It’s a special moment for any up-and-coming denim head when your first-ever pair of raw denim starts to show signs of fading. Heddels reader Jake Gillespie of Tucson, Arizona, is new to the game but couldn’t have picked a more iconic first pair than these Levi’s 501 STFs.

Though this is his first pair of raw denim, he has committed the last two years and eight months to breaking them in and wearing them hard to get them where they are today. They saw trips through Europe, a first soak at the Vernal Falls in Yosemite National Park, and regular use throughout that entire time span. Coming up on three years of wear is a solid achievement, and these jeans are looking great!

A lightened blue cast shows pops of white in the whiskers, thighs, and pocket seams, and, even though the 501 is a more lightweight, loose fitting jean, Jake has even developed some nice honeycomb formations on the back legs. Let’s hope they last another three years—although even if they don’t, we’re sure they’ll never be forgotten.

Levi’s 501 Shrink-to-Fit (STF) Raw Denim Jeans

• Fabric: 100% Cotton
• Fabric weight: 12.5 Oz.
• Fabric source: Unknown
• Made in: Unknown
• Fit: Straight leg with high rise
• Additional details:
  • Levi’s signature model
  • Contrast stitching
  • Button fly
  • Unsanforized
• Available at: Levi’s for $64.00