Becky... I once had a textile design professor at FIT who told me “every successful person in this industry has one thing in common- they are mind readers.” I am not kidding, every time I think “Hmm, I really want to buy XYZ but not sure how to decide between all the million choices out there” your NEXT newsletter addresses my question. I make a schedule of one clothing category each month to spend money on, and this month was “501? Finally figure it out?” THANK YOU! Not all hero’s wear capes!
My first 501s were a Christmas present from my boyfriend in 1987… he had gone up to London specially, to Camden market, and searched for the perfect vintage pair for me. They fitted like they were made for me, soft and beautifully faded.
I lived in West Berlin in the 1970s. I’m an Army Brat and my dad commanded a battalion that took turns with the Soviets guarding Rudolf Hess in Spandau prison. The East German soldiers wanted Levis and my dad would take ours and swap for their belts and hats. We thought we were helping the soldiers be a little bit subversive. I still wear Levis and think about those years. Thanks for this post!
I absolutely loved this deep dive into all things Levi! It was a well done sponsored post - the first time I’ve ever said that phrase! Quietly wondering if it’s against the rules to re-work Levi’s... as in alter them or merge two styles into something totally unique. If you’re against this - don’t come for me.
Yesterday, after I read your newsletter I went to the Levi’s store and bought my first ever pair of 501. I have a glasshour figure with 70cm waist and 104cm hips and never thought that I could find a good pair of 100% cotton jeans. I was so wrong!! Got the 501 original in 27/28 and they fit like a dream. I’m never wearing elastic jeans ever in my life. Also, love the button flight. Thank you so much! I’ll go for the white ones next! 💖
May 19, 2023·edited May 19, 2023Liked by Becky Malinsky
I read this while randomly wearing Levi 501's and soaked up every word while feeling like I was in on a trend when I could care less about being on top of trends though maybe I do? I especially loved the relation into which you describe them as grounding an outfit and the basic history of the jean manufacturing. If i go on I will just start ranting and raving on how much I adore your take on fashion. Also Levi's. Thanks for putting this together on a Friday for us. Sponsored or not.
Big love for the button fly. I only have one pair of zipper fly jeans and I almost break the zipper every time I wear them when I go to take them off and yank at the fly like I would with my button fly jeans. I also find that the gathering looks much better on a button fly when sitting.
I seem to be doing the opposite when it comes to "going out" jeans and wearing incredibly loose, perhaps downright unflattering, jeans I own! I actually have a pair of vintage 501's which were men's in this category and wondering if I shube replacing them with something more flattering and feminine.
Gotta disagree on button flys. Now that I'm in my 50s, button fly doesn't hold me on as well, and creates a horizontal crease. Have not tried 501s though!
Becky - I grew up in the 60s and 70s - always bought men’s 501s - what is the difference in fit - I wear a men’s 30 x 32 - but in most women jeans I wear a waist 27 - I am 5’3
Could not agree more wholeheartedly with the 501 love, Becky! I actually worked at a Levi's store in my 20s and learned the magic on the sales floor. There's just nothing like them.
Two additional statements: firstly, the 501 shorts do deserve a comment. as a heavy consignment/thrift shopper, I can attest to the fact that you will almost *never* find 501 shorts secondhand because they are so great that nobody could justify giving them up.
Secondly, this is just a request to your lovely Levi's contacts— I actually wear the 501 skinny for my jeans, and currently, the white offering in that style has 2% polyester, much to the sadness of my sensitive skin. I'd love to see the 501 Skinny in white be 100% cotton <3
Also one more thing— thank you so much for the permission to wear slightly non-matching whites together. I'm already excited to wear white on white with this new license to play.
Thank you for this deep dive! I’ve been hunting for the perfect white/cream jeans for a couple of years. BUT I’m struggling with sizing. I am 5’2” (and a half) but with a long torso and short legs, and wider hips. I tend to wear high waist jeans for the leg lengthening effect - where they hit at my belly button. I wonder about the fit of sizing up? I struggle with the gap at my waist or should I just be pulling them down to sit more on the hip than the high rise jeans I tend to buy? Or just get used to the looseness?
I have a 27" waist but bigger hips and I haven't had luck with 501s. That said, a good tip I did get from a friendly sales lady once at the Levis store in San Francisco was to try the cut in different colors because the fabric, stretch, and fit varies. For example, I live in the black rib cage jeans but the normal blue jean wash barely lasted a season in my closet. Two totally different fits
What is the Levi's 501 Secret Sauce?
Becky... I once had a textile design professor at FIT who told me “every successful person in this industry has one thing in common- they are mind readers.” I am not kidding, every time I think “Hmm, I really want to buy XYZ but not sure how to decide between all the million choices out there” your NEXT newsletter addresses my question. I make a schedule of one clothing category each month to spend money on, and this month was “501? Finally figure it out?” THANK YOU! Not all hero’s wear capes!
My first 501s were a Christmas present from my boyfriend in 1987… he had gone up to London specially, to Camden market, and searched for the perfect vintage pair for me. They fitted like they were made for me, soft and beautifully faded.
Reader, I married him!
I lived in West Berlin in the 1970s. I’m an Army Brat and my dad commanded a battalion that took turns with the Soviets guarding Rudolf Hess in Spandau prison. The East German soldiers wanted Levis and my dad would take ours and swap for their belts and hats. We thought we were helping the soldiers be a little bit subversive. I still wear Levis and think about those years. Thanks for this post!
I absolutely loved this deep dive into all things Levi! It was a well done sponsored post - the first time I’ve ever said that phrase! Quietly wondering if it’s against the rules to re-work Levi’s... as in alter them or merge two styles into something totally unique. If you’re against this - don’t come for me.
Yesterday, after I read your newsletter I went to the Levi’s store and bought my first ever pair of 501. I have a glasshour figure with 70cm waist and 104cm hips and never thought that I could find a good pair of 100% cotton jeans. I was so wrong!! Got the 501 original in 27/28 and they fit like a dream. I’m never wearing elastic jeans ever in my life. Also, love the button flight. Thank you so much! I’ll go for the white ones next! 💖
I read this while randomly wearing Levi 501's and soaked up every word while feeling like I was in on a trend when I could care less about being on top of trends though maybe I do? I especially loved the relation into which you describe them as grounding an outfit and the basic history of the jean manufacturing. If i go on I will just start ranting and raving on how much I adore your take on fashion. Also Levi's. Thanks for putting this together on a Friday for us. Sponsored or not.
Big love for the button fly. I only have one pair of zipper fly jeans and I almost break the zipper every time I wear them when I go to take them off and yank at the fly like I would with my button fly jeans. I also find that the gathering looks much better on a button fly when sitting.
Loved this post! Thanks for sharing!
I seem to be doing the opposite when it comes to "going out" jeans and wearing incredibly loose, perhaps downright unflattering, jeans I own! I actually have a pair of vintage 501's which were men's in this category and wondering if I shube replacing them with something more flattering and feminine.
My friend Jen Sattler sent me this and I loved reading it! I share your sentiments immensely! Xo, Meg
Gotta disagree on button flys. Now that I'm in my 50s, button fly doesn't hold me on as well, and creates a horizontal crease. Have not tried 501s though!
I just bought a pair of the 90s, thanks to your tutorial - they look promising!
Becky - I grew up in the 60s and 70s - always bought men’s 501s - what is the difference in fit - I wear a men’s 30 x 32 - but in most women jeans I wear a waist 27 - I am 5’3
Thanks!
Elizabeth
Could not agree more wholeheartedly with the 501 love, Becky! I actually worked at a Levi's store in my 20s and learned the magic on the sales floor. There's just nothing like them.
Two additional statements: firstly, the 501 shorts do deserve a comment. as a heavy consignment/thrift shopper, I can attest to the fact that you will almost *never* find 501 shorts secondhand because they are so great that nobody could justify giving them up.
Secondly, this is just a request to your lovely Levi's contacts— I actually wear the 501 skinny for my jeans, and currently, the white offering in that style has 2% polyester, much to the sadness of my sensitive skin. I'd love to see the 501 Skinny in white be 100% cotton <3
Also one more thing— thank you so much for the permission to wear slightly non-matching whites together. I'm already excited to wear white on white with this new license to play.
Thank you for this deep dive! I’ve been hunting for the perfect white/cream jeans for a couple of years. BUT I’m struggling with sizing. I am 5’2” (and a half) but with a long torso and short legs, and wider hips. I tend to wear high waist jeans for the leg lengthening effect - where they hit at my belly button. I wonder about the fit of sizing up? I struggle with the gap at my waist or should I just be pulling them down to sit more on the hip than the high rise jeans I tend to buy? Or just get used to the looseness?
I have a 27" waist but bigger hips and I haven't had luck with 501s. That said, a good tip I did get from a friendly sales lady once at the Levis store in San Francisco was to try the cut in different colors because the fabric, stretch, and fit varies. For example, I live in the black rib cage jeans but the normal blue jean wash barely lasted a season in my closet. Two totally different fits
I bought a smaller pair yesterday--on line. They arrived today and fit like a dream. Thanks for the tip.