Levi's Men's 501 Original Fit Jeans

I've worn Levi's 505's (zipper fly) from when I was a teenager up until last year, when Levi's changed them from "regular fit" to "straight fit". I am very slim with narrow hips, and the straight fit 505's kept sliding down over my hips. So I tried a pair of prewashed 501's. I wasn't thrilled about the button fly, but I got used to it. The fit was great; very much like the older style 505's. About 6 months ago, I decided to give shrink-to-fit 501's a try. My "true" size is 30x30. I got my STF's in size 32x31. I wasn't up for the shrinking-them-in-the-bathtub routine. Instead, I put them in the washing machine with hot water, gave them a spin dry, put them in the dryer for just a few minutes, and hung them until dry. The result fit me perfectly, much better than the prewashed 501's. These 501's have been in the washer and dryer many times, and now look like a prewashed pair. They are starting to get a lot of fade over the knees. The fit is still perfect! I really like the 501 STF's and highly recommend them. The denim fabric feels much stronger and more substantial than the prewashed jeans. If you have the patience to deal with the shrinking, you get much more control over the fit. I decided I really like the look of the unwashed Denim, so I recently ordered and received 2 pair of 501 STFs from Amazon, one size 32x31 and the other size 30x30. I shrunk the 32x31's, but I am wearing the 30x30's unwashed and unshrunk. I am going to try to wash both pairs as little as possible, using cold water, Dr. Bonner's soap, and vinegar, as described on Levi's web site (and many other blogs), and compare how the 2 pairs age. I'll update this review as things progress. I got both pair in the "Rigid" color, which is the traditional Levi's dark indigo. Prior to washing, the indigo dye does not fully penetrate into the intersections of the threads in the denim fabric. The un-dyed parts of the fabric form a pattern of white dots, which makes the overall color look much lighter than prewashed indigo jeans. I shrunk the 32x31 jeans in my front-loading washer, inside out, in hot water, no soap, on the gentle cycle. I skipped over the rinse cycle, gave them a gentle spin for a minute, wore them for a couple of hours, then hung them up to complete drying. I did not use the clothes dryer. I got a perfect fit, just like my last pair. The indigo dye bled on to the un-dyed part of the fabric. This made the shrunk jeans look darker than the un-shrunk pair. The shrunk pair retained the rigid feel. So for now I like the look of the shrunk pair more. But the real test will be how they age later. Update 1/13/2012 In the past 2 months, I've worn each pair about 1/3 of the time, and other pants the remaining time. So each pair has been worn about 20 days. Neither pair has been washed yet. The pair that I shrunk have softened up quite a bit, and look almost like pre-washed jeans. They are just starting to show some fading on the knees and around the objects I keep in the front pockets. The non-shrunk pair still maintain most of their rigid feel, and aside from some creasing, look pretty much the same as they did when they arrived from Amazon. I like to keep my new jeans fade-free for use as "dress jeans" for as long as possible. So at this point, I prefer the pair that I did NOT shrink. Update 2/12/2012 It was finally time to wash these jeans. I used cold water, Dr. Bronner's soap, and vinegar, followed by a cold water rinse, as described on Levi's web site. The non-shrunk pair now have a beautiful color, about half way between the original color and that of the pre-shrunk pair. The non-shrunk pair also have most of their original rigidity, and their leather tag looks perfect (the lettering on the tag on the pre-washed pair faded in the hot water). The fading on the pre-shrunk pair has progressed a bit more, while there is still no visible fading anywhere on the other pair. Unfortunately I did get some shrinkage in the non-shrunk pair, which were getting wet for the first time. The waist shrunk 1/2" and the inseam shrunk 1". The waist shrinkage isn't a problem, as it stretched out while wearing the jeans. The inseam is more of an issue. I tried to stretch the legs several times while drying, but that didn't work; the fabric shrunk back as soon as I let go. For my next pair of jeans, I plan to buy them in my actual waist size, but with 1" extra length, and wait as long as possible before washing them in cold water. Update 11/17/2012 After their first wash, the non-shrunk pair were too short to use. So I recently purchased a new pair in my actual waist size and 1" extra length. I wore these for several days, then washed them. This time I washed them in the bath tub with Dr. Bronner's soap and vinegar. I am hoping that keeping them flat during the wash will reduce fading around the creases that occurred when my other pairs were machine washed. So far the results are fantastic. I plan to use this method from now on. Hope that helps...

These are REAL Levi's 501s. I don't know what all the griping is about from the highest viewed review dated 2020. It's 2023 people. These 501s are coming direct from Levi Strauss & Co. through Amazon. They aren't knock offs, fakes, or counterfeit 501s. I got mine and they have all the button stamps ink stamps, and codes that Levi's have always had through the years. I've been wearing Levis for 50+ years, so I have a little experience. I've tried all the other jean brands, and even the high end jeans, and even the brands inspired by Levi's, and still keep coming back to Levi's 501 STF. The 501 STF is still the benchmark for rugged denim that shrinks to perfectly fit your body. I'm 5'11 185 lbs. I order W35 L36. After FOLLOWing THE INSTRUCTIONS - wear them in the tub on a hot day, then go out and do some ranch or yard work. Let them dry and shrink to fit your body. After a few wear and cold washing cycles, they shrink down to W34 L32-33 depending on how warm you dry 'em. They'll still fit over western boots, too. If you like your denim stiff and raw, order your actual size. Although, I've yet to meet someone who actually does this. Seems that it would be a little uncomfortable. Some reviewers say they aren't the same 501 as they were decades ago. Question for them...What these days is the same as it was decades ago? I can't think of much, including myself. And what's all the griping about where they're made? Yeah-Yeah, I'd love for them to still be made in the good 'ol USA, by USA workers, but that's not in the cards these days. Thank politicians and trade deals for that. The pairs I ordered were made in Egypt. I was curious, so I searched this out. Have you seen the online videos of this state of the art manufacturing facility? It's pretty impressive - with what appears to be modern equipment and high tech, good quality processes in place to ensure consistency. And what's not to love about Egyptian cotton? The 501's I have that are a few years old are now thick and soft - the product of washing them inside out and drying properly. This also ensures uniform fading of the denim so they will look great too. Bottom Line, if you want a pair of jeans that will fit you perfectly, and last years, I recommend going with the 501 Shrink to Fit (STF). If you don't want to invest the time to break them in and have a pair of jeans that fit you perfectly, you can buy the already pre-shrunk 501 versions. If the buttons bug you, go with the zippered 505s. The 505 is supposedly the same as the 501 but with a zipper. Although, I don't believe Levi's makes 505s in a STF version anymore.

Great price, comfortable fit, and quality. Sure to last years.

I'm new to raw denim, and so can't comment on whether the raw denim of decades past were any better made than the raw denim that I received pursuant to my Amazon.com purchase of the subject product. This product is Levis 501 Original Shrink to Fit in "Rigid STF". I normally wear a 33.5 waist by 32 inseam, and wear my pants just above my hips (not at waist). I ordered 36 x 34 (roughly two sizes up). Soaked in hot water upon receipt, hung to dry, then wore damp for a while. I have since worn the pants many additional times to continue breaking in. At this point they have softened up considerably and are very comfortable. On the downside, these jeans are sort of your granddad's cut. That's good for certain guys, but I have a skinny rear end, and I don't fill it out in the seat. UPDATE: One of the buttons in the fly broke and flew off into the urinal. Not fixable. Cheap pot metal. You get what you pay for. OVERALL: I would want to see these in a cut that is somewhat slimmer. I do believe that that "slim fit" fad has gone too far, but these things are traditional almost to a fault... Next time, I will go with the zip fly on the 505's instead.

These jeans are a standout for anyone who appreciates classic denim with enduring quality. My husband absolutely loves them because the fit is true to size, straight through the leg, and provides the perfect balance of comfort and structure. The denim feels sturdy and durable, giving that authentic Levi’s feel while breaking in beautifully over time. Unlike some jeans that lose their shape after a few washes, these maintain their signature fit and crisp look even with regular wear. What differentiates these jeans from others on Amazon is how they combine timeless style with long-lasting performance. The 501 cut remains versatile as my husband can dress them up with boots or keep it casual with sneakers. My husband appreciates that they’re a reliable wardrobe staple that doesn’t compromise on comfort or style. Overall, these Levi’s 501s are classic, well-made, and perfect for everyday wear, making them a must-have for anyone who values quality denim. Great warmth, stretchability and no weird smell!

To start, I'm reading all these long winded reviews about diminished quality, lower weight denim, poor fit, etc. All I can say is the multiple pairs I've received have been top notch and amazing in fit--once I stopped listening to all of the self-proclaimed denim experts out there that is. The 501 STF denim is exponentially thicker than their non-STF counterparts, and quite frankly much thicker than any other denim brands I've worn to include raw offerings from brands costing 5x as much. As far as sizing... theories abound. Some say size up 1" in the waist and 2" in the the inseam--with one idiot proclaiming you must go up as much 4" in the inseam! Levi's own website instructs staying true to waist and going up 2" in inseam. So many of the reviews you read on sizing start out with... "I normally wear size XX and went up 2" in the inseam to be safe, and then in reading their entire post you find out they cuff their jeans. If you don't cuff your jeans like myself (can't stand cuffed pants--especially jeans) then stay true to size in both waist and inseam and you'll be fine. My process is simple... I turn them inside out (to help retain color) and soak in hot water for around an hour. I then launder in the washing machine with hot water under the normal cycle. When done, simply hang to dry and then wear. They will be snug the first initial wearing, however, after the fibers conform to your body, they'll loosen up and fit perfectly--or at least this has been my experience every time. I've never experienced length being an issue as I always witness shrinkage around the hips and legs, not the length of the inseam. To be honest, the only reason I even soak mine before laundering is to bleed off some of the dye as it will get on everything from your underwear to furniture to vehicle seats. I've tried the "wear while wet" procedure often touted by denim aficionados, however, if you have a muscular build like mine--thick calves/glutes, you'll only end up with a saggy ass and blown out knees once dried.

I don't know what kind of cotton this is supposed to be, but it doesn't look, behave, or feel like any Levi's 100% cotton jeans I've bought in the past. It's like it blended with plastic or something (weirdly shiny, wrinkles horribly in the dryer). Also, the overall quality is horrible (multiple loose threads, belt loops barely sewn, button holes too small for buttons, etc.). I bought two pairs of Levi's with this order, and the other pair (grey ones) are of the same high quality Levi's I've bought in the past and look, feel, behave like 100% cotton. I would stay clear of these specific Levi's. I don't think I can return them since they have now been washed, so I will be throwing them away (not even worth donating).

I’m 6’2” 185 lbs and I bought 35W x 38L 501 Raw denim. They shrank a lot. I normally wear 34x34 jeans (pre shrunk non raw jeans). I bought these longer for riding the motorcycle because my usual 34”inseam jeans are too short for riding. Pics before and after machine washing and drying. They’re stiff and seem like they’ll last years.

Remember, remember, the Levis shrink to fit ... I had not bought my 501's for some years and when they arrived and I tried them they seemed very big in the waist and long in length ... even though i matched the size with my current 501's which are threadbare ... but, on first wash, as i now recall, the jeans shrunk and fitted like a glove. Very pleased, great colour and price. Recommend.

C'est plus qu'une couleur ou une simple coupe car même après un lavage, la toile est aussi rigide que du carton. Qui peut bien vouloir porter cela ? Pour une représentation théâtrale, peut-être, mais certainement pas pour marcher. Désolé, je ne comprends pas que l'on puisse commercialiser un tel produit sans avertir le consommateur. Jamais vu ça. Pourtant cela fait trente ans que j'achète des 501...

Le soucis c'est la taille qui était trop grand. Mais quand j'ai constaté votre service par mail, vs avez ttes de suite une solution à mon problème et avec réactivité ,disponibilité ,serviabilité et professionnalisme. Merci pour tout

To add insult to injury I missed the return window and now have to find someone to help me wear these pants because it's not a job for one person. I want to stress that I ordered the correct size they just made the legs portion wide enough for 2 people.

Bon produit