Levi's® Vintage Clothing

1947 501® Original Selvedge Men's Jeans

Sale price is $295.00
Levi's® Vintage Clothing

1947 501® Original Selvedge Men's Jeans

Sale price is $295.00

Color

No Stretch: Organic Rinse - Dark Wash

Size

Waist
Length
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About this Style

The year was 1947 and although the war had ended, the nation was much changed—and so were our 501® jeans. The end of rations allowed for the return of some familiar 501® features, like the watch pocket rivets. But it also ushered in some updates in response to the changing time and emerging middle class, like a modern, slimmer fit and the removal of extraneous details like the cinch and suspender buttons.


And while the back pocket arcuate was no longer applied with paint as it was during the war, it had certainly changed. Thanks to new double-needle technology, the famed double-arched stitch could be mass-produced in uniform size and design, no longer subject to the sewing skills of the individual worker.


Today, we reproduce all of these details for these 1947 501® jeans using the same 12 oz. red line selvedge denim.


  • An archival reproduction of our 1947 501® jeans and a reflection of the changing times
  • Designed with a post-war, slimmer fit
  • Made with watch pocket rivets for the first time since the start of the war
  • Features uniform arcuates on the back pockets, facilitated by double-needle technology
  • Constructed with two back pockets with concealed rivets
  • We made this garment with organically grown cotton
  • These jeans were crafted from premium selvedge denim and woven on a traditional narrow-width shuttle loom—making them highly covetable. Roll up the cuff to show off the woven fabric strip.
  • These jeans are Shrink-to-Fit™, meaning you control the shrinkage yourself, which allows the denim to conform to your unique body. The payoff is a pair of jeans with a custom-made fit. No tailor necessary.
  • 501
  • Mid rise
  • Straight leg
  • Front rise: 12 1/4",Knee: 18",Leg opening: 16 3/4",Measurements based on size 32

How it Fits

  • 501
  • Mid rise
  • Straight leg
  • Front rise: 12 1/4",Knee: 18",Leg opening: 16 3/4",Measurements based on size 32
  • 100% Cotton
  • Denim
  • Non-Stretch
  • Button fly
  • 5-pocket styling
  • Organic cotton
  • Wash your jeans once every 10 wears at most; this increases their lifespan and saves natural resources.Machine wash cold, Do not bleach, Tumble dry medium, Hot iron if needed, Dry cleaning possible, Wash inside out with like colors
  • Made in Japan

Composition & Care

  • 100% Cotton
  • Denim
  • Non-Stretch
  • Button fly
  • 5-pocket styling
  • Organic cotton
  • Wash your jeans once every 10 wears at most; this increases their lifespan and saves natural resources.Machine wash cold, Do not bleach, Tumble dry medium, Hot iron if needed, Dry cleaning possible, Wash inside out with like colors
  • Made in Japan

Reviews

Overall Rating

3.7
16 out of 22 (73%) reviewers recommend this product

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11 to 40 of 41 Reviews .
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Review 1
Weight140-160
Body TypeSlender

An all-time classic jean.

a year ago
Managed to pick up a pair of rigid LVC 1947 501s, and couldn’t be more impressed with the fit and quality. Did an initial ~45 minute tub soak and the jeans shrunk as expected. I can only imagine these will get better with age and with another soak in a few weeks/months. I opted for 1 size up in the waist and 2 in length, and they turned out perfect for me.
Q: Size Usually Worn
A: 32x30
Q: Size Purchased
A: 34x34

Yes, I recommend this product.

Review 1
Weight140-160

Gratulation für Levi's!!!

a year ago
Das ist eine Jeans wie sie sein muss. Gratuliere Ich der Firma Levi's.

Yes, I recommend this product.

Review 1
Weight120-140
Body TypeSlender

Don’t sleep on these

a year ago
These jeans fit and look perfect definitely worth it.
Q: Size Usually Worn
A: 30x32
Q: Size Purchased
A: 30x34

Yes, I recommend this product.

Product Used Since : 11/28/2024
Review 1
Weight120-140
Body TypeAthletic

Quality item, worth every penny

2 years ago
Happy with the purchase, I look forward to buying more.
Q: Size Usually Worn
A: 31x30
Q: Size Purchased
A: 32x32

Yes, I recommend this product.

Review 1
Weight160-180
Body TypeLong and Lean

Great jeans

2 years ago
Been wearing these for about 4 months and really love the style and fit. I soaked mine in hot water before wearing for about an hour. They did shrink in the inseam about 2 inches. I sized up 1 inch in the waist (compared to what I wear in standard 501s) and they were quite snug for a month, so you might want to consider 2 sizes up if you are used to Levi’s more modern lines. These were really comfortable from the first wear. Other than fit, the style is so classic and cool—more on the slim side than some of the latter 501s.

Yes, I recommend this product.

Review 1
Weight160-180
Body TypeAthletic

Kaizen Americana

2 years ago
Denim quality and Japan craftsman ship are excellent. I plan to hot soak in bathtub, so I sized up the recommended 2 inches in length. Normal waist size. Perfect fit. If you plan on skipping the soak and just washing them for shrinkage, I suggest sizing up 2-3 inches in the waist. Never washers, buy your normal size.
Q: Size Usually Worn
A: 33x32
Q: Size Purchased
A: 33x34

Yes, I recommend this product.

Review 1

Great great great

2 years ago
Levis is still the best, it was a birthday gift to my self.
Review 1

I love Levi due to their reliability.

2 years ago
I'm looking forward to shrinking my new 501's.....
Reviews 2

Best Buy ever

3 years ago
Have a few things from the LVC line and never been disappointed ordered Tuesday received Friday olso got the jeans on sale at 50% discount can’t beat that very happy
Q: Size Usually Worn
A: 34W 30L
Q: Size Purchased
A: 36W 32L

Yes, I recommend this product.

Review 1
Weight200-220

A hard to beat classic!

3 years ago
Excellent jeans made in Japan. They come unsanforized and definitely shrink 2 inches in the length and about a size and a half, but they do have some give to stretch out a bit too after shrinking. I'm so glad I was able to get these in 36 length, I hope Levi's continues to make and sell LVC in these longer lengths!
Q: Size Usually Worn
A: 36
Q: Size Purchased
A: 38

Yes, I recommend this product.

Review 1

SHORT INSEAMS

3 years ago
WHY NOT DO LONGER INSEAMS, 32 IS WAY TO SHORT AS IT SHRINKS TO 29 OR 30,,, IT SEEMS LVC IS ON ITS LAST LEGS...

Yes, I recommend this product.

Review 1
Weight160-180

1947 501

7 months ago
I bought size 32/32, and it fits perfectly. It's the most comfortable pair of jeans I own.
Q: Size Usually Worn
A: 32/32
Q: Size Purchased
A: 32/32

Yes, I recommend this product.

Product Used Since : 1/15/2026
Review 1

Suche seit Monaten

8 months ago
Ich trage diese Jeans quasi seit meiner Jugend. Leider gibt es seit geraumer Zeit keine Länge 34.
Reviews 2
Weight200-220

Jean’s parfait

2 years ago
Livraison rapide colis parfait jean’s de la bonne couleur coup impeccable.
Reviews 3

Smooth denim,soft and cool when you wore it.

2 years ago
I bought it last black Saturday 2023,really greatly to have it,crispy!!!
Review 1
Weight100-120

Levi`s 501 / 1947

4 months ago
Ich kaufte seit vielen Jahren ungewaschene LEVI`S, W36 L34. Leider scheint es diese in Deutschland nicht mehr zu geben.Also kaufte ich eine gewaschene LEVI`S (47501). Diese scheint in der Länge nicht eingelaufen zu sein (läuft normalerweise ca. 10% ein). Auch der Stoff war nicht so wie früher. Früher war der Stoff steifer, fester, nicht so weich. Hätte ich die Jeans nicht zurück geschickt, dann hätte ich sie ca. 20 cm kürzen lassen müssen. Bei diesem Preis erwarte ich etwas anderes, als mir geliefert wurde.

No, I do not recommend this product.

Review 1

Sizing Guidance

6 months ago
Levi's website does an awful job of explaining how to size these two versions of 1947 501s. First of all, know that these are 12oz Japanese denim, not the 14oz Cone Mills denim of the past. So if the last time you purchased 1947 LVCs was ten years ago, these will size and shrink differently. Note that the two versions of 1947s offered here (Dark Indigo Selvedge and Organic Rinse) will shrink differently. I learned this through multiple returns and trial and error and ultimately speaking to somebody at the flagship store in NYC. Organic Rinse is pre-washed and will NOT shrink very much at all. So where you see people saying to size up by 2 inches in waist or length they are talking about Dark Indigo Selvedge version as these will indeed shrink about 2 inches. If you're interested in the Organic Rinse you should purchase your normal size. Why Levi's website does not bother to explain this important information on their size guidance is beyond me (as well as their own employees). It would save them on a lot of return costs and frustrated customers.

No, I do not recommend this product.

Review 1

La talla es exageradamente pequeña

8 months ago
El pantalón es excepcional, lástima la talla de la cintura, es dos veces menor (sin lavar). No entiendo estos errores para un pantalón de este precio. Toca devolverlo.
Review 1

Hosenbein verdreht

a year ago
Leider ebenfalls verdrehtes Hosenbein (links), ansonsten schöne Hose

Originally posted on Zalando

Review 1

Not shrink to fit like advertised

a year ago
I hot soaked them twice and they didn’t shrink. I don’t think it’s unsanforized. Im disappointed that i didn’t get Levi
Q: Size Purchased
A: 38-34

No, I do not recommend this product.

Response from Levi’s®:
a year ago
Levi's Customer Service
Hello Brian, 👋 Happy to help, we appreciate your interest in our products. We understand that it can be tricky to accurately represent the quality, fit, and feel of a product online. Sometimes, changes in production or the way we photograph and describe our items can make it hard to match your expectations with the final product. We always do our best to keep everything consistent, but we know that there can be a disconnect sometimes. That's why we'll be sure to pass on your feedback to our designers and photographers, so we can improve in the future. Levi's US Customer Service
Review 1

Vintage 501s

2 years ago
Love the jeans but delivery was pretty shower than expected
Product Used Since : 6/14/2024
Response from Levi’s®:
2 years ago
Levi's Customer Care
Hi, Thank you for contributing your valuable feedback. Please feel free to contact our customer care team if there is anything we can do to assist further in this matter. Email the team at customercare@levis.com.au. Regards, The Levi's Team
Review 1
Weight180-200

First and Last Pair

11 months ago
I admit that I was limited to the sizes available. So instead of two sizes big, I could only go one on the waist. I wear 32" and went 33". I couldn't even get the jeans buttoned. I can only guess the inches in 1947 were shorter than the ones we have today. I suppose the jeans were nice enough, but paying $300 and having the sizing being so far off seems crazy. Doesn't make sense to pay that much and not be sure if the size will be right (or even close). In the end I decided to stick with jeans I can try on that are a fifth the price.
Q: Size Usually Worn
A: 32x30
Q: Size Purchased
A: 33x32
Product Used Since : 9/22/2025
Review 1
Weight120-140
Body TypeSlender

1947 jeans are a crapshoot. Too bad.

a month ago
Sizing is wildly incorrect. 1947 jeans are apparently all mismarked with regards to sizing. I've ordered twice, upsizing each time. For context, I wear a 28. I first orderd a 29, but returned. Then tried a 31, but still too small. This really is a shame. The look, feel, and weight of the jeans are perfect. Sizing, however, is a total fail.
Q: Size Usually Worn
A: 28/32
Q: Size Purchased
A: 31/34 to compensate for poor sizing

No, I do not recommend this product.

Response from Levi’s®:
a month ago
Levi's Customer Service
Hi, Loyal Levi’s Fan Thank you for getting in touch. Our goal is to cater to various body types and preferences. We recommend checking out our Men’s and Women’s Jeans Guide for detailed information on each fit, or you can reach out to our customer service team for a personalized style consultation. We intentionally design our jeans to have varying proportions, including oversized, cropped, and slim fits, even within the same size. Additionally, minor differences in fabric treatment, finishing, or composition can also impact the fit of each pair of jeans. Remember that each individual's body shape will also affect how a pair of jeans fit. We just wanted to let you know that we offer a 30 day exchange policy where you can exchange your item(s) for a different size, completely free of charge. If you have any more questions, our Help Center has more information, so feel free to check it out. As a bonus, Red TabTM Members receive free shipping and returns! You can sign up here, or check if you're already a member. Luz C. Levi's US Customer Service
Review 1

Service bad, zero satisfaction.

4 months ago
My support experience was very poor during the purchase process. I had to do much over and over, the support systems were bad, the same product had two different descriptions, so I had low confidence that I was purchasing what I actually wanted. And in the end it didn’t matter because you canceled my order because.you could not fulfill it. This was among the worst customer experiences in memory. I encourage Levi’s to look at my journey and ask if this is the experience a premium brand such as Levi’s should be proud of.
Product Used Since : 3/31/2026
Response from Levi’s®:
3 months ago
Levi's Customer Service
Hey, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for our product. We appreciate all types of feedback, whether positive or constructive. This helps us improve our future product offerings. It seems like there may have been another experience that led to your dissatisfaction. We want to address this issue and would love to have a further discussion with you. Please don't hesitate to reach out to our Customer Care team. We're here to help. Looking forward to hearing from you! Luz C. Levi's US Customer Service
Review 1

Order cancelled

4 months ago
Was super excited to have this until i received an email that they cancelled my order.
Product Used Since : 3/25/2026
Review 1

Received wrong item; getting correct item hard

5 months ago
I received the wrong size. The printed tag didn’t match the size on the jeans themselves. I tried to initiate a replacement online but the process funneled me into completing a return instead. It wasn’t clear whether I was ever going to receive the correct size after I dropped them off to return. I called the 800 number. They told me I had returned them. I asked them to send me the correct size. They said, no, I should just make a new order. I asked why I should do that if they messed up the first time. Please just correct the order and send the size I ordered. They said they couldn’t because I’d already “returned” them. I said that I’d try to exchange them but that the return / exchange online process was confusing and funneled me to return when I wanted to exchange. They did not care. They said I had returned them and that was that. I have no idea if these jeans are any good. It’s really telling that there are a lot of five star reviews from people who received what they ordered but a lot of one star reviews from people who had a hard time getting the correct item.
Product Used Since : 3/20/2026
Review 1
Weight140-160

Envían lo que les da la gana

6 months ago
Pedí los pantalones con un 10 por ciento de descuento por ser mi primera compra y me llegaron otros totalmente distintos que no valían ni la tercera parte, los devolví, me devolvieron el dinero pero si los intento pedir otra vez ya no tengo el descuento. Muy mala experiencia para mi primera vez

No, I do not recommend this product.

Product Used Since : 2/17/2026
Review 1

Pedido equivocado

6 months ago
He pedido en modelo en la talla 32 y me ha llegado otro pantalón totalmente distinto en la talla 36 mucho más barato
Review 1
Weight160-180

Small in the waist from 34" tagged

11 months ago
Waist small by an inch. Why call it a 34" when it was a 32" or 33" before one wash
Product Used Since : 9/22/2025
Review 1

Sizing not accurate

a year ago
Poorly sized 501s! The 38 x 34 were too big in the waist. How do I know? Because I already have one pair and they fit perfectly after the usual shrinking process. These are a huge disappointment.
Product Used Since : 9/4/2025
Response from Levi’s®:
a year ago
Levi's Customer Service
Hello Dawn, 👋 We appreciate you taking the time to get in touch with us. At Levi's, we know that even the slightest changes in fabric treatment and finishing can impact the way our jeans fit. The same goes for even the tiniest shift in fabric composition. While we strive to keep our fits as consistent as possible, we understand that sometimes these changes can affect your experience with our products. We're always working to improve and perfect our jeans so that you can enjoy the best possible fit. Thanks again for bringing this to our attention! Levi's US Customer Service
11 – 40 of 41 Reviews