Please note: As these jeans are severely limited, we can only offer one pair per customer. Multiple orders will be reduced to one pair accordingly. Thank you for your understanding!
The "1942 501 Jean Rigid" from Levi's Vintage Clothing reproduces the 501® from a brief transitional moment in American denim history. In 1942, the denim became heavier, while many details of the classic pre-war construction were still preserved. Shortly thereafter, wartime material restrictions forced Levi's to significantly simplify the 501®.
The cinch back with a metal buckle is still present in this version and shows the characteristic opposing construction. The seam on the back yoke is also reversed according to the historical original and is on the pant leg instead of underneath. Hidden rivets, the single-sided arcuate, single-sided Big E Red Tab, and the Two Horse leather patch are also part of the 1942 construction.
The jeans are made in Japan from 12 oz heavy, unsanforized red selvedge denim made of 100% cotton. The rigid denim is unwashed and designed as Shrink-to-Fit. The fabric shrinks accordingly during the first wash.
The 1942 501® thus captures the exact moment before the war-time versions with less metal and simplified processing appeared. Within one to two years, among other things, the cinch back disappeared from the construction - from what is now a short chapter in 501® history.
Size & Care Instructions:
The jeans will shrink by approx. 2" in length when washed – a length 34 will become approx. 32". The waistband will stretch out again with wear.
If you want to wear the jeans in their original fit, you can also buy them accordingly. In this case, they must only be washed on a wool cycle or cold.
- A7986-0048 1942 501 Jean Rigid
- Limited Edition
- Only 800 pieces worldwide - each hand-numbered
- Made in Japan
- 100% Cotton
- 12oz Japanese Selvedge Denim
- Hidden copper rivets (back pockets)
- Cinch-Back
- Button fly
- "Two Horse" leather patch
- Big E Red Tab
- Mid Rise
- Regular Straight
- Rigid, Unwashed
- Shrink-to-Fit
- Limited Edition: We can only offer one pair of trousers per customer. Multiple orders will be reduced to one pair
