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Men's Find Your 501® Fit

Campaigns / 
February 2023

Split screen of men's 501® buttshot and multi jean flat lay with overlaid "501® Jeans" graphic lockupSplit screen of men's 501® buttshot and multi jean flat lay with overlaid "501® Jeans" graphic lockup

You already know our iconic 501® fit—and with its 100+ years of history, how could you not? But do you know the whole family? Or even what a “fit family” is? Welp, here’s your chance to learn. Let’s start with the 501® fit. It’s the one and only original blue jean. It debuted over a hundred years ago as a workwear pant but slowly worked its way into the cultural zeitgeist as a downtime symbol of casual cool. It’s literally the blueprint on which all modern denim is made. Suffice it to say it’s kind of a big deal. So if the 501® is a fit, then what is a “fit family”? The fit family is all of the styles that are built as a variation of that original fit. For example, make the 501® Original just a little slouchier and you’ve got the 501® ’93 for men. So just think of the fit family as a collection of little tweaks here and there that put a fresh spin on a classic well-loved fit. Now to the 501® fit family. What are the little tweaks that make a big difference in these 501® variations, and what version of the 501® is right for you? Read on to find out.

You already know our iconic 501® fit—and with its 100+ years of history, how could you not? But do you know the whole family? Or even what a “fit family” is? Welp, here’s your chance to learn. Let’s start with the 501® fit. It’s the one and only original blue jean. It debuted over a hundred years ago as a workwear pant but slowly worked its way into the cultural zeitgeist as a downtime symbol of casual cool. It’s literally the blueprint on which all modern denim is made. Suffice it to say it’s kind of a big deal. So if the 501® is a fit, then what is a “fit family”? The fit family is all of the styles that are built as a variation of that original fit. For example, make the 501® Original just a little slouchier and you’ve got the 501® ’93 for men. So just think of the fit family as a collection of little tweaks here and there that put a fresh spin on a classic well-loved fit. Now to the 501® fit family. What are the little tweaks that make a big difference in these 501® variations, and what version of the 501® is right for you? Read on to find out.

501® Original

Alright, so we already discussed the 501® Original up top so we know its history and how iconic it really is. So let’s take this section to really dig into the fit and feel. The first thing you notice when you look at the 501® Original is the leg opening. Classic straight leg delivers clean lines through and through. It can be paired with anything and everything and never looks dated or out of place. Next, we have the rise. A classic mid-rise sits at your waist and is designed to deliver something between a roomy and a fitted look in the hip and thigh. We call that balanced fit “regular” on the site. Crafted in 100% cotton non-stretch denim, the magic of the 501® Original is in the material. This tough denim starts out rigid, then breaks in overtime to slowly conform to your body shape. That means the fit gets better, the material gets softer, and the jeans get more and more character the longer you wear them. Plus they’re durable enough to last so, like a fine wine they just get better with age.

Paneled shot of model in medium wash 501® Original jeans with a red tag displaying product name and sample color swatches

501® Slim Taper

Let’s start with the overall vibe of the slim taper before we get into the design that enables it. A little less bulk enables this classic silhouette to be that much sleeker. There's a little extra polish to this silhouette that makes it that much easier to dress up if you so choose, but the classic trappings and overall feel bring it back to a casual place when you need it. Now on to the fit. Remember that “not too fitted, not too loose” cut through the seat and thigh that we call regular. This is balanced out by a leg that starts out straight then gradually tapers inward for a tailored look without the tailor. This contrasts the straight leg of the 501® Original.

Paneled shot of model in dark wash 501® Slim Taper jeans with a red tag displaying product name and sample color swatches

501® '93

We like to refer to the 501® ’93 as the skater boi version of 501® Original and here’s why. Inspired by the ’90s this slouchy easygoing fit has all the flair of our favorite grungy punk-y decade. How does this happen? It’s down to the nuances of the fit. A slightly higher rise sits at your waist, but a relaxed fit through the hip and thigh gives it a slouchy low-slung type of energy. A classic straight leg adds volume to the silhouette and stacks at the hem slightly. Classic button fly, 5 pocket styling, and 100% cotton non-stretch denim tie this look back to its 501® Original roots. With tons of washes and distressed options, you can pick the version that’s right for you.

Paneled shot of model in dark wash 501® '93 jeans with a red tag displaying product name and sample color swatches

NEW 501® '54

New alert! The 501® ’54 may be the latest addition to the 501® family, but as you can tell by its name, it has roots dating back way further than this year. The vintage appeal of the 501® ’54 starts with its fit. A slightly higher rise gives off old-school energy, while a classic straight leg and regular fit through the seat and thigh give us that 501® DNA we know and love. The best thing about it though? The versatility. This style feels modern but absolutely screams classic. Pair it with virtually anything for an outfit that’s a little bit iconic and totally contemporary.

Paneled shot of model in light distressed wash 501® '54 jeans with a red tag displaying product name and sample color swatches

Aaaand that’s a wrap. At least for now (we’re always adding new fits to the 501® family so stay tuned). In the meantime, if you’re looking for more iconic energy shop our full range of 501® fits in every wash and color imaginable here.

Aaaand that’s a wrap. At least for now (we’re always adding new fits to the 501® family so stay tuned). In the meantime, if you’re looking for more iconic energy shop our full range of 501® fits in every wash and color imaginable here.