The 501 jean got quite of a history starting from 1873. Levi Strauss and Nevada tailor Jacob Davis partnered in 1873 on a patent to make the first riveted pockets on pants for working western pioneers by using copper rivets at the points of strain. This became the first iteration of the 501 jean, then called XX. On May 20, 1873, the original patent for using rivets on men’s pants was granted.

From then it all started out and an America icon was born. Later on the Rebels of the 1950s proudly wore the 501 jean – adopted from the laborers after the Great Depression – and made it a symbol of irreverence and solidarity. Worn by everyone from all time stylish icons as James Dean and Marlon Brando to Jack Kerouac and Jackson Pollock, the 501 jean became the emblem of youth and a symbol of rebellion. Emerging in Hollywood, style icons begin to embrace 501 jeans after Marilyn Monroe is seen wearing them in the hit film “The Misfits.” Worn throughout the Grunge Movement in the 90s, the 501 jean continues to remain at the forefront of change across generations, becoming a staple in Kurt Cobain’s wardrobe and those of other legendary rock stars. Time Magazine names the 501 jean the “fashion item of the 20th century,” beating out the miniskirt and the little black dress.

Today Levi’s jeans are still the first choice of modern pioneers: the artists, musicians, fashion icons, athletes, entrepreneurs, activists, and even presidents who are trail blazing the modern frontier. Trend or no trend, the 501 jean is and will be there ’till the end of time gallivanting all layers of society. No matter if it’s a jean jacket or a jean, the 501 will grow on you. Wear it with pride and make it your own!