Why I Keep Reaching for the Levi’s 1950s 701 Jeans
Last Updated: April 05, 2026
One thing I love about Levi's is that while their pieces are built to last, they also tell a story. From the fabric, the stitching, to the copper rivets, every detail feels intentional. So when I spotted the 1950s 701® on the app, I had to get my hands on a pair. I picked mine up in the colour Worn In–Blue, a slightly faded wash, that gives it a vintage appearance that looks like it has already lived a life.
The Story Behind the 701®
The 701® has been around since 1934. It was introduced as the first five-pocket jean designed specifically for women. By the 1950s, it had become a fashion piece in its own right, featured in major American fashion magazines and associated with the polished, structured silhouette that defined that era. It wasn't just functional anymore. It was fashion.
Today, it sits within Levi's Vintage Clothing (LVC), the brand's heritage line that recreates archive pieces stitch-for-stitch, including the selvedge denim and original construction details. These aren't vintage in the traditional sense (that typically refers to garments between 20 and 100 years old), but precise reproductions made to mirror the originals as closely as possible.
What that means in practice is that you get the look, the history, and the craftsmanship, without the unpredictability of hunting for second-hand. No thinning fabric, no wear and tear, no sizing guesswork. Just a durable, well-made piece that still carries the weight of where it came from.
The Fit
The 1950s 701® feels noticeably different from most modern denim. And that's exactly the point.
The rise is ultra-high. At 13 inches, the rise sits a full inch or more above what most brands call high-waisted. For context, I'm a UK size 6, and 168cm tall, with a longer torso and a lean, fairly straight frame with some waist definition, and on me, it lands just above my belly button.
If you've tried high-rise jeans (think the Levi's ribcage) before and felt slightly underwhelmed, this is the real thing.
Through the hip and thigh, it's relaxed, with enough room to move and sit comfortably. It doesn't cling or contour. On a straighter frame like mine, it skims cleanly rather than hugging, creating a balanced, elongated line. For a lean or straight figure, the high rise does the work of defining the waist, thus creating shape without relying on stretch.
I tend to wear my jeans long, so the 32-inch inseam works well for me. But if you're petite or prefer a cropped look, hemming is worth considering.
Because it's 100% cotton with no stretch, the feel is rigid and structured straight out of the box. It doesn't mould to your body immediately, but that's not a flaw. It's the nature of selvedge denim. It softens and shapes with wear, meaning the longer you have it, the better it gets. Unlike stretch denim, which tends to bag at the knees after a few hours, these hold their shape throughout the day.
One honest note on the waist: Though I got the pair in a waist size of 25 inches, the waist does gape slightly at the back initially. I wear a belt with it, which I've actually come to prefer as it adds something to the overall look. And over time, as the denim softens and moulds to your body, the gape becomes much less noticeable. So if it bothers you at first, give it time. But if a completely gape-free fit is non-negotiable from the start, it's worth knowing before you buy.
How It Compares to Other 700 Series Jeans
Compared to other styles in the 700 series, the 701® feels more authentic and less modernised. While styles like the 721 or 724 lean into stretch and a more body-hugging fit, the 701® holds its shape and gives a more classic, slightly looser cut. It feels less about contouring and more about structure. That changes how you style it. It's not the kind of jeans you throw on without thinking. The high waist and straight leg create a proportion that works with almost everything, but they require you to dress around them rather than with them.
How I Style Them
Because of the high rise and straight leg, these jeans do a lot of the work for you, but they reward a little intention. My go-to is a fitted bodysuit or a slim top tucked in, with a belt. The belt does two things: it pulls the waist in further and, as I mentioned, helps with any gaping at the back. Together, they create a clean, polished look.
For something more relaxed, an oversized tee or shirt worn loose over the top works surprisingly well. The contrast between the volume on top and the structured straight leg below keeps it feeling balanced rather than shapeless.
For something more elevated, try a tucked blouse with loafers or low boots. Simple, considered, and the kind of outfit that looks like you made an effort without it feeling like you did.
I've reached for these more than any other pair this season. That's the most honest thing I can say about them.
Price and Value
The 1950s 701® sits between £260 and £280, with a few colourways currently on sale at £196 at the time of writing. At full price, it's a significant spend, but it's worth understanding what you're actually paying for.
This is a stitch-for-stitch recreation of the first five-pocket jeans ever made for women, built from selvedge denim on traditional shuttle looms with archival construction details. It is not a fast fashion purchase, and it is not designed to be.
If you wear it the way it is designed to be worn – regularly, across seasons, for years, the cost per wear calculation works in your favour quickly. Non-stretch selvedge denim doesn't just survive that kind of wear. It improves with it. The longer you have it, the better it looks.
And if the full price feels like a stretch right now, the jeans in the Rock Island - Blue and Lvc 701 Seeger - Blue colourways are currently on sale at £196. So they are worth checking. Same jeans, same quality, just a different wash.
Where to Buy (UK)
If you’re based in the UK, you can shop the 1950s 701® directly through Levi's online or check availability at your nearest store. Alternatively, you could also keep an eye on resale platforms like Depop, Vinted, Vestiaire Collective or eBay. While you might not always find this exact reproduction, you can sometimes come across older Levi’s pieces, or even previous LVC releases, at a lower price point, if you’re willing to do a bit of digging.
Final Thoughts
The 1950s 701® isn't trying to be modern. It's structured, classic, and rooted in a very specific moment in denim history. The rise is super high, the fit is uncompromising, and it asks you to dress with intention. But that's precisely what makes it special. It's a pair I've reached for over and over again. So much so, I'm contemplating getting another pair in Indigo Rigid - Blue colourway.
