Levi’s 501XX 1955 Model
501XX 55Model with sneakers
Introduction.
As I mentioned in my 501XX 54Model article, I love jeans and I love orthodox straight jeans. Of these, Levi’s 501s are my favourite and I own several. I would like to talk about my favourite 501XX 55Model.
The 54Model has a length of 32 inches, so I usually wear them with boots or loafers with heels, and with sneakers, they are a bit long, so I need to roll them up. The 55Model introduced here has a length of 30.5inch, which is just the right length to wear with sneakers or sandals, so I enjoy wearing them with my favourite sneakers, including New Balance.
About the 501XX 55 model.
The 55 model we are introducing here.
There are various types of vintage 501s, and they are classified by age. 55Model is the last model that has the name of 501XX, and was manufactured from 1955 to the mid-1960s.
The 55Model I own is estimated to have been manufactured in 1958.
(Description of the shop where I bought it)
It is often said to be from the paper patch period of the 501XX, which is estimated from the misaligned centre belt loop, Big-E double-sided tag, copper-plated rivets, etc.
A 501XX that you can wear without concern.
The main reason why I chose this 501 is that the waist is 29.5inch in actual size and the length is 30.5inch, which is my perfect size. The other 501XX I have is 32inch length, which is good for high heeled shoes such as boots and loafers, but a bit long for non-heeled shoes such as sneakers and sandals, so there was no 501XX that fits sneakers.
In winter, I wear down jackets and sneakers rather than tailored jackets, and in summer, I wear vintage corduroy shirts, moleskin workwear and simple T-shirts with trainers.
My pair have been repaired, and the torn parts have been repaired by tapping, so I can wear them without worrying too much. The slightly shallow crotch is a feature of 501s, not just this one, and it makes the waist area look clean and neat, so it naturally looks better.
The indigo colouring is not that deep, but the blue tones remain and the fading is not a flashy pattern, so there are no habits and no clothes that don’t match.
Example of wear.
Details.
1 Levi’s 501XX 1955 model
2 Paper patch
3 Centre loop misaligned
4 Double-sided tag with ®︎
5 Waist 29.5inch Length 30.5inch
6 Repaired tears, no hemming, indigo colour faded moderately.
Likes.
- Size fits my body.
- Moderately faded indigo blue.
- The waistline of the 501 in general is beautiful when worn.
- The waist and length are true to size, so you can enjoy them with any shoes you choose.
- As with all 501s, the silhouette is beautiful, and the style looks good.
Points of concern
- The problem of colour fading when washing.
- The fact that they are expensive if you are considering buying them from now on.
- The fact that it won’t have much chance to be used in the summer when you sweat because of the washing problems.
- All the items are one-of-a-kind, so it is difficult to find a size that fits you.
Conclusion.
As I wrote in the article on the 54Model, 501s can be worn with a wide range of outfits, so you can enjoy coordinating them with a wide range of outfits.
However, as it is an old model and one of a kind, it is difficult to find the right size and the right look and feel for you. I happened to find one in my size and I bought it because I was satisfied with the condition of it.
As a side note, the products you choose for vintage clothing, watches and guitars will differ depending on whether you intend to collect them or actually use them. If you are looking for a collectable item, the price will be higher, but the value is based on maintaining the condition of the item, so if you use the item and it deteriorates, the value will decrease. If you are looking for an antique for your own use, I think it is more enjoyable to look for one without seeking antique value. （If you are looking for a guitar for your own use, I think you will enjoy it more if you don’t look for antique value.)
In my case, I am looking for something for my own use, so that is what I am looking for.
The good thing about vintage jeans is that they are one-of-a-kind, and they were not made in pursuit of fashionable style in the first place, but were made as work clothes at the time, and their functional beauty is beautiful as a result, and the time it took to get there and the fact that the same ones cannot be made today are very appealing. I feel that the time it took to get there and the fact that it is not possible to make the same thing now make it look even more attractive. I think this element is the reason why not only I, but people all over the world are fascinated by them.
The value itself of things like vintage and antiques is not absolute, so there is also the pleasure of finding an environment where you can find people and shops you can trust and buy in a way that makes sense to you.
We hope this article has been helpful in getting you interested in the fascinating, if slightly tedious, pleasures of vintage and antiques from the unknown.
Shop.
My favourite 501XX 55Model is bought at Marvin’s in Harajuku.
Like Fake-a, which I introduced for the 54Model, Marvin’s is also a well-known shop with a long history that I don’t need to introduce here. The owner is Japan’s leading authority on vintage denim, and the shop’s range of products includes everything from super treasures to everyday wearable items, all lined up in a small space. The items are organised by size, and the price and year are clearly displayed on each item, so you can judge your budget and approximate size from the display.
If you find an item you like, you can ask to try it on and find the vintage denim (mainly 501) that suits you best.
If you have any questions about the item you are buying, you can ask the owner, who will explain in detail the details and the condition on which the price is based. They will also tell you in detail about washing, repairing and handling after purchase. Above all, the shop and its owner have many years of experience and trust, so you can buy any product with confidence.
Also, many of the products are made to be worn, so the necessary repairs are done properly, and you can wear them without worrying about tears or frayed edges.
When you buy vintage denim for the first time, you feel a high threshold from the place where you choose a shop, but if you choose a long-established shop like Marvin’s where there are no mistakes in the products, I think the pleasure of actually wearing them after buying will also be fulfilled.
“Marvin’s” Global shipping is not supported. Come to the shop when you come to Japan.
