In conjunction with the 150th anniversary of the iconic Levi’s 501 jeans, Levi’s will be unveiling the Plant-Based 501 Jean, to reflect how forward-thinking design initiatives and technologies can be applied to a timeless classic.
The Plant-Based 501 Jean is made of at least 97% plant-based materials, with all certified organic cotton, natural dyestuff, a plant-based patch, and ink made from wood waste.
Set for release in July, these jeans are an indication of what the industry could look like in the years to come, with the push to minimise synthetic materials derived from fossil fuels and the need to make more garments with renewable inputs rather than finite resources. They are an evolution in the company’s design innovation practice, building on past seasons and establishing new foundations on which to build going forward.
For the Plant-Based 501 jeans, the fabric is made with 100% Organic Cotton Standard (OCS) certified organically grown cotton and dyed with plant-based indigo from Stony Creek Colours.
The denim colour is inspired by Levi’s X80 archival shade. Instead of leather, the jeans’ back patch is made from MIRUM by NFW, a 100% bio-based and plastic-free material that generates no effluent in production.
The internal pocket bag is 100% cotton and printed with BioBlack TX, a plant-based black pigment made from wood waste and developed by Nature Coatings, another collaborating partner. Woven labels and sewing threads in non-critical areas of the garment are also 100% cotton.
Furthermore, each pair contains at least 97% bio-based content based on components weight measured against overall garment weight.
The Plant-Based 501 jeans will be available in-store at Levi’s ION Orchard and online from 25 July 2023. Red Tab members can enjoy early access from 11 July 2023.