How to see vintage Levi's 501s | FASHION AS DESIGN

Explore the Levi's archives where the world's best collection of vintage Levi's denim are kept, including the oldest pair of blue jeans in the world, a pair of 501s, with Levi's historian, Tracey Panek.
FASHION AS DESIGN is a new course by MoMA that explores a selection of garments from around the world-ranging from Kente cloth to jeans to 3D-printed dresses. Each week will begin with a conversation between the course instructors-Paola Antonelli, Michelle Fisher, and Stephanie Kramer-that introduces the themes, items, and questions that we will explore. Sign-up: mo.ma/fashionasdesign
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The comments and opinions expressed in this video are those of the speaker alone, and do not represent the views of The Museum of Modern Art, its personnel, or any artist.
#art #museumofmodernart #moma #museum #modernart #levis #511s #denim #jeans #vintage #fashion #archives #fashionasdesign #momaitems

[@louiebili17yearsagoedited85]

Imagine finding some old ass jeans in a mine and actually wearing them

[@benjaminyeung972]

The spirit of Levi's lives on in Japanese denim, not the junk that that current Levi's churns out every year.

[@j6865]

Start making them in the U.S.A. again.

[@stanlee7635]

I just got a pair delivered I purchased on Amazon. The button popped off before I even put them on.They must use some weak horses for testing these days.

[@jspaingreene6350]

Very interesting and informative. Not to be cynical, but I hope the lady who found the first pair of jeans didn't just "donate" them to Levis, but was paid well. They are worth thousands of dollars. No offense, but Levis is a corporation - not a charity.

[@narrendranmaleyappan58]

Well said!

[@georgemakuca4135]

I agree!

[@delta-9969]

Imagine trying to tow a car with a pair of levis today -- they would disintegrate on the spot

[@jayronson406]

I remember the days when a pair of Levis jeans could literally stand up on their own, they were that stiff and of such good quality, when new they would actually rub the skin on the back of your legs just behind the knee until broken in, we used to dread washing them because you used have to go through it all again until they softened up...... now they are triple the price and as many times thinner...their denim jackets used to be the same, the collar would scuff your neck and you would get sore skin on the inside of your elbow joints.....those were the days...... what happened Levis your stuff is now junk...... older really is better with a lot of things..

[@Thebald1]

I remember when Levi's were guaranteed forever.. if something ever went wrong with them just take them back for a new pair and no questions asked.. just like Craftsman tools

[@MB-wx2jp]

Dear Levi Strauss, This was an informative and interesting video. However, since the company has been shipped overseas, the quality of your denim is very much a disappointment. Sincerely, A once Levi Strauss fan

[@tomorrowcomestoday1621]

M B I am a levi's fan too. Why you say that?¿. What sort of experience did you have with your newest pair of jeans sir?¿.

[@BLAISEDAHL96]

1:30 imagine your classmate wearing jeans from the 1800s

[@martinskie09]

I have a couple of those 501 jeans that my dad used to wear when he was a teenager.. He gave it to me and I'm still using it until now. :)

[@StyleWhys]

The distressing on that last pair!!!! So funny how we try to mimic that today!

[@DontReadDis]

Yo son This is art. I’ve always loved a good pair of denim but when she pulled out the first pair.. 🔥🔥🔥

[@ragazzi25]

If only Levis could recreate the same jeans they made 140 years ago..same pattern and quality, the material strength was amazing!!!

[@OriginalJramion]

I barely get one year out of a pair of Levi's 501 and that one guy pulled a car with a pair that was 9 years old. Just goes to show how quality has dropped over the years.

[@tomorrowcomestoday1621]

What sort of activity did you perform with your levi's?¿. Just curious.

[@caseytbss]

I have been getting a lot more than a year out of mine for sure. For normal daily use you should get much more than a year. Makes me wonder if the washing machine you use or the detergent or even the water temp you use has something to do with it.

[@etnuperchay9365]

I love Levi’s 🥰since when I was 14years old,I started wearing Levi’s 501..At this time my nephews wore my jeans..Until now I’m using Levi’s the age of 41 yrs old..Love u Levi’s 🙏❤️

[@TungTran-tb1fp]

Where is this mine, i'm bouta go grab me a pair too

[@caseytbss]

Its amazing how almost 100 year old jeans are just as in style today as they ever have been! Just goes to show you that true genuine platina can’t be imitated.

[@Tainomontana]

501 are the best fitting Levi’s in my opinion. I have quite a few pairs of them black being my favorite

[@christinalockerby4956]

History is FASCINATING. The bit about the wax blew me right away. How cool!

[@ChrisRawls]

The buttons instead of belt loops really stood out to me, and the rivets being removed during the war era was also a cool bit of knowledge.

[@ais9745]

I love how informative it is while also keeping it interesting with personal stories, keep up that sort of content!

[@draganescuconstantin2380]

damn the distressing looks fire 🔥

[@Jojo69869]

I can tell you Levi's are no where near that strong anymore! 😄

[@somewhereinthemiddle8489]

Amazing! 501 fit is truly iconic. Levi's are among my fave jean brands.

[@gogostyle33]

I'm wondering if that lady who found the first pair of jeans in the mine ever went back to see if that bundle of jeans were still there? I still have my Levi trucker jacket that I wore when I was 5 yrs old so that bad boy is over 44 yrs old today. I also have my dad's corduroy trucker jacket I want to say from the late 50's early 60's.

[@kelsey458]

What a cool job to have!

[@jonblablabla1014]

They look so modern! I would never guess those are 150 years old

[@MTDfan1]

My dad just threw out his pair from 1982. He bought the pair while on a trip to the USA, and used it while working the farm for 30+ years. Amazing.

[@blakeestell2086]

The commodores are perfect 😩😍

[@kioschraffenberger3131]

Great peace on the history of Levi's. Enjoyed learning a little about Levi's past. Thank you.

[@440jasmine]

If only Levi's would make them that durable now...

[@russellpotts3069]

Ive been wearing 501s since 84 . The last couple of pairs of 501s had to go back to the store owing to quality issues. One pair got holes after 4 - 5 weeks wear. I just bought old 505s ebay and they are great and fit me better than 501s.

[@-__-_-_--__--_-__-_____--_-___]

That's so sick I'm gonna go find mines in the desert now

[@blueduck9409]

This video is really cool. I think it would be awesome if Levi's would reproduce the original vintage Jean's with the suspender buttons. I'd buy a pair!

[@sewell2777]

I’m no hipster, but god I love wearing vintage. I need to get my hands on a pair with the suspender buttons! Only pair of Levi Jeans I own are from the 50’s which were seemingly altered at the time to be more of a slim fit. I love seeing the history of these famous fashion companies.

[@W0mpa]

I would also love a pair of vintage jeans, but I seem to tear mine apart quite fast... Levis heritage line of clothing is a awesome alternativ to get that vintage model of jeans but hell! Those are expensive for something that is just a look-a-like.

[@Tonybologne805]

Nigo knew to collect vintage Levi’s over 20 years ago. That dude collection is insane

[@jennifermiller9536]

Thank you very much for this video. Levis are my favorite jeans and it was very interesting as well as informative. You answered several questions that i have wondered about and could not find the answers to myself. So once again thank you. I have subscribed and look forward to your future videos

[@jonathangomez2727]

So fascinating, so much rich history.

[@dionnedunsmore9996]

wow! idk 501s had all that history! theyve always been my favorite Levis, usually the only ones id wear❤️🇺🇸

[@perrysaker1526]

I prefer the 501 cut they introduced in the mid 1980s when they were producing the commercials like the launderette scene and the bath scene etc...then the cut changed in the 1990s ..I had to start shopping for used 501s in Camden London

[@ThatWrapperDude]

Those are so fire!! Man I want a pair!

[@denisemaxwell51]

Love it! Very informative, thanks for posting.

[@simonlee-plunket5005]

LMAO you could not put today's 501's in between two horses and have them hold up. The quality is shit.

[@e.delponte32]

I have two pairs from 1975 and tree pairs from 1986 and they looks perfect!

[@getbackerz1841]

Im a 501 head myself coz they are the OG of jeans and feel so good wearing them knowing you are walking with Levi Strauss Jeans on.

[@williamvammen6248]

too bad levi´s quality has gone to shit in recent years

[@junjie8000]

I'm an avid Levi's fan from Philippines 🇵🇭

[@PaulJersey]

Now, Levis 501 Jeans also have another use for me. When I was in my 20's and in the best shape of my life I wore a 34Wx34L Levis 501 Jeans. I lift weights, I ride my bike, I diet down, take supplements, and so on and so forth! If I can still get into a 34x34 then I am doing good! If not then I have work to do!

[@Jennylouise87]

I would flip if I found a pile of historic clothing! How cool! I'm drooling!

[@user-fq4pg1vo9g]

Absolutely right. Levi's 501 must be made by America.Because Levi's jeans was born in Sanfrancisco .From Japan with respect.

[@AngelQuiroz]

This is so beautiful

[@Malakina1964]

Thank you, this was very informativ. Levi Strauss was Born in Germany - 30 km far away from my home-town.

[@vikingandislanderworks1601]

those shrink to fit were awesome

[@nzoomed]

Exploring abandoned mines channel bought me here after they found some of the oldest jeans in the world down in an old mine from the 1870s!

[@lawnpro979]

as I recall I wore 501's in the 80's, I liked the button fly....

[@pokeyb2229]

thank you . loved the information.

[@MyWWGallery]

Fantastic video!

[@nicholasleon6603]

I really like Levi's they make a good product I personally wear 511s

[@_Moondancer]

I wish Levi's would reintroduce the original pair, exactly as it was made then. crotch rivet and back cinch, one back pocket. So cool!

[@JonBlondell]

I enjoyed this!

[@jaimebarboza58]

Nothing like some old beat up american denim

[@md.zahanurhasan8993]

very interesting...loved the video and want to know more about vintage Levis.

[@BienMesana]

Just got my first 501 jeans today.

[@burningwolf4055]

Love 501s

[@EDCwhistlesSCRATCHCARDS]

My levis sherpa trucker is 5 years old, I never washed it, every day it gets more a piece of art ! 4real

[@wanboss8222]

Love my levi's...💕

[@southernman5839]

I loved Levi's when I was in High School back in the 70's but over time they have changed . The jeans don't last like they use too. The last ones I bought ripped on the corners of the back pockets in a short period of time and it was several jeans so I changed to another jean that last.

[@tomorrowcomestoday1621]

Southern Man what model of levi's you where using?¿

[@sida994]

levis my fav no1 of jeans all the time...

[@donnapelletier9722]

Great info !

[@jhoniradja9193]

i Love Levi's

[@bluepearlgirl-emelie]

Its funny... I am an descendant of Levi Strauss and have lived in San Francisco for almost 25 years and have never even seen the museum. I tried reaching a historian when researching my ancestry and didnt get very far. I may have nothing to do with the company but it is a history i am proud of. Interesting history at the very least. :)

[@LIZARDSFAMILY]

are the 501s today the same quality?? would love a super strong pair 🤩

[@pashvonderc381]

Still have my 501‘s from the mid 80‘s.

[@shadyyam2488]

A brand that was created in the U.S should've stayed in the US

[@anniepicco4700]

Thank you for helping me learn about Levi. Can you tell me why you stoped making 560 Levi? They are my favorite.

[@chattimac2476]

Good story telling

[@baberoot1998]

The kids today...would wear any pair of those shown. Whether they fit or not. Lol. My generation was from the early 80's. A pair of 1982 Levi's 501's straight leg, dark denim...were the most beautiful thing I had ever worn. I was 15. I still think...that is the most beautiful blue jeans... Levi's ever made.

[@ParminderSingh-qr1nr]

My favourite jeans Levi's

[@DomP1989]

LEVIS PLEASE PLEASE RE RELEASE THOSE 19th century 501s!!!!

[@cityofplant]

Is the material used for 510's different from 501's? The side seams on mine ripped fairly quickly.

[@anitajones3111]

Thanks

[@eileensimpson3725]

very interesting thank you

[@anonmiss2112]

Great content

[@AngerThePeople]

I love Levi's so much! In a world where quality seems to be diminishing in other products it's nice to see that Levi's stay consistent. These videos are great.

[@amitlahiri2190]

Excellent 😍😍

[@guillermolopez9848]

Her outfit 😍

[@b000000gs]

sick fadez

[@London-nb5ui]

Old beter then new Levi’s

[@jooarshad4311]

Love u levis jeans

[@rolmangonzalez8855]

so dope

[@hurcule911]

I seen a youtuber find like 7 pairs of those jeans, and i think he has the oldest jeans ever found.

[@susanbehring3401]

Awesome video

[@gojo_and_blackie]

I have a pair of vintage levis jeans that are of my grandfather which he use to wear in 1960s and it is in pretty good condition

[@perrysaker1526]

So why are they so weak now...doesn't take much to rip them now days...also they keep changing the 501 style gets on my nerves

[@markwagner4909]

Too bad the current 501 don’t measure up They made the skinny jeans and the quality and fit are all different You used to be able to buy a 32x32 and they would fit perfect Not any more and they have the nerve to call them original 501

[@CS-wc2uz]

Wonderful video

[@DMWBN3]

Brilliant

[@newyorksteezy]

love

[@fishypictures]

Back in the day we bought 501s shrink to fit. When new they were huge... 4 inches bigger waist and same for the length. How is this going to work???. Wash them, yep they shrunk. Squeezed as much water as we could , let them dry outside for awhile then put them on damp and spent a very uncomfortable day walking around in them till they dried. I gotta say ... They fit great!!! Never washed them again, just aggressively whipped them down with a soapy rag wet them and put them on again. They fit like they were custom made for us. Perfect. Can’t find them like that anymore.