Levi’s Vintage Clothing teamed up with West Coast retailer Unionmade to recreate the historic 1944 501 jean. This replica was made entirely in San Francisco and was recreated to fit World War II wartime standards.
The 1944 501 is a high-waisted regular fit. It was originally designed during World War II, and, as a result of wartime rationing, was made without watch pocket rivets, a crotch rivet or the cinch along with its two rivets.
The signature arcuate stitching on the jean’s back pockets was defined as decorative by the U.S. government, so Levi’s began painting the arcuate on every pair.
The jeans are made in San Francisco from White Oak selvedge denim, and each pair is unique and features details like one-of-a-kind surplus pocket bags, standard issue buttons and a hand-painted arcuate.
The 1944 501 jean is available in limited quantities exclusively at Unionmade and retail for $270.
