When it comes to denim, Levi’s is always the first to come to mind. After all, the brand pioneered the modern blue jean. Its legacy in American fashion has endured for more than 150 years, with the denim staple finding fans across generations—from Marilyn Monroe in the 1950s and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy in the 1990s to supermodels Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid today. And despite the rise of designer denim, Levi’s has remained a highly covetable wardrobe staple—both vintage and new—offering timeless appeal at a generally accessible price point.

It began with a simple idea: Make workwear more durable. Founder Levi Strauss was born in Buttenheim, Bavaria, in 1829, and emigrated to San Francisco during the California Gold Rush. There, he opened a dry-goods business in 1853. After recognizing the need for sturdier work pants, Strauss partnered with tailor Jacob Davis to develop a design that used copper rivets on denim and duck canvas pants, laying the foundation for the modern blue jean. The pair received a US patent for an “improvement in fastening pocket-openings” in 1873, marking a pivotal moment in denim history and paving the way for what would later be known as the 501 Original—an iconic style that remains a defining silhouette in the Levi’s lineup.

Levi’s denim soon made its way into women’s wardrobes too. Many women had worn men’s jeans long before the brand introduced a style for them. However, in 1934, Lady Levi’s debuted as the first blue jeans designed specifically for women, marking a turning point in denim’s evolution and establishing it as a staple that transcended its utilitarian roots.

From there, the women’s line continued to evolve alongside advances in fabric technology and shifting style preferences, with new fits and silhouettes reflecting how women wear jeans today. In 2015, Levi’s introduced its 700 Series, a collection that featured added stretch, inspired by the original 1934 women’s Lot 701. In the years that followed, styles like the Wedgie fit and Ribcage expanded the lineup, offering everything from vintage-inspired cuts to ultra-high-rises; meanwhile, silhouettes like the Cinch continue to bring fresh proportions to the brand’s enduring legacy.

Ahead, a closer look at Levi’s signature jeans for women, from beloved heritage classics to modern fits worth adding to your rotation.

501

The one that started it all. The 501 Original is defined by its straight-leg silhouette and rigid, non-stretch denim. While the style is now available in a range of washes, nothing beats the timeless appeal of medium blue. With multiple inseam options, you can tailor the fit to your preferred length and styling. In 2021, the women’s 501 ’90s debuted with a looser, roomier leg and a mid-rise waist, offering a relaxed take on the original that has become a modern classic in its own right.