LS&Co. Unzipped
Feb 15 2011
Deconstructing the Ex-Girlfriend
Editor's note: After finding out about the new Levi's® brand jean, the Ex-Girlfriend, we had to hear "the back story" from the designers themselves. Here it is, from Casey Egan and JeWon Yu, pictured above:
We were backstage at an SXSW concert in Austin -- styling an edgy rock band. As the front man looked at the choices we had, he zeroed in on a pair of girl’s floral-print skinny jeans. He was hooked.
That was the moment we both knew we had to make the Ex-Girlfriend jean.
It has never been a secret in the denim design world that guys looking to make a statement with an extra-skinny pair of jeans…go straight to the girl’s section.
We’d been thinking about creating a pair of jeans with a rock ‘n roll aesthetic for some time. Watching 75 percent of the guys at SXSW perform in these super-tight jeans only validated our idea.
We thought – hey, we can make a pair of women’s jeans for men with a tailored and proper fit.
So, we designed this outrageous pair of skinny jeans using women’s denim and finishing.
When these guys had been wearing low-rise girl’s jeans, they tended to slouch them low on their hips, so we made the top block a bit higher.
We also left a little more room through the hip and thigh, so the jean wasn’t saran-wrap tight. It’s not a corset for men.
The fit is masculine and man-appropriate.
The name, Ex-Girlfriend, is a playful take on the gender ‘talk’ popular in fashion today. Women have been dressing in Boyfriend blazers and Boyfriend 501® jeans for quite some time.
The name also appeals to men seeking that severely skinny silhouette who are currently shopping in the women’s section.
The Ex-Girlfriend jean is a style we really believe in, and we wanted to push the design to the extreme.
Even the hang tags were fun to make. They say, “These jeans are tight.”
Posted By: Rebecca Youngs, Associate Editor, LS&Co. Unzipped |
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bobby g (not verified) - May 09 2012
seriously such a bummer these are discontinued, i would buy 10 more pairs of the black ones if you brought them back. 510s just aren't the same and even the women's slight curve pitch black or junior's 524 skinny in black aren't even close to the great fit the ex-girlfriend offered. REALLY upset you're not making them anymore.
James (not verified) - Apr 25 2012
I'm just saying, there's 2 unused pair of the Ex-Girlfriends being sold on eBay. Both are in dark blue and they're 30x30 and 31x30. Just thought I'd tell everyone.
Landon (not verified) - Apr 22 2012
I agree with Matthew 100% Just bring them back for a really limited time!
Dylan (not verified) - Apr 20 2012
Horrible to hear you guys aren't bringing these back. Such a dedicated and large following to them. I don't think anyone would be complaining so much if you did away with the 513's. Levi's is supposed to be about variety, style and doing things their own way. Also just having well made jeans. Bad decision in my opinion.
Matthew (not verified) - Apr 10 2012
So I'm a big fan of tight jeans, and always wanted to buy a pair of the Ex-Girlfriends. Evidently, Levis is not making them anymore; however, it appears that A LOT of people would be willing to buy them if they were released a second time. Is there any way Levis could make a smaller, limited release? Maybe this venture lost them money or something, but I for one would love to get a pair of these jeans. PLEASE BRING THEM BACK!
Dylan (not verified) - Apr 09 2012
I have a pair in the indigo wash; it has been a staple in my wardrobe for over a year now. Is there any chance there will be a short re-release of the jean? I'd like to buy a few more pairs. Greatest fitting jeans ever. Hope you get back. Thanks.
Kevin (not verified) - Apr 09 2012
If you receive emails about bringing the Ex-Girlfriends back on a regular basis, how does it not have a large enough group of fans to bring it back?
Matt (not verified) - Apr 02 2012
I was wondering if there is any way I could maybe contact the designers of these jeans to make another pair? Or do you maybe have a pattern that can be used to make them? Seriously the pairs I have are all ripped up and I just want another pair. Yes I've tried other fits.
Zod (not verified) - Mar 24 2012
Please bring these back! My only pair have access holes in them now! I love these jeans, and would buy multiple if you guys re released them if only for a short time. I've tried all other women's jeans, and nothings fit as great as my ex-girlfriends. Thank you for listening, and I hope they make a return. .
David (not verified) - Mar 15 2012
Please bring these back in the black wash! I can't find any jeans that have the same fit! If you guys don't bring them back i'll be forced to buy women's jeans! Skinny people need well fitting jeans too.
Gonzalo Ortega (not verified) - Mar 15 2012
Hi just adding to the group of people that want this jeans back. I bought 3 pairs when I heard about this jeans which was right around when they were discontinued. I use them everyday and I'm not looking forward to the time when I don't have any spares. I used to buy 510's and get them tailored to a more skinny fit which was an extra $10. I have done that for years cause I couldn't find a pair of jean with the right fit. I don't like to wear girl jeans which are really skinny but their pockets are two small and the crotch area too tight. Finally I found the perfect jeans, really nice skinny fit, the crotch area has room to breathe. and they aren't around anymore. I search everyday for jeans that resemble this fit but I rather just see them coming back. Maybe the name gave them bad feedback, I didn't care for the name but that didn't stop me and I love this jeans,I haven't heard anyone who owns a pair complain apart from the fact that we can't get them anymore and I have friends that are still looking for them on a daily basis.
Germ (not verified) - Feb 25 2012
Please Please bring these back, they are by far the best pants i ever wore. I only have one pair, and i wear them way to much. I need them in my life! no matter what color they will satisfy me.
Matthew (not verified) - Feb 17 2012
You have to bring the ex girlfriends back. Seriously. I've tried all of the other fits. The 510s and 511s are terrible. Sorry to be a hater, but they fit so weird and aren't comfortable at all. I own 2 pairs of the ex girlfriends and they are literally the best jeans I've ever worn. I would buy 3 more pairs if you brought them back even for another limited amount of time. I've checked your website daily, I've been on the phone with customer service...Literally there is not a single pair left in any store in any state. You all get comments all the time for people looking for them so I don't see why you would discontinue them...seems counterintuitive. I am actually mad at Levi's because of this. Weak.
Guy (not verified) - Feb 15 2012
I saw these a while back but didn't have room in the budget for them -- finally came to buy them and they're gone! Bring them back please (and in more washes!) There's obviously some demand here...
Derrick Francisco (not verified) - Feb 06 2012
please makes these jeans a regular and send them all over worldwide,the mall,everywhere.i and many many others would wear these with pride,they are very slick,slim and cool,and many others would agree.idc about the name,its fine,keep it just like that,no need to go back to the drawing board,its fine,despite the little criticism of a few people that are too "many" or too "prejudice" to wear em,the rest of us have no problem.i hope they creator or someone up in the main building reads this,BRING EM BACK AND IN MORE COLORS ALSO!,trust me this wont make you all lose money,but in fact establish a new face in jeans that'll soon be respected and plenty of money will be made off of it,especially since no super skinnys i seen were ever made with such high quality,hot topic cam close,but there's something about that Levi's material that make these a winner.so please Levis,and the creators Casey Egan and JeWon Yu,great idea,BRING IT BACK NOW!
Tony (not verified) - Jan 30 2012
I NEED THESE JEANS! I was employed at Levi's MOA until school started up again - the only jeans that look good on my body are the Rigid 520's, which only comes in one color, and the dark selvedge boyfriend skinny for women - both in the smallest sizes possible. 510's are still not tight enough for me, unless in the black color because that seems to fit the tightest. I recommend making more 510 washes, 520 washes that are rigid and very tight, and bring back the ex-girlfriend!!! I love Levi's, it's all I wear. I would die if these things became available. Thanks!!
Parker (not verified) - Jan 28 2012
Hell, I wish you guys still made these jeans. Both the 511 and 510 aren't tight enough for me, and I can't really find anywhere else that makes jeans as high quality as you guys. Maaaan, I guess I'll just have to wait for you guys to start making them again.
Armen (not verified) - Jan 28 2012
Bring. these. jeans. back. Mine have holes in them (perhaps do some more QC, too? I've only had them for 7 months), but they are bar none the best fitting male jeans I've ever purchased - and I've bought the likes of Diesel & Seven For All Mankind. Also....maybe call them something else.... ap
Check Solita (not verified) - Jan 26 2012
I'm devastated. I have tried so many pairs of skinny jeans from brands out there: cheap mondays, PacSun, AE, AF, etc and nothing ever fit as skinny or feel as comfortable as Levis. I had settled for 510s for many years until the ex girlfriends came out. I thought I finally found my permanent fix but I found out that these are discontinued!!! Please. Please bring these back. There are so many of us out there that love this fit. Is there anything we can do to let the higher ups know how much we want these back?
Ricardo M. Assis (not verified) - Jan 26 2012
Hi there, I have some questions about the Levi`s jeans (model 501). I went to the store to buy a pair of jeans from Levi's (model 501) and realized that the model in question came with a leather label (thicker leather and different from the others) (it was`t thin and apparently do not tear after a few washes). What is the model of this particular series? Or is it an old model? When I`m gonna buy another pair (eg: Internet) how can I order this specific model with the thicker leather patch? Thanks so much again Regards
Drake (not verified) - Jan 25 2012
I've been trying to find these jeans for a few days now and it seems that they are no longer sold on your website or in any stores I've been to. Are they still made?
Gary (not verified) - Jan 22 2012
Im trying to buy these jeans since they're just what I've been looking for but I can't find them on the site anymore. You guys are still making them right?
Matt (not verified) - Jan 20 2012
You guys have to bring this jean back! It is obviously one of your best selling jeans, they were always sold out. The Mask pair I have has so many rips in them after wearing them everyday for a year and I'm trying to get another pair but your customer service said they are discontinued. People want tight black jeans, not blue! Bring em back
⋢⌥∆⌯⍙/⌴⌤⍙⌥⋣ (not verified) - Jan 06 2012
I watch anime, listen to various subgenres of electronica, and play video games semi professionally. I guess you can call me an "otaku"....I've always loved the idea of skin tight spray on, tapered, super tight at the ankle jeans to resemble characters like Jin Kisaragi; BlazBlue, and Zero; Rockman Zero. For me, the tighter the better. And then these jeans came out and it was like a dream come true. I copped a pair in the mask color....but never got indigo. Tell me, can I still get these jeans? And will they ever release new colors? I'm not hoping for electric green......but grey would be nice y'know?
Luis (not verified) - Dec 18 2011
Hi I need some help I am thinking about ordering Levi Ex - girlfriend jeans, but I am worried about fit. I usually wear really tight jeans and I am a 31 - 30 but can only find 32 - 30 would it really make much of a difference on how loose fitting it will feel?
Chris (not verified) - Dec 18 2011
Levi's, i am a very VERY skinny person. i've been looking for tight jeans for a super long time. like the article says, i'm almost positive that all of us guys are really tired of shopping in the women's section for tight pants (which end up sucking because of the tendency of women to like their jeans low rised) and i've bought your 511 skinny jeans, and even your 510 jeans, but neither of them fit snug enough on me. i feel terrible that this was a limited edition product that i didn't hear about sooner, or else i would've bought like seventeen pairs. i know you guys still have the indigo, which i'm interested in, but you don't have them in my size. (w30 l32) i contacted customer service and they said that you aren't making anymore ex-gf jeans, and that i should just bear with the 510s. will these jeans ever come back? i think they're in much higher demand now, than when they were released and went straight to clearance. (from stories that i've heard from levi's store employees and managers) please make pants for the skinny guy again?
Hans (not verified) - Nov 19 2011
hello, are they( levi's ex-girlfriend) available in indonesia stores?
Nick (not verified) - Nov 06 2011
hi, i absolutely love the ex-girlfriend skinny jeans, however im living in Toronto, Canada right now and im REALLY trying to find a way to get my hands on some of these jeans. Is there any way i can purchase these jeans in Canada or order them to Canada? I would just love to own a couple pairs of these jeans and any help or advice is greatly appreciated!
Sam Levano (not verified) - Oct 28 2011
Hi it's me again. I just checked the Levi.com website and the only available color is Indigo, I'm actually searching for Mask, the blackish color (sorry for not mentioning it before), do you know when is it gonna be available again? or where can I get it?
Sam Levano (not verified) - Oct 26 2011
These jeans look awesome and since some time ago I've been trying to buy 'em online but there's no my size 31WX30L and there's no stock in any Levi's store near here (Wisconsin-IL). If you could help me to find out where can I buy them, I just want to 'em so badly.
mart (not verified) - Oct 17 2011
I have try to a pair of those grest jeans in montreal, Canada and the levi's store told me they have'nt received any ? Will they be available in Montral, Canada soon ? Thanks
Richard (not verified) - Oct 16 2011
My name is Richard. I`m a Levi`s consumer for more than 25 years. My question is: I have 2 pairs of 501 32x34 size (that I LOVE) but tore the leather patch. My question is: How and where can I find 2 leather patches to buy? And the leather patch is very thin. Thanks once again Regards
Al (not verified) - Sep 12 2011
I bought a pair while in NYC a few in March. They are one of the best Jeans I have ever owned. But just a few issues: The colour has faded too quick, even though I gave it a long time before my 1st wash and try not to wash often and when I do, use appropriate no-bleach based detergent etc. I have enjoyed wearing them so much that in fact I have ditched my other 5 fave pairs of jeans and wear almost daily to the point where a friend is getting me more pairs from NYC. I live in London, UK and can't understand why they are not available here. As for the rest of Europe I can't really say but generally as you will know, what goes down in NYC also goes down well in London and vice versa. It's a given that these would sell out if you stocked them on trial in some key London locations. So if there was a better way to lock the colour rather than the eco-wash system then they would be perfect! Best fit ever!
Carles (not verified) - Sep 11 2011
28/32 Pretty please.
Nick P. (not verified) - Jun 14 2011
@home designer in Toronto here, I wanted to chime in with some serious kudos. These are by far some of the best tailored men's jeans I've ever worn. Took up 3/4" at the hem to dial in the fit of your 30/32 just right and they're quite literally a perfect fit. I've actually gone a step further and moved the original pocket placement up 1/4" to sit my wallet just right under my butt. I must say, I've taken every measurement possible in the hopes to recreate these jeans in every wash I can concoct. That is, of course, until you folks start releasing them and save me the trouble. :) A question, though, are there any hints or suggestions you can (or are WILLING, I should say) to give me as far as drafting a pattern of these beauties? I'm twenty five years old and haven't grown an inch in years, I'd love to be able to have a reliable pattern to refer to so I can actually bang these out myself. Don't get me wrong, I bought them and plan to continue to do so as they're released. It's just unlikely that you'd put an entire color pallette of these out, and I really need to ditch some girls' pants. Thanks for any tips or secrets you can throw my way. More importantly, thanks for the jeans! (I have to state the obvious, but, if I'd intended to rip off these things for reproduction/sale, wouldn't I have just chopped up the pair I have? Yes, I would have. But to hell with that, I love my ex-girlfriends.)
Joseph (not verified) - Jun 12 2011
Hi. I want to suggest that these jeans be put on Amazon.com soon. I can only find the 510 on Amazon.com. Also, are there more colors going to be made soon for the ex-girlfriend jeans? Thanks!
Anonymous (not verified) - Jun 05 2011
Are these pants actually unhealthy for men in the crotch area? Because more than a few men are afraid to wear them because they are afraid of damage to their fertility or blood circulation. Please clarify.
Earl (not verified) - Apr 06 2011
hello im really interested in these jeans but can you please make sizes in 28/32
Mike (not verified) - Mar 28 2011
The only thing I dont like about these jeans (and my 510's are the same way) is the back pockets hang too low. They should have been up higher and maybe a little smaller. It would have been nice to add side ankle zippers to them, I always hear guys complain they cant get thier foot through them ( I dont have that problem though), but I like the looks of the zippers. I would have came up with a better name though.....like "wetsuit jeans" since they kindda look like the bottom part of a wetsuit, and Im sure if guys wore them to swim in ( I do cos Im really into the wetlook fetish) they would buy more since they would fade out alot quicker. But thats just my thoughts.
Dude (not verified) - Mar 27 2011
Great jeans ! Been looking for something like this a long time. They feel great on your body..
Dugger (not verified) - Mar 10 2011
I bought a pair and love them. This is perhaps the first 21st century denim pant. It uses modern elastane and styling for snug fit that's warm in the winter without letting in the chills. Upstairs they are not at all binding and folks on other blogs worried about binding and compression have it all wrong. Traditional denim will constrict. These conform and expand to fit. I feel no sense of binding at all, they feel more comfortable than nonstretch jeans. My wife bought these for me. I was amazed the first time I put them on. She likes the looks of them even better.
Christian (not verified) - Mar 02 2011
Congratulations to this great jeans ! I were looking for something like this a long time and I found the 571 or the 473 for me. But now I must get this new skinny jean. Now I´d really like to know, when and where I can get the "ex-girlfriend-jean" in Germany. In the "Levi's-store" I called today, they even didn´t know anything about this and said, something special like this, they´ll never get. It´s not possible for me to travel to the US to buy one. Please let me and many others know, how to get them ! Thanks, Chris
mordechai (not verified) - Feb 16 2011
casey we love you. brilliant story to boot.
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