Levi's 501 Original Fit Jeans

Overview

Levi's 501 is the original riveted work jean that evolved into the iconic 501® Original Fit Jeans first developed after the 1873 rivet-patent partnership between Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss; the 501 lot number became Levi's flagship jean and remains the brand's signature straight-fit, button-fly style. (levistrauss.com)

Brand origin and history

The Levi's® brand and the 501® line trace to Levi Strauss & Co., founded in San Francisco in 1853; the riveted trousers patented in 1873 set the template for modern jeans and the 501 designation was established as the hallmark product. The 501 has been continuously iterated (women's 501, stretch versions, vintage reissues) but remains anchored to its original heritage. (levistrauss.com)

Manufacturing and supply chain

Levi Strauss & Co. sources and produces apparel through a global network of independent contract manufacturers and reports sourcing across dozens of countries (the company states it sources products from approximately 34 countries and publishes factory/mill supplier information as part of its transparency efforts). Because Levi's products (including many 501 variants) are produced worldwide, country-of-origin labels for an individual pair depend on the specific production run and factory. For this reason the product is listed as "Multiple countries." (levi.com)

Ownership and corporate details

The Levi's brand is owned and managed by Levi Strauss & Co., a U.S.-headquartered company with primary corporate offices in San Francisco; the company is publicly traded (NYSE: LEVI) and remains the ultimate owner of the Levi's brand and its 501 product line. Corporate filings and annual reports identify Levi Strauss & Co. as the reporting and operating parent, with global operations and regional subsidiaries supporting distribution and retail. (annual-statements.com)