How to shop for vintage Levi’s 501 jeans

How to shop for vintage Levi’s (specifically 501s)- sizing, selvedge, the big E, where to buy, and more

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[funtimefranky]

I’ve just dug out my 501 pre 1971’s, I’ve had them 37 years and bought them from a shop called American Classics on the Kings Road London which was a real cool shop that sold vintage clothes. I also have a really cool 501 bra top pre 1971 which I bought off an independent designer 35 years ago in Kensington, London. My days for bra tops are over so I think I’ll sell them and earn som cash!

[drwisdom]

I have been wearing 501s for over 50 years and have a huge collection of vintage Levi's. I liked this video and it was a good presentation. I think buyers of used vintage 501 jeans should prefer buying darker 501s. Back when I was young all Levi's came dark blue and you had to fade them yourself through washing and wearing. But when jeans became popular they started making them pre-faded and today they add phony wear lines. But that makes the fade look fake. Then Levi's started using poor quality cotton and they now have to pre-fade to cover up its inability to fade beautifully. When you buy a darker vintage 501 that just means it is going to have a longer life, it will be softer, and more of the fade will be due to you owning them.

There is nothing special about big "E" except that it indicates the jeans/jackets are now 50+ years old. It is the age and the jeans that makes them valuable, not the big E which is just an indicator. It used to be 501s were made from sheets of denim. The cotton maker used the "selvedge" so the edge didn't unravel which Levi's would strategically place inside of the leg outseam. The "redline" indicated the weight of the denim. There were other weights and line colors but the cotton weight Levi's used happened to be red. Levi's changed to using huge rolls of denim in the early 1980s ending the redline era. When that happened we didn't notice its disappearance. It wasn't until the 1990s that redlines became valuable and were used for dating. Redlines are a peculiar status symbol and you should get longer 501s and cuff them so people know they are redlines.

The fit and materials of Levi's 501s have evolved through the years. I think 501s from 1994-1999 are the very best. They used the best cotton denim and have the best fit for men because the waist is lower. But I definitely understand why Ms. Ahooja likes 1980s and before 501s because the higher waist is more complementary for women. I despise 501s that have been hemmed because they never look as good as the Levi's hem. If my jeans are too long I use them as cuffed jeans. So I was pleased to find out there is a shortening technique that keeps the original hem.

I quit buying 501s about 20 years ago because of my disappointment with 501s made after that. Luckily I had accumulated a lifetime supply of brand new with tags vintage 501s from before 2000. When my 501s get faded but still darker than those in this video, I wash them, fold them, and stick them in Rubbermaid storage bins. So I have a few dozen vintage 501s size 36x32 that this video made me think I should sell on Etsy.

[sfexplus]

mens orange tab 618 cut in the early 90's were made so well

[sandybrown]

Just came across this today and really appreciate the detailed suggestions. I am now OBSESSED with finding some. :)

[lovemesomelux]

What a great video. Always wanted to add vintage Levi's to my collection! Now, I will go in with knowledge! Thank you!

[Maya]

Hi ❤ you have a great info. I wish you tried all of them. It shows us the difference from a far, the back side and the fit.

[vilmasclosett]

What a great and informative video! I relate to age affecting how or what we feel is comfortable. I have 5 ribcage jeans in size 29w and now I don’t love the size of the look of figure hugging jeans. I’m starting to love 501s and I think I’ll be selling all of my ribcage and replace them with 501s

[sfexplus]

Just a bit of advice on hemming. There isn't any need for reattaching the original hem. just have them hemmed using a union special. usually high end denim specialists have it and won't cost more than 25 dollars, this way it's done to factory standards and you will still get the roping effect over time or as soon as you wash them.

[doris]

I’m 5’2” as well and it’s always nerve-wracking deciding on the length of my Levi’s. Thanks for this video. Loved it

[kbsyoutube]

Thank you so much for the European hem recommendation. I recently thrifted a pair of black 550’s that were a 36 inch inseam. I had them altered to a 31 inch inseam with the original hem and they look amazing. It is a little thicker but they still look great.

[kimcorpuz]

I love your collection so much! They all look amazing!

[SaraBiancaBentley]

Great video! Love your collection and your style, Neelam!

[jujuba]

Thank you! O hope for more videos from you! It’s so much good information! ❤🎉

[ashleyalverson]

Actually, I’d love to know where your sandals and shirt are from!!! 💜 your style, and you are absolutely beautiful! Thanks for the informative video!

[suttenwasserman]

Can you tell me what shirt you are wearing? Love it!

[ninadavies]

Excellent! I Have a pair of the darker Levis with the blank red tab, just the R on it. Bought off Depop, they'd left the charity shop tag on, £6.99 ..😁

[JulieAnnBasile]

Nice to meet you here. Beautiful review and I love your white shirt. How about a white shirt review ? Can’t get enough. I remember -972 Levi’s. I kept old khakis amd some 7 for mankind 1990 high waist bell bottoms. Hmm. Size 26 is a squeeze these days. Lovely work here. Thank you!!! Julie

[wzrdreams]

Levi's still make selvedge denim jeans. They are in the men's premium or reissue lines. Selvedge denim doesn't wear any better than non selvedge denim of the same fiber content and weave. The only thing about selvedge denim is that the selvedge edge is visible because they were cut with the outside seams along the edge. The 501's for women are not size inclusive because the largest missy size is a 32 waist. I last fit into a 32 when I was a teenager. The plus size version of the 501 has spandex (yuck) and they are cropped which doesn't work if you don't want cropped or are tall.

[NGS]

Thank you Ms. Ahooja for one of the best vintage Levis videos on youtube. I am now trying to build a little vintage denim rotation thanks to your expertise. One question - are any of your pairs orange tabs? If so, how do you rank them compared to the vintage red tabs? Thanks again for your awesome video!

[faithreyes]

Love your video and jean tips!! Thanks:)