While Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis introduced the blue jean in 1873, 1890 was the first year the 501® lot number was adopted. Levi Strauss & Co.’s patent for riveted clothing expired that same year, meaning that other companies could now also use rivets on clothing. To answer the coming competition, LS&Co. printed the inside pocket bag with information about the strength and originality of the XX overalls. 1890 was the year that the 501® number was first assigned to the famous pants—likely done because the company no longer had an exclusive patent, and also because it had a good-sized line of clothing by this time. It was easier for retailers to order their products by number rather than by a simple description, as had been done in the past. Any product made with the highest quality materials was given a lot number beginning with 5: 501® for the overall, 506 for the jacket, etc. Made with XX 9oz denim from the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company, these 1890 XX501® jeans are at the head of the class.An archival reproduction of 1890 501® jeans1890 was the first year the 501® lot number was adoptedMade with XX 9oz denim from the Amoskeag Manufacturing CompanyWe made this garment with organically grown cottonMade in Japan by expert artisans using traditional techniquesThese jeans are Shrink-to-Fit™, meaning you control the shrinkage yourself, which allows the denim to conform to your unique body. The payoff is a pair of jeans with a custom-made fit. No tailor necessary.These jeans were crafted from premium selvedge denim and woven on a traditional narrow-width shuttle loom—making them highly covetable. Roll up the cuff to show off the woven fabric strip.