YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 501’s

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 501’s https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/501%e2%80%99s Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 27 Apr 2026 17:09:34 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Liz on "501’s" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/501%e2%80%99s#post-2379126 Sat, 25 Jan 2025 13:32:17 +0000 Liz 2379126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a pair of men's button-fly 501s that I bought late last year. Hadn't worn them since my teenage years in the 80s. Back then, when my waist was much smaller, the 501s were a poor fit, because they gapped around the waist. Now, with my expanding menopause girth, I find they are a near-perfect fit. They've become my go-to jeans. Big nostalgia bang, too! </p> cat2 on "501’s" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/501%e2%80%99s#post-2378911 Tue, 21 Jan 2025 19:29:32 +0000 cat2 2378911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No 501s, they never fit me. I do have a pair of long discontinued Levi’s bootcuts from 2017. I tried to duplicate them at the time, but could never find another pair. I have been wearing them again, for a couple of years now. </p> Angie on "501’s" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/501%e2%80%99s#post-2378903 Tue, 21 Jan 2025 17:59:26 +0000 Angie 2378903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Star,</b> exactly! Tastes evolve. In the '90s, I wore my 501's at a 32 inch length with a wide waist that I reigned in with a belt. Tucked tight tops into that.  I had blue and green 501's. Wore them with cowboy boots or Docs. I was living in Cape Town in the '90s, so despite the Summer heat - always cool by the coast. Unlike Joburg where there is no coast! Boots and closed shoes year round is common in CT, IYKWIM.  </p> Star (Lise) on "501’s" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/501%e2%80%99s#post-2378901 Tue, 21 Jan 2025 15:34:25 +0000 Star (Lise) 2378901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Angie </b>you confirmed that what I remember about 90s 501s is correct.  They <i>were</i> unisex, and only the waist and length differed.  I thought so but was wondering if I was remembering correctly.  Thanks!  I wore them long (34 length) in those years but always with platform sandals or booties.  Now a 32 seems too long.  I have not shrunk either.  Interesting how our taste for silhouettes changes over time.   </p> Firecracker (Sharan) on "501’s" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/501%e2%80%99s#post-2378893 Tue, 21 Jan 2025 04:13:04 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2378893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's a stylish house-cleaning outfit, Carla! I have two pairs of 501s and love them. Well, I really love my newest pair, which are solid black. The other pair is blue denim overwashed with red, which makes them kind of purple. They are less favorite these days, because the fit isn't quite as good as when I first bought them, as my body has changed. But I tend to wear mine with a pullover sweater or with a patterned tee and cardigan. The black jeans are slim enough that I like both short and long cardis with them. I would also wear them with a turtleneck and blazer, if the occasion arises. So far I've worn booties with them, because the weather has been cold. But I would also wear oxfords or sneakers. </p> Angie on "501’s" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/501%e2%80%99s#post-2378872 Mon, 20 Jan 2025 17:42:24 +0000 Angie 2378872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look great, <b>Carla</b>! The jeans are smashing and versatile :)</p> <p>If you go to the Levi's site, there are at least 10 different 501 styles these days. Not just ONE that all genders wore back in the '90s. Button-fly. The only thing you could change back then, was the waist and length measurement ;) </p> <p>I haven't been drawn to wearing 501s again, although I LOVED them when I wore them 30 years ago. But I'll try them on again soon! Fun nostalgic moment to do at the Levi's store in Seattle.  </p> Roberta on "501’s" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/501%e2%80%99s#post-2378870 Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:51:28 +0000 Roberta 2378870@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I didn't wear true blue jeans until at least my 30s. I wore colored denim (remember elephant bells?) in the 70s, but blue jeans made me feel like a farmer. When I found a pair that I liked, I think they were Gloria Vanderbilt. Now I wear Kuts, NYDJ, and Old Navy. </p> <p>I'm tempted to try this pair at Nordstrom. </p> Suz on "501’s" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/501%e2%80%99s#post-2378869 Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:42:48 +0000 Suz 2378869@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Those look great on. you, Carla! </p> <p>I don't own a pair of 501s -- like others have said, I don't seem to get a great fit from Levis -- the rib cage straights don't fit me well either. But I love a classic jean and think it is very versatile.  </p> LaPed on "501’s" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/501%e2%80%99s#post-2378867 Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:26:44 +0000 LaPed 2378867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a couple vintage pairs that I used to wear non-stop, but they feel a bit low-rise to me now, and not in the slouchy-around-the-hips way I'd prefer. I still wear them, but only in specific combos, and there are now other jeans I reach for first. It's funny, because when I first discovered them a decade ago, they were the highest rise jeans in my closet!  </p> Janet on "501’s" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/501%e2%80%99s#post-2378863 Mon, 20 Jan 2025 14:06:40 +0000 Janet 2378863@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven’t tried them in decades. They didn’t fit me right, even when I was 20 and I suspect they may not now. I wouldn’t mind a new pair of relaxed straights, but not sure 501s would work for me. </p> Star (Lise) on "501’s" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/501%e2%80%99s#post-2378858 Mon, 20 Jan 2025 13:30:32 +0000 Star (Lise) 2378858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In the 90s and early 2000s I only wore 501's in every way possible, ie. dressed up/down, with platform heels, with flats, with boots.  Now I when I get vintage pairs, 501s or 521s (as recently shown to Angie), I struggle to style them to my liking.  For me some things are best left in the past.  Yours are the new ones clearly and fit totally fab.  Besides the obvious Converse wear them with loafers, oxfords, booties.  Just go for it, most tops will work.  Try them with your yellow slingbacks as well for dressy, and your fisherman sandals for less dressy.  The fisherman sandals will definitely look fab.</p> RobinF on "501’s" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/501%e2%80%99s#post-2378856 Mon, 20 Jan 2025 13:18:12 +0000 RobinF 2378856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have had some Levi's over the years but not sure if they were 501's. They seem like a straighter fit which works well for me but the rise is often too high. Now I want to try them again!</p> MsMaven on "501’s" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/501%e2%80%99s#post-2378848 Mon, 20 Jan 2025 04:06:51 +0000 MsMaven 2378848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I rediscovered the 501s a year ago and I love them. I do get them with a zipper though. I have 8 or 9 pair now in different blues, a black, and a beige. I wear them most of the time. I like that they have a little longer zipper--the longer rise fits me better. </p> <p>It's been decades since I've had a pair of Levis! I do like Joe's and Paige, and sometimes NYDJ, but for my life now, Levis are great. And they are just the right length for me--don't have to hem them. </p> <p>They look great on you!</p> </p> cjh on "501’s" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/501%e2%80%99s#post-2378847 Mon, 20 Jan 2025 03:55:09 +0000 cjh 2378847@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The 501s are certainly iconic with the classic cut and wash. They really look great on those who wear them. Alas, I haven’t been able to wear Levi’s either. There is such a gap at the back waist, in every style I’ve ever tried. And I remember the front rise being generally too long on the medium and higher rise styles. <div><br /></div><div>I’ve had much better fitting luck with cheaper jeans, from Old Navy-my favorite, Kohl’s Vera Wang, JCPenney and some from Meijer Foods which have that same straight leg cut. Kut, Lucky, Jag, and Democracy are other brands I’ve had in recent years, in various skinny, cropped and boot cuts.</div> </p> JAileen on "501’s" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/501%e2%80%99s#post-2378846 Mon, 20 Jan 2025 03:14:26 +0000 JAileen 2378846@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carla, you look fab in your 501s.  I haven’t had any since I was a teenager.   Back in the day, they were men’s only, heavy weight 100 percent cotton and $9.  I looked on Macy’s and saw lots for women.  Maybe I’ll try a pair.   </p> Jenni NZ on "501’s" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/501%e2%80%99s#post-2378845 Mon, 20 Jan 2025 02:36:53 +0000 Jenni NZ 2378845@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t believe I have ever owned a pair. In fact I don’t think I have ever owned any Levis?<br /> If I ever buy any blue jeans again (ATM I own one pair of white jeans and that’s my only denim) I feel like I would go to a store here that had lots of different sorts of jeans. There is one called Just Jeans. Or if considering Levis I would try to find a big Levis store (possibly not available in this country) to check out different ranges as I might need a curvy fit.<br /> I bet there are some Fabbers who couldn’t manage without their jeans! </p> Sal on "501’s" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/501%e2%80%99s#post-2378844 Mon, 20 Jan 2025 02:19:15 +0000 Sal 2378844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love 501s and yours are fab Carla.  I have not owned a pair since the 1990s, when I had two.</p> <p>I do wear straight leg denim, and a new pair of jeans is on the horizon for this year, I am yet to decide on the cut and colour. </p> Helena on "501’s" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/501%e2%80%99s#post-2378842 Mon, 20 Jan 2025 02:03:13 +0000 Helena 2378842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a pair and I wear them a ton ...they work with lots of shoe heights and casual to a little more polished looks. </p> Jaime on "501’s" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/501%e2%80%99s#post-2378840 Mon, 20 Jan 2025 01:46:28 +0000 Jaime 2378840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been very frustrated over the years to find that the classic 501 just does not fit me. I have one vintage pair that works but it is not my favorite. I have found, just this past year, vintage 517s and newer ribcage straights do though! </p> Lisa on "501’s" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/501%e2%80%99s#post-2378831 Sun, 19 Jan 2025 23:34:41 +0000 Lisa 2378831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I own many pairs of jeans, but alas, none of them are 501s. However, I have a pair of Paige straight legs that are a similar wash to these and have a found the wash works really well to dress up or down. I've worn them with t-shirts, shirts, blouses, hoodies, blazers, heels, boots, sneakers, sandals, really everything in my wardrobe works with them.</p> <p>The wash, straight leg fit, and lack of raw hem or distressing makes them very versatile for casual or business casual, as well as with flats or heels. The most recent outfit I posted with them was in this post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-layered-classic">My Layered Classic.</a>  </p> <p>Your 501s look great casual here with the plaid shirt and converse. They'd look lovely with a sweater, boots, and a beret too. :)</p> Dee on "501’s" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/501%e2%80%99s#post-2378829 Sun, 19 Jan 2025 23:27:37 +0000 Dee 2378829@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yep, I own 501s , love them and wear them quite often. I thought too, that the button fly might be an issue for me , but nah, its perfectly fine. A great classic jean. Love your plaid shirt with the jeans.</p> <p>Here's a typical dressier combo for me, that I'd wear to meet a friend for coffee. You may have see it before in one of my earlier posts. </p> Style Fan on "501’s" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/501%e2%80%99s#post-2378826 Sun, 19 Jan 2025 23:12:40 +0000 Style Fan 2378826@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carla, you rock the 501s!  I love the look of Levis, but they don't fit me.  I keep trying them on and then realize Levis are not for me.  :(  <br />Everlane is a better fit for me.  I wear my straight jeans casually. </p> kkards on "501’s" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/501%e2%80%99s#post-2378824 Sun, 19 Jan 2025 23:06:45 +0000 kkards 2378824@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>501s and converse sneakers.  Does it get any better than that? <div>Well I guess you could add a faded vintage sweatshirt, but the flannel is pretty fab as well.  </div><div><br /></div><div>I love my 501s.  I wear them for do nothing weekends, and for dinning out and everything in between </div> </p> Carla on "501’s" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/501%e2%80%99s#post-2378823 Sun, 19 Jan 2025 22:41:08 +0000 Carla 2378823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Do you own a pair of these classic jeans, and how do you wear them?  Are they for every day?  Do you dress them up and wear them for ‘good’?  <div><br /></div><div>Having recently added 501’s to my closet, I’m really happy with the fit, the straight leg, the dark wash, and the thickness of the 99% cotton, 1% elastane fabric. The button fly is working for me, too.  I’m reaching for them quite a lot for my casual day to day, but plan to experiment with dressier stylings when it gets warmer and I can wear them with interesting shoes and sandals and tops other than warm sweaters!  </div><div><br /></div><div>Outfit shown is for a chore day that included changing beds, laundry hands-and-knees washing of the kitchen floor, etc. - just to show <b>one </b>of the ways I wear mine!  Flannel shirt from 2020 with 67 wears!</p> <p>Please share you 501 styling experiences.</div> </p>