Levi’s once again has some great news for all of us vintage denim lovers – read on to find out.
In the early 1890s, Levi Strauss & Co. introduced the Lot 201, a budget-friendly version of the groundbreaking iconic 501® pants. To continue the celebration of the 501® family legacy, the Levi’s® Vintage Clothing (LVC) team has recreated the 1920s versions of both the Lot 201 Jeans and their companion piece, the Lot 213 Jacket.
First appearing in 1890 as a “value” alternative to the 501® jeans, the Lot 201 (also known as “No. 2”) was crafted for working people who needed quality denim at a more accessible price point. While featuring many of the same revolutionary elements as its premium counterpart, Lot 201 incorporated cost-saving modifications like a cloth “Two Horse” patch instead of leather. Despite being discontinued around World War II as 501® jeans rose to global prominence, these pants represented an important chapter in Levi’s® commitment to outfitting Americans of all economic backgrounds.
The new LVC 1920s Lot 201 Jean faithfully reproduces the relaxed fit characteristic of this era, including black branded donut buttons, a cinch buckle, and exposed copper rivets. Crafted from Japanese Shrink-To-Fit™ selvedge denim with a distinctive blue line instead of the classic red, these jeans honor the original’s offering as a more accessible yet still impeccably crafted alternative 501® jeans. Made in Japan with exacting attention to historical detail, each pair embodies the same quality-minded approach that defined the original almost 135 years ago.
To complete the fit, the LVC team has also revived the Lot 213 Jacket, the 1920s budget counterpart to the Type 1 jacket. The faithful reproduction features Japanese Shrink-To-Fit™ blue line selvedge denim, the cloth “Two Horse” patch, and the black branded donut buttons found on its matching Lot 201 jeans. Also made in Japan, the jacket also includes period-correct details like a cinch and copper rivets, completing an authentic workwear ensemble from the Roaring Twenties.
“The Lot 201 and Lot 213 provide a fascinating and often-overlooked glimpse into our history, showing how we have always considered our customers by offering quality products at all price points.” said Paul O’Neill, Design Director, Levi’s® Vintage Clothing. “From the ‘Two-Horse’ cloth patch to the black donut buttons, it’s great to bring these pieces back to life with all their unique quirks on such a beautiful denim.”
With only 800 hand-numbered pieces of each style priced at $495, the limited-edition Levi’s® Vintage Clothing 1920s Lot 201 Jean and Lot 213 Jacket will be globally available for purchase March 27th on Levi.com as well as select Levi’s® stores and wholesale partners in Europe and Asia.
