Levi's Upcycled 501 Denim Patch Tote
Tote / Reusable Shopper · Levi Strauss & Co. (Mass Market/Heritage American Brand). This is an upcycled or DIY item repurposing original Levi's garment components.
Collection: Non-collection; repurposed from vintage or pre-owned Levi's 501 jeans.
Style
Tote / Reusable Shopper
Brand
Levi Strauss & Co. (Mass Market/Heritage American Brand). This is an upcycled or DIY item repurposing original Levi's garment components.
Material
Cotton denim (likely 12oz-14oz weight) with a jacron (paper) back patch and standard textile pocketing. Construction is machine-stitched, utilizing the original back panel of a pair of jeans. It features a simple turned-under top hem and raw or overlocked internal side seams.
Dimensions
Width: 35cm (13.8in), Height: 45cm (17.7in), Depth: Flat construction, Strap Drop: Not visible but typically 25-30cm for these totes.
Description
An eco-conscious and rugged tote bag expertly repurposed from the back panel of classic Levi's 501 jeans. This piece celebrates Americana heritage by retaining the most iconic elements of the original garment: the functional back pocket with the Red Tab, the 'Two Horse' paper patch, and the arched stitching. Its utilitarian indigo aesthetic makes it a perfect casual companion for daily errands.
Key Features
Functional exterior back pocket, iconic Red Tab (small 'e' version visible), W32 L34 size indicators on the jacron patch, and the signature V-shaped arcuate stitching.
Material & Construction
Cotton denim (likely 12oz-14oz weight) with a jacron (paper) back patch and standard textile pocketing. Construction is machine-stitched, utilizing the original back panel of a pair of jeans. It features a simple turned-under top hem and raw or overlocked internal side seams.
Color & Pattern
Indigo wash blue denim with natural whiskering and fading. Features the iconic Levi's contrast orange/tobacco topstitching and the arcuate (seagull) embroidery on the pocket.
Hardware Details
One central brass-tone metal shank button (branded 'Levi Strauss & Co SF CA') used as a closure; copper-tone rivets at the pocket corners.
Interior Description
Unlined denim interior (reverse side of the fabric). Features a visible red textile element at the top rim (likely a lining or pocket bag fragment). No internal branding or serial numbers.
Closure Type
Single branded shank button closure at the top center, functioning via a traditional buttonhole.
Strap & Handle Details
Handles are not fully visible in the frame but appear to be integrated or sewn at the top rim; typically made of same-material denim or canvas webbing.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial machine stitching. The pocket placement and 'arcuate' symmetry are original to the garment manufacturing; the assembly of the tote is simple and functional rather than high-luxury.
Authentication Indicators
Genuine Levi's hardware (shank button with logo), correct font and layout on the 'Two Horse' patch, and characteristic chain-stitching on the pocket edges.
Origin & Manufacturing
Material likely originated in the USA or overseas (depending on the age of the original jeans), but the bag itself is a repurposed/artisan product, often made in small workshops or as a DIY project.
Era & Period
Contemporary Upcycling Era (2010s-2020s). Utilizing 'Two Horse' patch designs and 501 branding that has been consistent since the mid-20th century.
Age Estimate
The original jeans (based on the patch font and W32 L34 marking) appear to be from the late 1990s to early 2000s; the bag conversion is likely recent (within the last 5-10 years).
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Circular Fashion' movement and the enduring legacy of the Levi's 501 as the most influential piece of clothing in history.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible fraying and 'blowout' wear at the bottom corners; significant fading and some light staining on the lower right quadrant; the jacron patch is aged and slightly lifting.
Value Estimate
$20 - $55 USD depending on the market (Etsy/Depop vs. vintage boutique).
Care & Maintenance
Machine wash cold inside out to preserve the patch (which can crack if dried too hot). Air dry only. Use a denim-safe detergent.
Similar Handbags
Levi's official 'Iconic Tote', denim bags by APC, or upcycled projects from brands like RE/DONE.
Interesting Facts
The 'Two Horse' design on the patch was originally meant to demonstrate the strength of the denim—alleging that two horses pulling in opposite directions could not rip the pants.