1954 501 Rigid

An exacting reproduction of the 1954 501 from Levis Vintage Clothing. just as it appeared on shelves when first released. The 1954 is unique as it was the only 501 to carry a zip fly closure. Also known as the 501Z it is fit still today it features a slightly rounded top bock and regular rise with a straight leg.

Made with USA White Oak denim until the recent closure of America's Cone Mills denim plant these denims have now been replicated by Japan's Kaihara Denim Mills. 

 Details

• 100% Cotton
• 12 oz *Kaihara Selvedge Denim
• Zip fly Closure
• Concealed rivets
• Two-Horse leather patch, Big "E" red tab and twin needle arcuate stitch

 Fit notes

• Shrink to Fit. 5 -10% shrinkage
• Zip Fly closure
• Slightly rounded top block
• Regular rise. Roomy seat
• Straight Leg 15" leg opening on size 32"

 Care

• Initially Hand or gentle machine wash inside out
• Preferably cold water to reduce shrinkage and preserve denim
• smooth jeans to reduce need for pressing
• line or air dry
• Liquid detergent or ensure powder detergent is dissolved
• Do not tumble dry. Do not wash in hot water

We recommended washing jeans inside out and wash in cold water and then line dry. The cold water wash can either be done by hand or in a front loading machine on a delicate cycle. It is worth noting that most top loading machines tend to spin the jeans too aggressively which can lead to streaks in the denim where the jeans rub against themselves.

Regardless of the washing method, air drying is essential. Air drying helps the jeans retain the custom fit you obtain through months of wear when starting with rigid denim. 

Warm water washing once a jean has been worn in is perfectly acceptable but also avoid hot water or tumble drying with any denim products.

The 1954 501

The Levi's® Vintage Clothing 1954 501® Jean was originally released as the "501® Z," and represents Levi's® expansion into new territory. In the mid-1950s, Levi's® started selling its trademark 501® Jeans on the East Coast. Up to this point, Western states had been the primary sales region since the jeans first came about in 1873, and there the garment had grown a loyal following. East Coasters, however, were largely unfamiliar with this button fly work pant. To make it more approachable for new wearers, Levi's® introduced a new version. They took the original 501® Shrink-to-Fit™ Jean, replaced the classic button fly with a zipper, and named it the "501® Z." It retained all the other details loved by longtime wearers: the famed silhouette, rivets and tough-but-flexible denim. Retailers began providing customers with both options—the 501® Jean and its zippered brother, the 501® Z. Today Levi's® has recreated the latter, to help tell their story of the 501® and its evolution through the decades. This jean is made with Kaihara.