501xx Forums » Topic: Changes to 501's sizes

501xx Forums » Topic: Changes to 501's sizes http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes You can find us in da tub... en-US Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:41:49 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q http://forums.nedsferatu.com/search.php Throwback on "Changes to 501's sizes" http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes/page/2#post-936 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 13:45:11 +0000 Throwback 936@http://forums.nedsferatu.com/ Hi Marius and welcome! <img src="http://forums.nedsferatu.com/my-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif" title=":-)" class="bb_smilies" /> There's a very good chance your 501s aren't as high as they used to be. There have been many changes to the 501s throughout the years, and so they're radically different than the original Levi's miners used to wear. Marius on "Changes to 501's sizes" http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes/page/2#post-935 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:20:08 +0000 Marius 935@http://forums.nedsferatu.com/ I dunno if this forum is still allive. But is it true that the old 501s were higher in the waist? Because I just bought some brand new ones, and I wish they were higher. I have a hard time believing these were the kind of pants physical workers like gold miners used. Ziggyman44 on "Changes to 501's sizes" http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes/page/2#post-809 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 01:31:16 +0000 Ziggyman44 809@http://forums.nedsferatu.com/ I've worn button=fly 501's for years. But lately, they don't seem to fit as comfortably. Specifically, the inseam does not fit snugly against my crotch, but rides down an inch or so and chafes on my thighs. Has there been some change to the cut? Or is it just my mid-life changes that I'm feeling? Pelc on "Changes to 501's sizes" http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes/page/2#post-779 Sat, 16 Oct 2010 00:01:50 +0000 Pelc 779@http://forums.nedsferatu.com/ I am new on that excellent forum. What I found out last days, unfortunately, levis 501 style can be different even in the same season. I have 2 pairs of dark 501: - Marlon, coded 501.0162 (rinsed dark indigo), 2010, size 32x34 - Med Dimension Dry, coded 501.0782 (dry, dark indigo), 2010, size 32x34 You can find both of them on eu.levi.com, bought in autorised Levi's store. The different is in front pockets shapes and in coin pocket size (sic!). Front pockets in 501.0782 are so tight and small for my big hands, where in 501.0162 are fine and comfortable. Width of coin pocket in Med Dimensional Dry 501.0782 is 3,5 inch. Width of coin pocket in Marlon 501.0162 is 4 inch. To be honest with you, Levi's is unpredictible. They can not keep the same style, as they said they would do (both models based on 1947 edition). I thought that every, each model is precisely described, specified in Levi's company in order to give specification for factories around the world. PS. Sorry about my poor English... scotty on "Changes to 501's sizes" http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes/page/2#post-570 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:34:03 +0000 scotty 570@http://forums.nedsferatu.com/ Having now a pair of preshunk 501s in the lightweight "dark aged", I can tell the difference between my new shrink to fits (no XX on the tag sadly and the preshrunks. The preshrunks seem to fit a little better in the rear, slightly higher and wider back pockets and a bit more fit in the theighs. The back yoke is also not as low on the preshrunks. I wish the STFs were like these except still maintain the thick denim Kane on "Changes to 501's sizes" http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes/page/2#post-569 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:50:03 +0000 Kane 569@http://forums.nedsferatu.com/ Im lovin' my brand spanking new pair of 501 STF's and on a cursory glance, i can't help but be awed by how much they resemble the 1947 jean. Which brings me to the point i want to make about the ever changing style of the 501 STF jean. I mentioned in another post that i had no idea why i had lost my interest in 501 STF jeans back in the late 80's but now it is clear. Part of the reason was because of a taste aberration on my part - namely Marithe Francois Girbaud but the primary reason for 'gettin out' was due to the style of the 501's at the time. The fit was slim and the waist seemed too low. What irked me even more, however, was the placement and design of the rear pockets. They were way too small and placed too high up on the rear and the arcuates were not deep. The only reference i had at the time was the occasional photo of the vintage levi's that were hot in japan and this influence had somewhat filtered into Vancouver. I was not a denim head by any means but i knew what i liked. Flash forward 20 odd years and LS& Co have outdone themselves with a bang up job on their latest offering - huge, low slung pockets with a deep arcuate, straight, semi wide legs and opening. WONDERFUL!! One last word to you Ned: why dont you like all CAPS? Edmund X White on "Changes to 501's sizes" http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes/page/2#post-250 Fri, 27 Mar 2009 18:51:41 +0000 Edmund X White 250@http://forums.nedsferatu.com/ Welcome jmkapla! Glad you are here! jmkapla on "Changes to 501's sizes" http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes/page/2#post-248 Fri, 27 Mar 2009 02:01:07 +0000 jmkapla 248@http://forums.nedsferatu.com/ The forum here is great I have learned a lot about 501 XX's. I have been wearing them since the mid 90's and have noticed over the years how the cut and fit has slightly changed from time to time. I just purchased two new pairs one black and one blue. The black pair was made in Mexico and my normal size I buy in XX is 33, 32 these new black however are a bit longer even after shrinking I should have went with a 31 inseem, they were made in Mexico. The waist and seat fit great on the new black pair I will just have to cuff them when I wear them. I have yet to shrink my blue pair they were made in the Dominican Republic like my last blue pair. Klaus on "Changes to 501's sizes" http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes/page/2#post-247 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:53:14 +0000 Klaus 247@http://forums.nedsferatu.com/ My '08 STF has the old, narrow belt loops that we all know. It seems that all the prewashed models do have the new, broader loops. There is a picture somewhere in this thread. Also, the watch pocket is sewn lopsided onto the preshrunks. These are minor appearance details. The striking thing are the back pockets. The STF's pockets are way longer than the preshrunk's! Now I was thinking that perhaps after the shrinking process the pockets will be shorter, so that's why they are longer first. But I don't think they will shrink that much and I have never seen such a difference in the '93 model. I'll provide some measurements if I find the time. I cannot compare the fit as the soak will take place in warmer weather. Cam on "Changes to 501's sizes" http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes/page/2#post-246 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:55:52 +0000 Cam 246@http://forums.nedsferatu.com/ <blockquote>The 2008 model shows differences, too.</blockquote> In the fit or just the details? Because I want to get a pair of khaki 501's (pre-shrunk), but I want to be sure that they have the same slim fit as the '08 STF's (well, actually, '06, I believe now). I'd try them on and see for myself, but no store around here carries khaki 501's, so I'd have to order them online. Klaus on "Changes to 501's sizes" http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes/page/2#post-245 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:35:12 +0000 Klaus 245@http://forums.nedsferatu.com/ <blockquote>No, unfortunately, they both share the same loose fit. </blockquote> Ah, I misunderstood you, Cam. (I probably wanted to, lol). I was just hoping for a difference between the STFs and the preshrunk models. The 2008 model shows differences, too. Cam on "Changes to 501's sizes" http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes/page/2#post-241 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:42:28 +0000 Cam 241@http://forums.nedsferatu.com/ <blockquote>So the '03 shrink-to-fit model has a tighter fit than the pre-washed?</blockquote> No, unfortunately, they both share the same loose fit. The difference I was pointing out in this specific pair of pre-shrunks was only in the style of the rear pockets--square versus v-shaped. Klaus on "Changes to 501's sizes" http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes/page/2#post-240 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:15:38 +0000 Klaus 240@http://forums.nedsferatu.com/ <blockquote> I've found pre-shrunk 501's from 2006 that have single stitch inseams and a loose fit, but v-shaped pockets.</blockquote> So the '03 shrink-to-fit model has a tighter fit than the pre-washed? If I could rely on that, I could live with the big back pockets and try a pair. My girlfriend is willing to try STFs if the thigh isn't too tight, so I recommended the '03 model. After your post I'd rather let it be, though. Cam on "Changes to 501's sizes" http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes/page/2#post-239 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 20:04:04 +0000 Cam 239@http://forums.nedsferatu.com/ After further investigation, I've come to the conclusion that the 2003-2008 period is a mess. There seems to be no consistency among the various features of the 501 model during this period. Especially STF vs. pre-shrunk. I've found pre-shrunk 501's from 2006 that have single stitch inseams and a loose fit, but v-shaped pockets. Klaus on "Changes to 501's sizes" http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes/page/2#post-238 Sat, 21 Mar 2009 18:21:08 +0000 Klaus 238@http://forums.nedsferatu.com/ I went to have a look at our European 501s today. To compare the '03s and '08s, I randomly took 34x32, folded and put them onto each other. I realised the leg width being identical from the knee downwards! Now that surprised me, as I have done the same a few weeks ago with 30x32s and the '03s leg was wider on the entire lenght. This confused me until my girlfriend (a tailor) explained to me that for larger waist sizes only the seat and thigh would be considerably wider, otherwise the lower leg would be too loose and the pants wouln't have a good shape. As far as the pockets are concerned, over here the '08s did have the square back pockets as usually the '03s had. The styling is very radical, used, light fraying, the "dirty" look, very colourful stitching. The denim has the "stripy" look, an extreme version of the old, ring spun denim. Edmund X White on "Changes to 501's sizes" http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes/page/2#post-230 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 19:07:26 +0000 Edmund X White 230@http://forums.nedsferatu.com/ test Cam on "Changes to 501's sizes" http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes/page/2#post-225 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:25:42 +0000 Cam 225@http://forums.nedsferatu.com/ Your theory is probably close to the truth. Cost savings probably plays a part in there somewhere too. Klaus on "Changes to 501's sizes" http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes/page/2#post-223 Sun, 15 Mar 2009 08:48:30 +0000 Klaus 223@http://forums.nedsferatu.com/ <blockquote> It's the double-felled inseam that confuses me most. It appears that Levi's switched from the single inseam to the double sometime in 2006. Same with the rear pockets, and, apparently, the overall fit. Another thing--the rear pockets on these are higher and don't sit down on your hamstrings like they do on the single-felled 2003's.</blockquote> I have seen pictures on ebay some time ago that clearly showed a 2003 model that had the smaller, v-shaped rear pockets, too (0194 dark stone, though). As my only experience with the '03 model are studies of pictures on the net, some tried on pairs of (European) jeans and occasional visits to the Levi's store to have another look at them, I cannot say much. What I found out about the European models is that there are single and double felled inseams around as well es different coloured stitching on pockets and yoke seams. Anyway, this doesn't give a hint about US 501s. <blockquote>What's more, there are, evidently, some minor year-to-year differences within the 2003-era 501's as well. I have 501's made in 2003 with blue stitching around the button holes, and 501's made in 2004 with gold stitching.</blockquote> Let me make a guess here: There evidently have been a lot of complaints from long-time 501 customers after the change in fall of 2003. I reckon the complaints never stopped and gave LS&Co quite a hard time, having them make constant changes as to satisfy customers but still not to lose their face and go back to the beloved '93 cut. There may not be a clean changeover at all, the '03 model may have evolved over the time. I'd say the new, universal cut is clear evidence that the "anti-fit" was despised by customers, as it has been around for a mere five years. Look at the '84 and '93 model, which were essentially the same, this style has been for some 20 years around before a change. <blockquote>Too bad LS isn't any good at answering these sorts of questions. </blockquote> Exaxtly. Last week I found a job description on the net for a job at LS&Co's customer service. One does only have to have a basic interest in fashion. There is no knowledge of Levi's current or vintage products needed! <img src="http://forums.nedsferatu.com/my-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_confused.gif" title=":?" class="bb_smilies" /> Cam on "Changes to 501's sizes" http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes/page/2#post-222 Sun, 15 Mar 2009 02:55:57 +0000 Cam 222@http://forums.nedsferatu.com/ It's my understanding that the STF 2003-cut 501's (boxy top block, "anti-fit" seat, wide legs) are characterized by single stitched inseams and large squarish rear pockets. I was under the impression that this cut was produced from early 2003 to around May of 2008, when it was replaced by the new "universal" cut that is characterized by v-shaped rear pockets, double stitched inseams, and a slimmer fit. However, the 1106 and 1107 pair I have seem to contradict these time frames. Unless someone has a better explanation, I'm going to assume that the "universal" cut was actually available in the US sometime in 2006, and that the "anti-fit" 2003-cut was a limited-time affair, available for only ~3 years. What's more, there are, evidently, some minor year-to-year differences within the 2003-era 501's as well. I have 501's made in 2003 with blue stitching around the button holes, and 501's made in 2004 with gold stitching. Too bad LS isn't any good at answering these sorts of questions. Edmund X White on "Changes to 501's sizes" http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes/page/2#post-221 Sat, 14 Mar 2009 23:55:26 +0000 Edmund X White 221@http://forums.nedsferatu.com/ STF have (almost) always been double felled in the inseam. the single was only a rare batch and quickly went back to double felled. pre-shrunk are single felled. this is my understanding at least Cam on "Changes to 501's sizes" http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes/page/2#post-219 Sat, 14 Mar 2009 21:04:08 +0000 Cam 219@http://forums.nedsferatu.com/ I may be using confusing terminology here. I mean a single line of stitching versus a double line of stitching on the inseam. I'm not sure if both of these seams qualify as being "felled". Cam on "Changes to 501's sizes" http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes/page/2#post-218 Sat, 14 Mar 2009 18:20:00 +0000 Cam 218@http://forums.nedsferatu.com/ I don't believe the two pair are irregulars. It's the double-felled inseam that confuses me most. It appears that Levi's switched from the single inseam to the double sometime in 2006. Same with the rear pockets, and, apparently, the overall fit. Another thing--the rear pockets on these are higher and don't sit down on your hamstrings like they do on the single-felled 2003's. Before I speculate any further, it would be nice to know if anyone has any single-felled 501's made after 2005, but before July, 2008. <img src="http://forums.nedsferatu.com/my-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_question.gif" title=":?:" class="bb_smilies" /> Klaus on "Changes to 501's sizes" http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes/page/2#post-215 Sat, 14 Mar 2009 08:15:21 +0000 Klaus 215@http://forums.nedsferatu.com/ Cam, your post confuses me, too! <img src="http://forums.nedsferatu.com/my-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_question.gif" title=":?:" class="bb_smilies" /> Is it possible that the snugger '03 jeans are irregulars? Jeans that turned out with an odd cut from the factory, with wrong parts put together (v-shaped pockets)? Seamstresses do have a difficult time as they may sew 501s for a few weeks, then making Nike sweatpants and another three weeks later they may sew for another brand. Cam on "Changes to 501's sizes" http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes/page/2#post-212 Sat, 14 Mar 2009 05:02:18 +0000 Cam 212@http://forums.nedsferatu.com/ Now I'm confused about the 2003 cut... I picked up a new pair of STF 501's, with an 1107 date code. As I understand it, with that date code, these should be 2003-cut jeans. However, this pair has a double felled inseam and v-shaped rear pockets. To make things even more confusing, I found a pair of used 501's with an 1106(!) date code that also have a double felled inseam and v-shaped rear pockets. All the recent-vintage single-felled 501s I have date from early 2003 to late 2005 and have large squarish rear pockets. The new 1107 are still raw, so I can't say anything about their fit, but the used (1106) double-felled 501s do not fit like the single-felled 501's I have--the double felled 501's have a snugger fit. I'm not sure what to make of this. Except for the new "501" waist band tag, these jeans could pass for the newest cut (mid-2008) 501's. Could it be that Levi's started to change to the newest fit as early as 2006? Edmund X White on "Changes to 501's sizes" http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes/page/2#post-197 Wed, 11 Mar 2009 19:15:32 +0000 Edmund X White 197@http://forums.nedsferatu.com/ <blockquote>I have one thing to add to the comparison: The leg from the knee downwards has a slimmer fit, almost like a slight taper. </blockquote> that sounds really interesting, i like the idea of that Klaus on "Changes to 501's sizes" http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes/page/2#post-192 Wed, 11 Mar 2009 18:26:29 +0000 Klaus 192@http://forums.nedsferatu.com/ Welcome back, Ned! I hope you and your wife had a terrific time! <img src="http://forums.nedsferatu.com/my-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_biggrin.gif" title=":D" class="bb_smilies" /> As for your question, I don't know. On the official website there are only "boyfriend" jeans in the women's corner. There are some on ebay, though. I have one thing to add to the comparison: The leg from the knee downwards has a slimmer fit, almost like a slight taper. Edmund X White on "Changes to 501's sizes" http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes#post-187 Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:02:59 +0000 Edmund X White 187@http://forums.nedsferatu.com/ thanks for the comparison photos! are women's 501's still sold new? we were at the store the other day and didn't see any. I have a feeling this is a ebay only kind of thing. Cam on "Changes to 501's sizes" http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes#post-180 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 05:00:19 +0000 Cam 180@http://forums.nedsferatu.com/ <blockquote>...when a garment's function is affected by styling, why would anybody like to wear it. What I have in mind are back pockets on the thighs, low waistband so the lower back is exposed to wind in winter etc. This doesn't make any sense to me, as in the first place we people wear clothes to be protected from the elements. [:?] </blockquote> Exactly. <blockquote>If you are interested in something specific from Europe I perhaps will be able to get it for you.</blockquote> Thank you for the offer. Unfortunately, they really are too expensive for me at the moment. Klaus on "Changes to 501's sizes" http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes#post-176 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:34:33 +0000 Klaus 176@http://forums.nedsferatu.com/ <blockquote>Some of the back pockets on those European Levi's look downright goofy, especially the super-long pockets. And what is with the watch pocket being placed above the waistband seam?</blockquote> Yeah, they can be seen everywhere, they seem to be popular as a lot of guys wear them. I admit to be rather a traditionalist, but when a garment's function is affected by styling, why would anybody like to wear it. What I have in mind are back pockets on the thighs, low waistband so the lower back is exposed to wind in winter etc. This doesn't make any sense to me, as in the first place we people wear clothes to be protected from the elements. <img src="http://forums.nedsferatu.com/my-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_confused.gif" title=":?" class="bb_smilies" /> <blockquote>I also don't want anything beyond a rinsed indigo look when it comes to new jeans.</blockquote> For me stonewashed jeans are acceptable, too. I have liked them always, as long as they are an even, factory produced fade. I'm sometimes too 80ies, I know. There is something wrong about artifically fade jeans, in my opinion. It's somehow like betraying the guys who wear their jeans for years to get them that way. I really hate the finishes with whiskers, sandblasted thighs and butts or even green (!) overdye. This is too extreme for me. <blockquote>Instead, I'm going to wash these jeans more frequently to produce more subdued fading.</blockquote> That's what I do. I prefer a more subtle, less contrasted fading on my jeans. <blockquote>Nevertheless, it does appear that at least a few European and Japanese models are available in passable finishes, and, I have to admit, those jeans really intrigue me. If they weren't so pricey, I'd satisfy my curiosity by importing some of them.</blockquote> I had a look at the Japanese models, too. Some are okay looking, I couldn't understand what the text said, though. <img src="http://forums.nedsferatu.com/my-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_lol.gif" title=":lol:" class="bb_smilies" /> If you are interested in something specific from Europe I perhaps will be able to get it for you. <blockquote>Thanks for the comparison. I've been curious about this for some time. </blockquote> <img src="http://forums.nedsferatu.com/my-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif" title=":-)" class="bb_smilies" /> Cam on "Changes to 501's sizes" http://forums.nedsferatu.com/topic/changes-to-501s-sizes#post-172 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 05:30:31 +0000 Cam 172@http://forums.nedsferatu.com/ <blockquote>The 501 model seems to be a radical, youth oriented model over here. Mind that I don't go looking into our stores, maybe a few times a year a look at our Levi's models only to regret it afterwards. You'd have a hard time looking for rinsed or stonewashed "classics", they are all artificially aged, painted, treated, destroyed. The way I described the fabric is inaccurate, it isn't wool, of course, but it looks somehow like the thicker, wooly dress pants my grandfather used to wear. The stitching is done in the weird colours I described, sometimes the thread is thicker, like thin wool, especially on the arcuates. The familiar copper/orange thread isn't used too much, looking at some pockets, they look like children's jeans with very colourful orange, yellow and white arcuates, with a little "glittery" look. There is a regular fit jeans model which could be had in normal colours, but the 501 styling is extreme. There might be some more decent washes in some stores, but they are the minority.</blockquote> What you describe about these jeans is too radical/trendy for me as well. I don't care for those exotic details. Some of the back pockets on those European Levi's look downright goofy, especially the super-long pockets. And what is with the watch pocket being placed above the waistband seam? Strange. I also don't want anything beyond a rinsed indigo look when it comes to new jeans. I prefer to naturally fade and distress my jeans. Actually, I'm starting to form a real aversion to strategically distressed denim. Even wiskering and localized fading that is 100% natural is starting to feel affected. In fact, with my newest pair of STF's, I've decided not to wear them in their semi-raw state for a prolonged period of time as one normally would to produce those sorts of wear elements. Instead, I'm going to wash these jeans more frequently to produce more subdued fading. Nevertheless, it does appear that at least a few European and Japanese models are available in passable finishes, and, I have to admit, those jeans really intrigue me. If they weren't so pricey, I'd satisfy my curiosity by importing some of them. <blockquote>Here is a picture of men's and women's 501s. The stonewashed is the women's model, both pairs are from 2000, Mexican made and their actual measurements are 29x31. The women's pair has a higher rise and slightly wider hips and thighs, but nothing earth shattering. (jeans are folded and put together exactly at the waistline)</blockquote> <blockquote>When putting on the women's 501, as an experienced wearer of the '93 cut I recongnize the difference, but it really isn't that much. From an objective standpoint it fits probably even better since I have athletic thighs.</blockquote> Thanks for the comparison. I've been curious about this for some time.