Jim Cissell

You know, time and again it occurs to me, why doesn't Levi's just go ahead and offer their (raw!) 1947 501 model as a regular stock, say along with their so-called 'premium' line?

It's obviously quite popular, it certainly defines the 501 line, and many folks would probably appreciate the hidden rivet detailing, as well as the leather patch, and trim cut.

I'd imagine that trim fit would be starting to come back into style after all of these 'relaxed' years, anyway.

I know the newer 'anti-fit' is derived from this model, but it falls short of the actual, authentic vintage one, in my mind...

Jim

Jim Cissell

Me too! I want to get the raw 1947 501 as soon as it becomes available this Spring. Any good state-side mail-order sources would be appreciated.

I'm actually considering stocking-up for on down the road, and going to the '47 model exclusively, as I'm not happy with the newer 'anti-fit' cut...

Jim

Jim Cissell

The famous Wrangler classic - 13MWZ jeans - they're VERY well made and feature heavy-weight denim for under $25.00. Even has the old, traditional rivets on the back pockets.

A bargain and a-half!

Jim

Jim Cissell

I agree with the committment comment above. I simply cannot get the rigid-1947 501s from my usual special-order source, nor the SanFran Levi's store. Its too bad, as this is an excellent product and one that easily deserves more marketing and distribution effort.

I hope they don't abandon this model - or the entire LVC line next season...!

Jim

Jim Cissell

I guess I'm looking for a definitive, blow-by-blow breakdown on the two patterns in comparison. In other words, just getting the detail differences between the two fits...

Jim

Jim Cissell

Can anyone tell me the cut or styling differences between the new anti-fit 501s, and the 1947 501s?

Thanks,

Jim

Jim Cissell

Wow - already they have the spring LVC line-up out, and I was never able to successfully get any of the fall/winter stuff!

I've been trying to get the 1947 from the Levi's Store in SanFran, and they haven't been able to get any real stock in. Very disapointing.

Any follow-up on the 1947 deadstock availabilty, Paul?

Thanks,

Jim

Jim Cissell

To be honest, I'm surprised they tweak the 501 design every decade or so, since they have so many other styles to work with.

When I learned that the 501 cut was 'played-with' early on, I was surprised they'd mess with something so iconic. I can certainly understand the styling changes pretty early on - especially from the initial shapeless design, to say, the later 1947 model, but you'd think they'd have left a good thing alone, after that.

The anti-fit just fits akwardly, if you ask me. The snug fit isn't there and that was once part of the draw of 501s, I do believe. But I guess by saying that, I've condoned some of the styling changes that were done years ago, right?!

Anyway, just some additional thoughts...

Jim

Jim Cissell

What actually does the Levi's term 'anti-fit' really mean? How does the style compare to the previous 501 fit?

Thanks,

Jim

Jim Cissell

I guess the LVC division - at least the US arm - is simply not putting anything out, to speak of.

Any insight?

Jim

Jim Cissell

So in a nutshell, Serge, their isn't any real difference in fit between the '47s and the new anti-fit 501s? Are the patterns virtually copies, or is their at least subtle differences bewteen the two?

Thanks again,

Jim

Jim Cissell

I've heard that too, Serge, but my wearing experience tells me differently. I know the 'anti-fit' cut was supposedly closely inspired - if not based - on the 1947 pattern, but there is something I can't put my finger on about the newer version that doesn't fit as comfortably as the vintage one. It may be the lower rise - I'm just not certain. I have a pair of the older LVC 1947s (before they moved their in-house production from San Antonio) and I have a pair of the anti-fit, purchased right after it was released, so I was able to compare head-to-head, so to speak.

Do you have any detailed insight on analyzing/comparing the two patterns?

Thanks,

Jim

Jim Cissell

Something indeed seems amiss with the U.S. LVC line. Too bad, as this was the only way I felt I could obtain the 'real' 501s that I like to wear. I just don't like the current 'ant-fit' cut, and it's impossible getting the pre-anti-fit cut any more, so the '47 model was my last hope for a truly, well-fitting 501.

I've been working steadily trying to get both information and product on the LVC 'deadstock' 1947-501s, to no avail. They appear to offer it on their latest website, but no luck in actually obtaining it from their on-line source, or thru their special stores - including the SanFran flagship location. They don't even have any solid info available on their 1-800 line! The sizes offered on this jean appear fairly limited as well, which is strange to me. I thought the 1947 model was THE most beloved cut with the enlightened denim crowd - you'd think they'd focus more on that offering if that is the case.

Let me know if anyone else has had any better luck getting this particular iconic item...

Thanks,

Jim

Jim Cissell

Paul T - I was intrigued at your references to getting hold of an LVC pattern maker. May I ask if indeed, you were able, and what were you going to do with him/her?

Just curious (as I love the LVC line)...

Jim

Jim Cissell

The contacts at the Levi's Store there in SanFran are Ben or Oscar, at 415.501.0100. They get 'small' shipments every now and then, but so far not many have been very long (36L or more) so I'm waiting the big shipment, hopefully arriving at the end of the month.

The cost quoted was $150.00 each, although when available, they run about $135.00 a pair from DecoDenim (877.505.3847). The problem at Deco right now is the LVC line doesn't seem to have been updated, and the DecoDenim folks weren't able to track down the new (dry) 1947s product number, to order from their distributor, as of yet.

For some reason there are some issues occuring with the LVC line and as a result, deliveries of the 1947s and others are spotty at best. The LVC link on their website hasn't been updated, either (it still shows the old Spring line-up) so maybe that's a clue of sorts.

Anyway...

Jim

Jim Cissell

Thanks for the heads-up, Paul T!

I am presently awaiting a new shipment of 1947s arriving at the SanFran Levi's store by the end of this month. I wanted to mail-order in a pair or two of those (dry) jeans, and I want to get the correct size, of course.

I ordered a pair of the 1947s (again, dry) a few years ago when they first introduced them on the (U.S.) LVC line-up. I received a pair of 36W-36L, to shrink to 33W-33L, and they did just that.

On this new pair, I'd like to get the 34W-36L to get a slighter snugger fit at the waist (32, hopefully).

With this revelation, it sounds like I should go just ahead and order-in another 36-36, doesn't it?

Thanks again,

Jim

Jim Cissell

I thought that the crotch rivet was from the earlier model - but they have it clearly labeled the '1947' model.

What gives?

Jim

Jim Cissell

Has anyone gone to this site yet, and checked out those jeans?

Jim

Jim Cissell

While checking out the winter European Levi's LVC website (UK) I noticed they were offering two versions of their 1947 501 jeans.

One was their 'dry' offering, of course. The other was a tad more intriguing - it was called 'Indigo Heart' and featured a crotch rivet!

I understand that detail was eliminated from the 501 line earlier, so I was surprised when I saw it there.

The dry version didn't appear to have the same rivet.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Jim

Jim Cissell

I've been periodically checking with the SanFran Levi's store for ordering some 1947 rigids. For awhile I was getting 'check next Tuesday' (they get shipments in every Tuesday and Thursday) but the last call I made they said check about the end of October.

Does anyone have any inside scoop on the availability of the Fall LVC line - especially the 1947s? They STILL have their Spring line-up on their website, so there must be trouble afloat...

Thanks,

Jim

Jim Cissell

I was wondering if anyone knows what year the last 501 cut that predated the current 'anti-fit' 501s.

Just curious, as I understand the 501 undergoes a design tweak cycle, about every 10 years or so...

Thanks,

Jim

Jim Cissell

jdavis - those were some excellent points you made on the denim and indigo issue. I guess I didn't really consider that. In fact, that is probably one way Wrangler holds down their costs, buy accomplishing less dipping. It's too bad everything has to be cheaped-out on , one way or another. I guess in a world of Wal-Marts, every penny is scrutinized anymore.

I like the 13MWZ because it is an 'underdog' of sorts in the current jeans fashion world. To be honest, I don't like the 'cowboy' look on me - the real tight fit, the too long inseam over the pointy boots, and the big belt buckle - but I appreciate that heritage and the cowboy culture those jeans represent. Just another aspect of our diverse background here. In fact, that cowboy heritage is a big part of what makes jeans attractive to the rest of the world.

I feel if you wear the 13MWZ 'like a pair of Levi's', you get a nice look - lean, and almost 50s, 'Brando' classic feel. And like I said, those back-pocket rivets are pretty nifty...

Jim

Jim Cissell

The classic 13MWZ cut has always interested me on three fronts. Their heritage, the back-pocket rivets, and the heavy-weight denim.

The Wrangler 13MWZ has remained much the same as in its introduction in 1947. While certainly not as iconic as the entire Levi's 501 line, it is still undoubtedly entrenched in the American jean history.

The back-pocket rivets have always intrigued me. The rivets found on the Levi's 201 model are very cool, but I've been disappointed in their limited availability (within the LVC line-up), and the 'baggy' cut of this vintage design. The back rivets definately add to the jeans mystique, and the perceived durability of this uniquely American design.

Finally, while the trend appears to be moving toward a lighter-weight denim in contemporary jeans (including the current 501 line), 13MWZs are still offering their authentic, 14.5 oz heavy-weight fabric. In my opinion, jeans are meant to be heavy - they drape better, look better, and just feel much more satifying and substantial in the wearing. Jeans are meant to be heavy (and while I understand the early Levi's were both 10 and 12.5 oz in weight, the heavy-weight material certainly seems to suit their work-heritage MUCH better.

Anyway, that's my two cents on an often overlooked, well-fitting and constructed product...

Jim

Jim Cissell

Any thoughts?

Jim Cissell

What is the general opinion on the fit (especially the seat) of the classic, 13MWZ Wrangler jeans?

Thanks,

Jim

Jim Cissell