 feet tall, the 34 length is spot on. The 501's allow freedom of movement through bending and kneeling. These 501 Originals have a button fly instead of a zipper which you either like or don't. I believe you can not beat Levi's style, fit or overall quality and the 501 Original is no exception.... Show more
OfcEric
originally posted on levi.com
Love the color; not the button fly
Really good pants. Fabric in the sweet spot between tough and cozy to the touch. The color on these is a very good dark gray without really getting into that class of colors you'd call "charcoal." Lovely.But Levi's really should just ditch this whole button-fly thing. It's weird. I think pretty much everyone prefers zippers. At a minimum, they should basically lead with the fact that these pants do not have a zipper because I think the average shopper would never realize that these and most casual shoppers are probably surprised these don't have a zipper. (I certainly didn't when I bought my first pair of 501 Originals and just assumed "button fly" in the listing meant there was a button at the top and not a snap.) There's probably some niche shopper who prefers ... MoreReally good pants. Fabric in the sweet spot between tough and cozy to the touch. The color on these is a very good dark gray without really getting into that class of colors you'd call "charcoal." Lovely.But Levi's really should just ditch this whole button-fly thing. It's weird. I think pretty much everyone prefers zippers. At a minimum, they should basically lead with the fact that these pants do not have a zipper because I think the average shopper would never realize that these and most casual shoppers are probably surprised these don't have a zipper. (I certainly didn't when I bought my first pair of 501 Originals and just assumed "button fly" in the listing meant there was a button at the top and not a snap.) There's probably some niche shopper who prefers the 97-button fly, but I haven't met them and I'd be cool with Levi's just confining listings of jeans like these to some section of the site where you'd have to be looking for them to find them instead of how they are now where people probably just stumble across them and even buy them without recognizing that they're kinda gimmicky by today's standards.... Show more
Zack
originally posted on levi.com
Not What They Used To Be
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.... Show more
Unhappy Customer
originally posted on levi.com
Size inconsistency
Was searching for a pair of jeans with a specific black color for more than a year.First pair of 501 since it's the only cut that offered the color that I wanted.A few month back was able to find in a store 501 '54 in 33x32, which were a bit too long, so I figured I'll order 501 in 33x30 (my normal size).Boy oh boy was I wrong...It turns out they are exact 32 in length... although label says 30Have several 511 and 512 in 30 length. 30 means 30 not 32 !!!! and you cannot tell me otherwise, since I'm not complaining about the cut, the length is the problem.Will keep them as is and visit a tailor to shorten them, but I don't recommend to buy this product online, unless you can try them on in a store, in order to have a proper expectation.... Show more
Fabian
originally posted on levi.com
Sizing Inconsistencies
Have been searching for the perfect pair of washed black jeans but only ended up being disappointed by these.First, let me preface this by saying that most Levi's 501 jeans fit me perfectly in my usual size - from thigh width, hem width, hips, waist, and inseam, 501s are the ideal straight leg cut, not too loose or too slim, the fit cannot be improved upon, that's how good it is. Anytime my friends ask for denim recommendations, I always suggest the Levi's 501 cut irregardless of gender. It's considered a classic for a reason and works for everybody.So it pains me to say that this particular wash fits bad, it's not flattering and does not fit like how a 501 should. I originally bought these in my usual 501 size thinking it's gonna be great like all my other 501s ... MoreHave been searching for the perfect pair of washed black jeans but only ended up being disappointed by these.First, let me preface this by saying that most Levi's 501 jeans fit me perfectly in my usual size - from thigh width, hem width, hips, waist, and inseam, 501s are the ideal straight leg cut, not too loose or too slim, the fit cannot be improved upon, that's how good it is. Anytime my friends ask for denim recommendations, I always suggest the Levi's 501 cut irregardless of gender. It's considered a classic for a reason and works for everybody.So it pains me to say that this particular wash fits bad, it's not flattering and does not fit like how a 501 should. I originally bought these in my usual 501 size thinking it's gonna be great like all my other 501s but had to exchange them for a size up because they fit like skinny jeans (skinny jeans in 2023?!? been there, done that, no thanks!). Initially I thought the sized up pair fit better upon trying on but after a full day's wear, I was wrong. The thighs still felt too tight, the knee area was too tight, and the waist coupled with the rise made them feel and look like low rise jeans. These fit more like 511s or some other slimmer cut rather than 501s. I had a hard time even just trying to put on and take off my shoes because it almost hurt to bend my legs/body in these. If I could return these, I would and it looks like another reviewer feels the same way.This particular wash needs to be recalled, that's how bad it is.... Show more
Willy
originally posted on levi.com
The quality isn’t what it used to be
This is the 3rd pair of these jeans that I have gone through in 2 years. They always tear on the inner thighs and crotch area. I only wear the jeans as casual wear, and live in a city, and the most strenuous activity they have been used for is walking around. I’m very disappointed as this latest pair of jeans started to wear heavily around my pocket, to the contours of my phone. And 5 months after buying them, they’ve gone in the inner thigh.I’ve had Levi jeans that have lasted years, which is how they should last. However, the quality of the jeans isn’t what it used to be, they’re marketed as sustainable but have caused so much waste and disappointment.... Show more
Harry
originally posted on levi.com
Worth the wait
I bought these Levi 501's recently.The last pair I had were bought for me by my mother in 1968.Like the heastrong youth that I was I wore them home from the shop in the middle of Summer without them having been washed. We walked about 2 miles in searing heat and by the time we arrived I was chafed raw and had blue legs.But I also had my first pair of Levi's.I have always been a "Big" bloke and for most of my life I couldn't fit into Levi's as all I could find were a max of 38" waist.So I resorted to "other" brands but was always envious of my friends who could wear their Levi's.Then, a few weeks ago I happened upon the Levi's website and behold - Large Sizes !!!!!I pondered investing in a pair as prodcut sizing is often not related to real world fitting.But ... MoreI bought these Levi 501's recently.The last pair I had were bought for me by my mother in 1968.Like the heastrong youth that I was I wore them home from the shop in the middle of Summer without them having been washed. We walked about 2 miles in searing heat and by the time we arrived I was chafed raw and had blue legs.But I also had my first pair of Levi's.I have always been a "Big" bloke and for most of my life I couldn't fit into Levi's as all I could find were a max of 38" waist.So I resorted to "other" brands but was always envious of my friends who could wear their Levi's.Then, a few weeks ago I happened upon the Levi's website and behold - Large Sizes !!!!!I pondered investing in a pair as prodcut sizing is often not related to real world fitting.But what the heck. They were Levi's.So, biting the bullet, I purchased the jeans and eagerly awaited my shipment.I was pleasantly surprised with how quickly they arrived and even more pleased when I tried them on and found that they fitted perfectly.Now, here I am 55 years later and once again wearing Levi's 501 jeans.Thank you.... Show more
Rhino
originally posted on levi.com