The Levi's 501 Is a Mere $30

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Earlier this 12 months, the Levi’s 501 turned 150, a landmark anniversary for probably the most iconic silhouette in denim. You’re in all probability accustomed to the broad strokes of the 501’s origin story: in 1873, Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss have been granted a patent to equip their sturdy denim pants with riveted pockets, a flourish that shortly endeared them to San Francisco gold miners.

Through the years, the 501 turned catnip for a specific sort of brooding all-American archetype—Brando in The Wild One, Dean in Insurgent And not using a Trigger, Springsteen on the quilt of Born in the usA—however on the event of its sesquicentennial, it nonetheless feels startlingly related, the usual by which all different denims are judged.

Steve Jobs made it a vital a part of his Apple uniform, alongside along with his trademark Issey Miyake turtlenecks and cooked New Steadiness 992s; Kurt Cobain swore by stonewashed 501s with characteristically blown-out knees. In 2023, you’re simply as prone to encounter the OG model as you’re a wild-style designer riff, from the SoCal-dreaming wunderkind Eli Russell Linetz or Nigo, the Kenzo majordomo and legendary streetwear whisperer. (On any given day, half the GQ workplace is sporting a pair.)

The 501’s enduring legacy principally boils down to 2 components: its just-right match and unbeatable value. The mid-rise provides your thighs loads of respiration room, but it surely stays straight via the leg, a Goldilocks combo ripe for the freaking; measurement up for a little bit slouch, or stick together with your true waist to maintain it traditional. Its sub-$100 value conveys a sure everyman enchantment, too—the wealthy and well-known find it irresistible as a result of it makes them appear rather less wealthy and well-known, and a little bit extra in contact with Common Joes.

All of which is to say, Levi’s by no means actually has to low cost it; the 501’s legacy is so unimpeachable menswear followers want little convincing to purchase a pair. But when all these pedigreed cosigns imply nothing to you (or you possibly can’t quell your contrarian streak), now may be the time to bracket your skepticism. Due to Black Friday, the Levi’s 501 is half off on Amazon—typically extra, relying on the wash that piques your curiosity. Stock is shifting fast, which solely reaffirms what we already knew: in terms of denim, the 501 remains to be king.

In search of extra Black Friday gross sales? This is each single whole lot we have discovered to this point. And remember to subscribe to the GQ Recommends e-newsletter to remain tapped into our picks via the period of the vacation season.