Lee 101Z 50’s Center Black tag
Zip fly with different charm from Levi’s.
Introduction.
I used to think of jeans as button-fly Levi’s 501s, but the Lee 101Z taught me the appeal of zip fly and more trouser-like styling, a very wearable model and excellent jeans that are not as fussy as the 501XX! .
Loose-fitting silhouette and convenient zip fly
The Lee 101Z is a pair of jeans that I was interested in, but never got around to getting because there are fewer of them than Levi’s and not much information about them. My 101Z is a model from the 50s called the centre black tag.
They were originally made for cowboys, and compared to 501s, they have a deeper crotch and a slightly looser silhouette, and although they are jeans, they are shaped like straight trousers with a beautiful silhouette, so they are excellent jeans that are easy to match with any clothes and easy to use.
In modern times, because of their silhouette, they have the image of being chosen by people who ride motorbikes (motorbike riders who ride American styles such as Harleys and classic Triumphs), and in fact, my friend’s Harley rider loves wearing Lee 101Z.
The reason why I bought 101Z was because I wanted jeans with a zip fly, and when I went to Fake-a in Harajuku to look for 501ZXX, I couldn’t find my perfect size, and the manager recommended 101Z to me.
Thanks to the silhouette, which is thick in the waist and straight to the hem, they go well with heavy boots and give a hard, cool style.
The size is a little long with a 30inch waist and 33inch length, but I wear them without rolling them up because I can wear them without the hem touching the ground when I wear shoes with heels.
The Lee 101Z was worn by James Dean in the film “Rebel Without a Cause”, so I have an image of American youths and delinquents in the 1950s. I thought that image was too strong and that they were jeans with strong habits, but when I got them and tried them on, I found that they were very easy to wear, forgiving enough to wear with any clothes, and thanks to their relaxed silhouette and zip fly, they are comfortable to wear and have the goodness to pick up and wear without thinking about it.
Compared to Levi’s, Lee jeans tend to be more colourfast than Levi’s due to the fabric and dyeing process, with the colour remaining in the jeans. Many of them have faded colour only around the knees and buttocks, but this fading is also a result of ageing and is very appealing.
Like the 501s, these jeans were originally made as workwear and have excellent functional beauty, and they are still made the same way they have been for many years. In winter, I mainly wear them with a leather jumper such as A2 or J100 and a pair of White’s boots for a slightly harder look, but in spring and summer I enjoy wearing them lightly with a T-shirt and suede loafers.
Examples.
Details.
- Black centre tag (50s)
- 6 belt loops
- 30inch waist, 33inch length.
- Tapping repair on back pockets.
- Colour remains dark.
Combination.
- Field jacket : M47 size 44.
- T-shirt-style henley neck knit : TOM FORD size 46
- Denim : Lee 101Z 1950s waist 30inch:length 33inch.
- Shoes : Loro Piana : White Sole
- Hat : Borsalino
- Watch : IWC Mark 11 1940s
- Sunglasses : Ray-ban WAYFARER 90’s(BAUSCH+LAMB)
Conclusion
I’ve been looking for a 501ZXX and came across these Lee 101Z 50s. But I feel that not insisting on it is the greatest charm of Lee101Z. The fact that they are made like trousers, so they are more relaxed and easier to wear than Levi’s jeans, is also a reason why they are used more often. I’m looking for another pair as a spare, but I haven’t found them yet because there are not many to begin with, but it’s also fun to search patiently for vintage jeans that suit you.
Shop
I buy my Lee 101Z 50s at Fake-a (Fake Alpha) in Harajuku, Tokyo.
As mentioned in the articles on 501XX 1954Model and printed corduroy shirts, the quality of 40s and 50s American vintage clothing is probably the best in Japan, and the staff, including the manager, are well versed in vintage clothing, making it a great shop where you can be satisfied with any item you choose.
For more information about the shop, see 501XX 1954Model and 50’s printed corduroy shirt
The website of Fake-a is in the same family as that of Belle Belgin, which is famous in Harajuku, so please visit them when you go to Harajuku.
“Belle Belgin official website” Global shipping is not supported. Come to the shop when you come to Japan.
