On May 20th, 1873, Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis secured a patent (No. 139,121) for “an Improvement in Fastening Pocket Openings.” The West Coast at that time was a loose patchwork of farms, ranches, railroads and gold mines. Jacob Davis—a tailor from Reno, Nevada—had the idea of placing rivets on work pants at points of strain, and joined forces with his denim supplier Levi Strauss in San Francisco. The riveted blue jean was born. Soon, Levi’s® became the clothing of choice for the rugged, hodgepodge band of workers, outcasts, entrepreneurs and outlaws building America’s future. For Spring/Summer 2023, in celebration of the 150th year anniversary of this patent, we pay tribute to their innovation and collaboration.

An homage to the ultimate thrill-seekers of the '50s: bikers. These 1955 501® jeans have a distinct “anti-fit” (or, slightly looser cut that stands in opposition to slimmer and skinnier styles) in the seat, as well as a slightly fuller cut around the leg and an overall boxier silhouette. This version of the 501® still retains some classic features of its 1947 predecessor: belt loops as the only method of waist adjustment, hidden copper rivets on the back pockets, and a zinc button fly.

We pay tribute to the epitome of American rebellion with an archival reproduction of their jeans of choice, crafted in premium selvedge denim.

• An archival reproduction of 1955 501® Jeans
• True to classic biker style, it features a loose, boxy "anti-fit" style
• We worked with a Japanese artisan mill to painstakingly recreate 1950s Levi’s® selvedge denim
• Two back pockets with concealed rivets
• Dark wash selvedge denim with subtle fading at the knees
• Better clothes. Better choices. Better planet. We made this garment with organically grown cotton, which uses no synthetic pesticides and saves water
• Crafted in premium Japanese selvedge denim from the renowned Kaihara Mill
• Made in Japan by expert artisans using traditional techniques