It’s definitely interesting to see how the 501 has changed through time. The 80s version here aren’t flashy or wild or full of pads like one might assume. They’re a good 501 fit, light weight, selvedge denim.

Color is awesome, more on the blue navy than dark navy side. The thread is a lighter weight so the jean feels broken in not stiff like a selvedge usually feels. Id suggest 3 sizes up because 2 sizes up i baught feel a little more fitted than my preshrunk 1980s so when i wash them.....i will hope i still fit in them.

After reading conflicting reviews as well as a chat with a veteran Levi’s STF (shrink-to-fit) customer, i decided to follow the instructions given by Levi’s and sized up 2” for both the waist and length. After a hot water soak, with added vinegar to minimize indigo loss, I let the pair hang dry for several hours and then wore them around the neighborhood slightly damp (hot sunmer!). The waist didnt shrink a full 2” but id say the length seemed affexted more. Great pair so far. Im looking forward to unique fades and whiskering

I'm a bit of a raw denim enthusiast and have been searching for some iconic "true" 80's levi's, and these definitely fit the bill. For those wondering, yes they do shrink all over. I got the 33x32, and the inseam did shrink 2 inches (15 min cold soak in the tub, then top load washer on delicate (inside out), hang dry over night). I suspect they will shrink more if hot washed and/or put in dryer. Note that I have some recent 505's in medium wash and a pair of the '93 501's (premium), both in a size 31 that fit rather snug, and I went with the 33's in these (might have been able to go for a waist 32 to get the same snugness). If you lay them flat, pull the front rise to match the rear rise, and measure across, it equals the waist size. E.g. a size 33 measured 16.5" across (pre soak). Surprisingly, the waist didn't shrink as much as I thought, which is why i think i might have been able to do a size 32 (but I still think the 33's are the proper size for me). Customer service didn't seem quite as knowledgeable as I expected. I had to inform them and point out on the site where it says that they do shrink, but they thought I was talking about the "shrink-to-fit" line. Technically they are right, these are not their "shrink-to-fit" line, but they do in fact shrink the same way the shrink to fit line does. Still, the fabric is very good, and the construction is very very good quality (despite being made in china, which I'm not too happy about). You can tell these will fade to a nice light blue color with wear. For reference, I'm 5'10", 175lbs with an average body type (except I have no butt and probably on the leaner side of thighs). Hope this helps answer some questions out there.

I only wore 501 STF jeans in the 1980s. These fit just like I remember my old 501s fitting but with better quality denim. My new favorite jeans. I soaked them in hot tap water bath for 45 minutes towel dried them and then wore them for an hour to allow them to shrink to me. Perfect fit!

Clearly the other reviewers don't understand that the raw 501s are selvedge shrink to fit and are doing what they're supposed to do when you wash a raw pair of 501s...they shrink. Wear them for 6 months before the first wash or do a soak while wearing them with vinegar and salt to save some indigo while you shrink them to your body. Buy a size or two up and then shrink to fit. Classic 501.

Just received mine last week. They were a big baggy out of the package, but based on the tags I don't think they are sanforized. I did order my waist size and the shortest available was 32 length(I'm normally 30 length). I do recommend going 2 inches longer, getting your waist size and doing a soak and putting them on before they fully dry. The fit doing this is amazing. I've got just enough length from them to get a reasonable cuff to show the selvedge. They're also advertised as as 14 oz denim where most unsanforized with Levi's is 12oz. I think this is true. They feel a bit heavier than any other Levi's selvedge I have. Easily my favorite pair of jeans right now. Pictures are pre-soak.

I am 6'2'', not exactly a giant. I would really like to have a pair of these, but the longest inseam you can order is 34". I see someone else asked if the size you order is pre-shrunk size - and the reply was to call the customer support number. Ok, I did that, and they did not know. I am thinking they will shrink 2" in the inseam after washed - and if the longest pair I can order is 34", after shrinkage I would not be able to wear them. I am willing to buy a pair 34" and wash them in cold water and line dry if that will keep them from shrinking. But, alas, I can't get an answer from customer service as to whether they will shrink in the inseam. And, ... if the answer is yes, they will shrink, why is it not possible to custom order a pair 36" long. My goodness, 6'2" isn't that tall, it's not like I am a giant (it's the average male height in the Netherlands). I'd still love to order a pair if I could just get my question answered (again, though, call customer service is not a solution). ugh! thanks, ... I guess :-)