The 501 now has two back pockets, making it a '5 pocket jean'. The shape is still antifit, with straight legs, suspender buttons and no belt loops. The originals would still have used natural indigo denim, from the Amoskeag factory complex, although the reissues mostly use synthetic indigo. 

Features:

Pockets: 5 (two back pockets), rear pockets are widely spaced. Coin pocket is squarer and higher than later jeans, just under the waistband.(in fact, this is one item that changes throughout the 501 - on this model, the bottom of the coin pocket ends only just below the main pocket, whereas the on the 55, say, it sits a couple of inches below).

Rivets: read "LS&Co SF"

Belt Patch: two horse design, no size. Some reissues, from 2007, had the earlier design, a production error.

Arcuates: vary widely on originals, single needle, hand done.

Cut of LVC version: anti fit, baggy in the seat, high rise, straighter legs than the 1890s jeans - but narrower than the 20s and 30s versions.

How to size: These LVC are made slightly oversize; it's probably best to size up two inches for a traditional, baggy fit ( although you will inevitably have problems with the completely useless cinch buckle).

1901 repro from 2003 season. These start out dark, but retain their indigo well and give a pretty vintage fade. The denim is very attractive, lots of striation - but not as exaggerated as most Japanese jeans - and looks different from both the 1890s and 1927 jeans.

Indigo Immortal version, from 2003. Note the two-piece waist band. These feature distressing from , I believe, Bart Sights, and are some of the most attractive LVC premium versions - nearly as nice as the original Nevada reissue.

501 model guide • 1880 Nevada •  1880 XX • ‘First Blue Jean’ • 1890  • 1901 • 1915 • 1922 201 • 1933  • 1937 • 1944 • 1947 • 1955 • 1966 • 1978 •