Five Ways Levi Jeans Transformed the World of Denim Without a Hitch

The world of denim was forever altered when Levi Strauss & Co. launched the Levi's 501s in 1890. What started as a simple, sturdy pair of work pants for miners soon became an icon synonymous with the spirit of the West. As Levi's first pair of jeans, the 501 set the blueprint for all denim pants to come, with its signature button fly and straight-leg style. It wasn't long before these jeans spread beyond the West, finding popularity among a broad spectrum of consumers - from cowboys to presidents, musicians to movie stars.

Riveting Reinvention: Reinforcing Weak Points

A key innovation from Levi’s is the addition of the copper rivets on their jeans to reinforce the points of strain.