Essential | Billy Reid x Levi's

Its been a long time coming, but I see that Levi's has really made a concerted effort to get back to basics.  As a company whose foundation/inception is deeply rooted in the workwear culture, Levi's spent a lot of time reinventing itself which ultimately pushed them further and further from what the company is good at, and that is making quality workwear.  Though much of their workwear is outsourced, I love the effort they have put into getting back to what they know, and that is workwear.  With their recent launch of Levi's workwear, and the collaborations with Filson and Billy Reid, Levi's is back on track to success.  Atleast if they continue down this path.

Here are a couple pieces from the Bill Reid x Levi's realeasing on Sept 10th.

Billy Reid x Levi's

First Wash | Levi's 501's STF Redline

So the time has come to wash my Levi's. I'm a bit weary about doing it, but its been a close 6 months since they've seen any water of any sort and they've started to emit a funky odor. I've tried to mask the smell by spraying cologne, but there is just no way of hiding it. Plus you get that sticky feel on the inside. And on top of that, the wife is complaining, so that is when you know when it's time. The day of reckoning has come and I'll keep you all updated as to how they turn out.

Archives | Amoskeag Mill, Manchester, N.H

The Amoskeag Manufacturing Company was a one of the largest cotton textile plants in the world. At its peak, Amoskeag was unrivaled both for the quality and quantity of its products. One customer would be Levi Strauss, whose riveted blue jeans were made with cloth from the Amoskeag Mills.

Levi's 501 Selvedge Shrink to Fit Denim (Limited Edition)

So I picked up a pair of the Levi's 501 Shrink to Fit selvedge denim jeans this past weekend.  The style is very classic and feels and looks nothing like that of the "premium denim" brands (Seven for all Mankind, True Religion, Citizens, etc.) we all know.  The 501's are rather unique as they are completely untreated, as in never pre-washed (therefore will shrink), never treated with chemicals (chemicals give it that pre-distressed look), and extremely stiff.  

Because these have never been treated, each jean truly become "your own."  And, by "your own," I mean each pair conforms to your figure, and your every intricacy.  This means fading, fit, and feel (the three important F's of wearing jeans) is affected by the body of the person who wears the jeans and the activities of their daily life.  Because each of us has a very specific wear pattern, each jean becomes as personal as a fingerprint.  

These jeans are absolutely timeless, and I'm hoping to pass these off to my children one day.  If you have a pair of these 501's, they pair well with a pair of L.L. Bean blucher mocs and an oxford shirt (great weekend look).

I will post updates as to how these jeans wear in.

Here are the Jean specs:

• Levi's Original (Non LVC)
• Limited Edition Release
• Classic Relaxed 501 Fit
• Red Line Selvedge Denim
• Leather Waist Patch
• Signature Arcuates
• Shrink to Fit

*Update: to really shrink these, I read a number of blogs that suggested sitting in a tub of hot water would shrink and mold them to my body.  So I took the advice and it worked out perfectly.  The 501's fit perfectly.  The tag state that the inseam shrinks 3", it's more like 1.5".  As for the waist, it shrunk about an 1".  I'll update after I get a some wear in them.  Till then, try on some of your own.  


November 6, 2011
*Update: I have been so obsessed with these that whenever I find a pair of Shrink to Fits I pick them up.  Since my last posting, I have acquired 3 additional pair that I will most likely sell.  They are all selvedge denim and are 32x30, or 33x30.  So, if your looking and this is your size, comment me and I'll give you the details.