Our Fab Favorites asks LS&Co. insiders for the low-down on their top picks from the Levi Strauss & Co. Archives.
I caught up with Paul O’Neill, Senior Designer Innovation, who works on Levi’s® Vintage Clothing, to learn about one of his favorite pieces: the Levi’s® Lot 606 Super Slims.
In the 1960s, Levi Strauss & Co. targeted youth and college students as a growing segment for their products. Our fall 1965 catalog introduced a Lot 351 “Super Slim, trim, masculine fit” jean in preshrunk heavyweight denim. The following spring, the jeans were offered as slim with “low rise styling,” and then became Lot 606 in the fall. “No need to peg,” the fall 1966 catalog raves, “Already lean & trim — 2 inches narrower.” “I would say this was essentially the first fashion play for Levi’s,” said Paul. “This is all really focused on the young market.”
The 1966 Super Slims had a few unique features. Unlike the red Tab of our signature 501® jeans, the Tab on the right back pocket was black with orange lettering. Also, design features were spare on the Levi’s® Lot 606, with no back pocket stitching or a patch.
Super Slims remained in the line until 1972 and were offered in several colors following the explosion of hues embraced during the psychedelic era, including sand, burgundy, navy and dark blue — though most were indigo blue denim.
Watch Paul discuss his favorite features of the Lot 606 Super Slims and how they still have a modern look, more than half a century later.
