• The 501® Jean of the late '70s shared shelf space with pants made in a dizzying array of fabrics and silhouettes, all increasingly popular during the "Me Decade." Wearers chose from denim, corduroy, and brushed twill, and experimented with different styles like bell bottoms, boot cuts, straight fits, slacks with the look of jeans, and "big bells." Despite the changing times, Levi Strauss and Co. stuck to the basics for its most iconic style. The 1976 501®Jean had a straight leg and little "e" red tab, first introduced in 1971. Unlike other 501®Jeans from the previous century, it featured bar tack stitches and double-needle stitching at the back pockets for lasting durability. True to tradition, it still came with the classic button fly and red-orange contrast stitching. Many vintage enthusiasts who grew up with this 501®remember it not for its fit or details, but for the special Cone Mills denim that it was made from. Rumor has it that Cone Mills began adding sulfur during the dye process to get more distance out of the petroleum-based indigo dye they used. This new recipe resulted in a truly unique fabric that was a bit brighter and faded out faster, a welcome change for Levi's® fans who wanted to fade their jeans as quickly as possible.

Men's jeans from Levi's® include all of the iconic styles you know and love along with updated, modern fits. Browse all Levi's® jeans for men.

• Straight
• Button Fly

• 100% Cotton
• Non Stretch