Fade of the Day – Levi’s Vintage Clothing 1947 501 (7 Years, 10 Washes, 1 Soak)

One could argue that Levi’s Vintage Clothing 1947 501s were made to be worn hard, a fact that’s clear in today’s Fade of the Day, sent to us by Jay in Australia.

Lots of rips riddle the front of the jeans, with frays for days, almost crafted in their semi-destroyed design. We’re not sure what Jay was doing in these: climbing over a barbed wire fence to achieve authentic rips in his denim, perhaps? No, it’s clear Jay was wearing these daily, there’s an overall fade to the denim that only seven years and ten washes can produce.

There’s not much in the way of super-contrasted whiskers or honeycombs, but they’re there, and the hue of denim that time has produced is a sight to behold. Seen in the faded accents on all the shredded areas, the hidden rivets on the back pocket, and the blown-out pockets that were repaired and have blown out again…these 1947s have a distinct look that make it look like they just got into a fight with a wild tiger.

Levi’s Vintage Clothing 1947 501 Raw Denim Jeans

  • Fabric: 100% cotton selvedge raw denim
  • Fabric weight: 12 oz.
  • Fabric source: Cone Mills in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
  • Made in: USA
  • Fit: Slim fit with straight leg
  • Additional details:
    • Considered to be the definitive five-pocket jeans and 501
    • Marks the return of the double needle stitched arcuate after WWII
    • Big “E” red tab
    • Hidden rivets
    • No crotch rivet
  • Available at: Unionmade for $260