Skip to main content

These iconic Levi’s jeans are getting a plant-based makeover

Levi's makes a significant investment in sustainable fashion

pio3/Shutterstock

For over 150 years, Levi’s has remained a symbol of timeless style and quality. The brand is as much a symbol of American culture as The Statue of Liberty or The White House. Now, as the iconic Levi’s 501 jean reaches its sesquicentennial milestone, the renowned brand celebrates with an initiative that aims to redefine sustainable fashion. In a bold move toward a more environmentally friendly future, Levi’s introduces a variety of new styles, including the Plant-Based 501, the hemp-cotton blend Selvedge 501, and the Circular 501. These designs showcase the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of sustainability while preserving the essence of the John Wayne classic.

Recommended Videos

A new era of sustainability

Levi’s has been on a continuous journey toward environmentally friendly development and these latest offerings represent the pinnacle of their efforts. The Plant-Based 501 is constructed from a minimum of 97% plant-based materials, which would have been unheard of a decade ago. The jeans feature certified organic cotton, natural dyestuff, a plant-based patch, and ink derived from wood waste. This eco-conscious creation addresses the urgent need to minimize the use of synthetic materials derived from fossil fuels and underlines the necessity of utilizing renewable inputs in garment manufacturing.

A diagram of the new Levi's plant-based jeans
Levisstrauss.com

Features of the plant-based 501

The attributes of the Plant-Based 501 are nothing short of revolutionary. The fabric is made from 100% OCS-Certified organically grown cotton, which is dyed with plant-based indigo from Stony Creek Colors. The denim color references Levi’s X80 archival shade, paying homage to the brand’s rich history while embracing a more eco-friendly future. Every detail has been thoughtfully curated to ensure the jeans are genuinely sustainable and environmentally conscious.

The garment back patch, for example, is crafted from a material known as MIRUM by NFW, fashioned entirely from 100% biobased, plastic-free inputs. Even the internal pocket bag is made from 100% cotton and printed with BioBlack TX, a plant-based black pigment derived from wood waste, showcasing Levi’s dedication to a circular, closed-loop system of manufacturing.

What’s next

Levi’s envisions the Plant-Based 501 not merely as a product but as a stepping stone toward a more eco-conscious future. Paul Dillinger, VP of Design Innovation at Levi Strauss & Co, said, “We want to show what is possible. At the same time, we’re challenging ourselves to get closer to a state where products like this represent more of a product line, and where they’re seen not as the endgame, but a starting point that we want to top next season, and the season after that.”

In addition to the Plant-Based 501, Levi’s has introduced the hemp-cotton blend Selvedge 501, which continues the brand’s commitment to using alternative fibers, such as cottonized hemp, to reduce environmental impact. Available in various shades and finishes for both men and women, these jeans merge premium selvedge fabric with the eco-friendly advancements of the Wellthread line.

The Circular 501, initially launched in 2022, is made with a blend of organic cotton and Renewcell’s Circulose fiber, which incorporates recycled denim and other textile waste. According to the company, these jeans significantly reduce the use of natural resources and chemicals in the production process. By replacing synthetic elements with 100% cotton alternatives, Levi’s ensures that the jeans are fully recyclable.

Levi’s is still the same brand that appeared on the cover of Bruce Springsteen’s 1984 album Born in The U.S.A. — now, it’s just a little bit greener.

Sarah Veldman
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Sarah has been a freelance writer for over 7 years now, having started while she was living out of a suitcase and traveling…
Dandy Del Mar drops new polos to get you ready for the spring
Get the polo that's hot for the market in 2025
Dandy Del Mar blue johnny collar

When the winter starts to be more memory than future dread, your wardrobe will need a seasonal update. Maybe even a seasonal exchange (if you live in NYC, you may understand the off-season wardrobe storage problem). When you are ready for the seasonal updates, picking up some short-sleeve options is the number one item on the list. Everything from tees and button-ups to short-sleeve henleys can make up the perfect spring wardrobe. However, the most classic item for the new season is the polo. The Dandy Del Mar Spring and Summer 2025 hit the shelves a month ago, and they brought great colors and fabrics for us to salivate over. But they added more for our pleasure: new polos to make our warm weather more stylish than ever.
For the love of the johnny collar

There are a handful of polos for your sartorial pleasure when you are ready for the upgrade. While there are some great colors, patterns, and textures to choose from, including moontide and albero in the Cannes Knit polo, dawn in the Antibes Crochet, and The Palamos was blessed with albero and a gorgeous cappuccino. However, the most noticeable aspect of the Dandy Del Mar polo edit is the inclusion of the johnny collar. Many of the Dandy Del Mar polos feature the johnny collar, giving the entire collection the '60s-'70s aesthetic we have always loved about the brand. Now that the weather is starting to turn in our favor, we are ready to have an impossibly stylish spring.
Dandy Del Mar New arrivals

Read more
Lee x Buck Mason channel the 40s in their collaborative capsul
Celebrating 80 years of influence and Hollywood grit
Mark Wystrach in Lee x Buck Mason

Lee Jeans have been a staple of the denim industry since the middle of the last century. Since the 1940s, they have been on the cutting edge of denim fashion, and many other denim companies have taken their lead from the old Kansas City powerhouse. Buck Mason has been one of the premier menswear companies for the every man. While big fashion houses get lost in the large-scale production and get distracted by the high fashion of the runways, Buck Mason seems to stay close to us men who love to keep it simple, dependable, and stylish in a masculine way. The two have come together now to celebrate 80 years of influence with the Lee x Buck Mason menswear collection.

“Lee is such a big piece of the puzzle when it comes to American denim and workwear,” said Kyle Fitzgibbons, chief creative officer at Buck Mason. “The 1940s, specifically, that's when we saw the first version of the 101 in modern form. The influence those jeans had on American culture from that point forward, it informs so much of what we do at Buck Mason today. It was like a dream for us, getting to connect those dots.”
The Golden Age of Hollywood

Read more
Jonathan Bailey’s red carpet style redefines modern men’s fashion
Jonathan Bailey: Re-imagining Modern Style with a Bold, 'Wicked' Edge
Jonathan Bailey hits the red carpet in style with Matt Bomer

On the scene for a few seasons as a lead actor, Jonathan Bailey has amassed a cult following for a red-carpet style that is arguably one of the most progressive among his contemporaries. Currently starring in the movie adaptation of the hit musical Wicked and the upcoming Jurassic World: Rebirth, the talented actor is already known for seamlessly bringing a thoroughly modern aesthetic to even the most classic of looks, and his use of exceptional tailoring and pitch-perfect accessories is what sets him apart from the field. Over the last year, Bailey has served us with sophisticated looks that have earned him high marks among the fashion elite and the following are some of his best appearances on the red carpet that men are attempting to add to their own wardrobes. 
Going against the grain

It takes a fashion-forward man to dress against the traditional, and Jonathan Bailey has proven up to the task! One noted appearance had the actor in white slacks paired with a flashy long-sleeved silver shirt, which gave Studio 54 vibes. The man knows how to set a scene.

Read more