Levi's 501XX 1960s Jeans, 16 Button Stamp, Hidden Rivets, Cut Hems, Light Faded Indigo, Approx. W29
Levi's 501XX 1960s Jeans, 16 Button Stamp, Hidden Rivets, Cut Hems, Light Faded Indigo, Approx. W29
- Dispatch
- Prepared and sent from Tokyo within 7–14 days, often sooner, or as arranged
- Arrival
- États-Unis · usually 4–7 days after dispatch, insured and tracked
- Import
Duties and customs · View the estimate
A guide for this piece: about $89, based on the 10% US charge on the declared value of goods made in Japan.
The final figure is set by US Customs and depends on where the piece was made and the kind of object it is. Many antiques over a century old carry no ordinary duty; most jewellery and leather goods add a single-digit rate.
With EMS, any charge is collected by your postal service on delivery. For pieces of significant value we can often arrange duties prepaid before dispatch.
How the estimate is reached · Ask for a figure on this piece
- Sizing
- Measured flat by hand, waist, rise and inseam, in centimetres · Find your size · Ask before you buy
- Replies
- Within one Tokyo business day · Ask the curator team
- Guarantee
- Authenticity guaranteed · How we grade
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A 1960s Levi's 501XX in a pale, sun-washed blue, with the 16 factory stamp behind the top button and the frayed, cut hems of a pair worn hard and well.
The Piece
Through the early 1960s the 501XX remained the workhorse of American denim, built on the same patterns as the 1950s pairs but with the paper patch and capital E red tab that collectors now treat as defining features. The number stamped on the back of the top button identifies the factory, and 16 is one of the codes associated with this period.
This example has faded to a very light, chalky indigo with clear vertical streaking, the kind of colour that only comes from years of washing and sun. The waistband button is stamped with the Levi Strauss & Co. name and star, the fly closes on four further buttons, and the back pockets keep their single arcuate stitching. The hems have been cut and left raw, giving a cropped, frayed finish.
Damage is clearly visible: a large open tear at one knee, a smaller hole at the other, wear at the front pockets and a hole beside the fly. A small stain sits at the centre back below the waistband. It is a characterful, wearable 501XX at an accessible level for the era.
Measures about a 29 inch waist with a 63 cm inseam after the cut.
Details
- Designer: Levi Strauss & Co.
- Season: 1960s
- Model / ref: 501XX, 16 button stamp
- Material: Cotton denim
- Colour: Light faded indigo
- Made in: USA
- Tagged size: No size label, approx. W29
- Measurements: Waist 74 cm (37 cm flat) · Hip 50 cm flat · Rise 28 cm · Inseam 63 cm
- Included: Jeans only
Condition
- Vintage with heavy genuine wear, priced accordingly.
- Hems cut and left raw.
- Large tear at one knee, smaller hole at the other.
- Hole beside the fly and wear at the pocket openings.
- Small stain at the centre back waistband.
Condition grade C on the Japanese scale; see Japanese condition ranks, explained.
Authenticity & Care
The labels, materials, stitching, hardware and construction are examined together and documented in Japan before dispatch; anything that cannot be confirmed is stated plainly in the description. Every piece carries the Japonista authenticity guarantee. Hand wash in cold water and line dry; avoid stretching the open knee.
Delivery from Japan
Packed by hand in Japan and shipped insured and tracked by EMS or an equivalent express service. Import duties and taxes, where applicable, are payable on arrival. Every sale is final; please ask anything before you buy, and see our published policy.
Every figure above is taken by hand with the pair laid flat, in centimetres. Measure jeans or trousers that already fit you the same way and allow a centimetre or two of margin, the quiet safeguard on a final sale. Our jeans and trousers size guide reads waist and inseam in inches and centimetres, and for anything it leaves open the curator team replies within one Tokyo business day.
Considered offers are welcome through Send an Offer, and each one is reviewed personally.
Continue browsing: Japan Luxury Archive · Levi’s
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Collectors also search: Levi's 501XX 1960s · vintage Levi's 501XX · Levi's 16 button stamp · 1960s Levi's jeans faded · 501XX W29 · vintage Levi's distressed · Levi's 501XX cut off · 60s Levi's 501XX
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