How Levi's Sells the Same Jeans at Different Prices | Levi's 505 Teardown | Industry Secrets
Shift Fashion Group conducts a detailed teardown of four different Levi's 505 jeans sold at vastly different price points—from a Costco variant at $28 to a selvedge pair at $169—to reveal why the same iconic design commands such different prices and quality levels. The episode reveals how Levi's uses regional manufacturing, fabric sourcing, and construction techniques to create distinct product tiers, effectively "counterfeiting its own product" across different markets.
Key takeaways
- • Selvedge denim commands a premium primarily for aesthetic character rather than functional durability, featuring a self-finished edge that prevents fraying but actually makes seams slightly less durable.
- • The Costco variant at $28 offers exceptional value compared to standard retail at $69, delivering nearly identical construction quality and durability while including stretch elastane for comfort.
- • Fit geometry changes significantly across variants—newer pairs have a shorter front rise (9.75") compared to 2017 models (9.5"), resulting in a baggier crotch fit that may surprise long-time wearers.
- • Dye bleed and shrinkage vary dramatically between variants, with the selvedge shrinking the most (4.68%) and the standard retail pair shrinking a full size at the waist, requiring careful care instructions.
- • Manufacturing inconsistencies emerge when brands move production between regions without updating tooling and supplier specifications, leading to softer button detailing, variable zipper quality, and perceived quality decline.
- • All variants proved extremely durable under abrasion testing, with denim requiring sandpaper or Dremel tools for intentional distressing, making stretch and comfort the primary differentiators rather than longevity.
Recommendations (2)
"At $100 more, I still think is a pretty good deal for a pair of selvage denim. You can tell that there is additional attention to details."
Shift Fashion Group · ▶ 14:01
"For the Costco variant, it was $28 US, which is $8 more than the Good Fellas denim that we reviewed. This is significantly better for $8 value. I'm going to give this a solid 9 out of 10."
Shift Fashion Group · ▶ 13:16