501 150th Anniversary

Celebrating 150 Years of the Iconic Levi’s® 501® Fit


Levi Strauss & Co.
January 23, 2023

Today, the Levi’s® brand kicked off a yearlong celebration of the 150th anniversary of its most iconic design: the Levi’s® 501® jean. Throughout the year, the Levi’s® brand will celebrate with those who made the garment what it is today and those who will drive its future success: consumers, employees and communities around the world.  

“We’re extremely honored and proud to celebrate such an incredible milestone of an industry icon,” said Michelle Gass, president at Levi Strauss & Co. “Levi’s® 501® jeans are not just a staple in closets everywhere, but a garment woven into the very history of apparel and design. It’s a product that has withstood the test of time and today continues to make the Levi’s® brand stronger than ever before with the Levi’s® 501® family growing nearly 30% compared to the year prior. You simply can’t tell the story of Levi’s®, or of fashion, without telling the story of Levi’s® 501® jeans.” 

What began as a patent for copper rivets on work pants granted on May 20, 1873, has become the most iconic and influential piece of clothing ever created over the last 150 years. A canvas for rule-breaking, do-what-you-want style, the 501® family has broken the boundaries of time and culture, showing up in closets across generations. And as today’s denim era centers around looser and more relaxed fits across men’s and women’s, the Levi’s® 501® family continues to be a fan favorite everywhere. 

“Since its invention in 1873, the Levi’s® 501® jean has taken on a life of its own, becoming a beloved global icon of culture and enduring style,” said Karyn Hillman, chief product officer at Levi Strauss & Co. “The 501® fit has transcended from pure utilitarian workwear to an everyday uniform adopted by fans in every corner of the cultural landscape, across multiple generations. With such a monumental anniversary for the brand, we’ve leaned into our history, while threading through innovation and modern design, to bring a unique and exciting range of Levi’s® products to consumers around the world.” 

To join the excitement, visit Levi.com or a store near you. And to stay informed on the latest news and products from the Levi’s® brand, be sure to become a Red Tab Loyalty member 

For full details, see the press release.