Levi’s® Vintage Clothing (LVC) – 1901 “Japan” 501® is part of Levi’s Vintage Clothing line, which reimagines iconic archival models with modern authenticity.
This particular model uses premium Japanese selvedge denim, renowned for its texture and quality, giving the 1901 design new life with refined tailoring and vintage accuracy.
While now taken for granted, the earliest iterations of the blue jeans didn’t initially offer two back pockets. Levi’s® Vintage Clothing unveiled the 1901 “Japan” 501® Jeans, representing a pivotal moment in denim history when the fifth pocket was added to the classic 501® jeans design.
These historically significant jeans celebrate Japanese craftsmanship, especially now that all of LVC’s Shrink-to-Fit™ fabrics are being produced in Japan, marking another chapter in LVC’s commitment to preserving authentic American workwear heritage.
The 1901 “Japan” 501® Jeans capture both a pivotal moment in denim history and Japanese denim artistry. Made from Shrink-to-Fit™ Plain Selvedge Denim, these high-waisted, relaxed-fit jeans are reproduced with Japanese craftsmanship. While the jeans are made in Japan from Japanese selvedge denim, every single archival detail like back leather patch, rivets, packaging, and even the stamping on the buttons, is translated into Japanese.
Each pair includes a note detailing the historical significance of the fifth pocket addition. Its unique design details include two back pockets with exposed rivets, center-back cinch, suspender buttons, “Two Horse” leather patch, crotch rivet, and single-needle arcuate stitching.
“The 1901 501® Jeans represent an important evolution in denim history, as it’s the year we added the fifth pocket that would become standard on jeans forever,” said Paul O’Neill, Design Director, Levi’s® Vintage Clothing.
To sum it up, the LVC editions go beyond fabric – every detail is localized. The leather patch, red tab, rivets, buttons, packaging, and even the tag wording are rendered in Japanese, creating a distinctive collectible.
The LVC 1901 “Japan” 501® Jeans ($495 USD) are available on Levi.com, the Levi’s® App, and in select Levi’s® Stores.
