When it comes to finding a well-fitting pair of jeans, the struggle is real, y’all. You want them to hug the body, but you don’t want to feel like your intestines are getting squished when you sit down. You want them to be tough and durable, and to pass the test of time. Perhaps, most importantly, you want them to look good. Thankfully, there’s a magical pair of denim that have been answering the prayers of desperate shoppers for nearly 148 years – Levi’s 501 jeans. Born in 1873, the 501, which is known for its signature straight leg and button fly, has gone through many a makeover in its lifetime (we can relate). In the 1970s, the Levi’s 501 turned away from flare, fringe and colour towards fitted, washed-out and worn-out. By the time the 90s rolled around, the 501 had already achieved icon status, and its reputation now continues to precede itself today as a must-have wardrobe staple.

As 501 fanatics well and truly know, these pretty blue jeans are as sustainable as they are stylish. The fact that you can wear a pair of Levi’s 501 jeans for a lifetime is a testament to Levi’s pledge to sustainability, and the brand’s philosophy that its jeans only get better with age. Always striving to look better and do better, the company is on a mission to become more sustainable in the way that they create their jeans, starting with its Water<Less initiative, which means that the modern 501 is finished using up to 96-percent less water than typical denim finishing. Since the initiative began in 2011, Levi’s has saved 4.2 billion litres of water from the finishing process and recycled more than 9.6 billion more. Jeans that look damn fine and are helping to save the planet? We love to see it.

To snag yourself a pair of 501 jeans, head to the Levi’s website.

This article was written in partnership with our friends at Levi’s.