In the 1950s, Levi’s® had a label called Denim Family that featured a range of denim jackets, trousers, shirts, and dresses. And, importantly, it was designed as a collection that could outfit the whole family—mom, dad, and kids. For Spring/Summer 2022, Levi’s® Made & Crafted has reimagined that midcentury Levi’s® collection, only with a modern, genderless spin, creating lineup of indigo denim styles the perfectly blends past, present, and future.
Inspired by contemporary sportswear and utility wear, Denim Family is cleanly and simply constructed, but with an adventurous approach to silhouette. Bottoms are loose and wide legged while tops are soft-shouldered and drapey, giving the overall effect of an A-frame shape. The same denim fabric is used throughout the collection, and it features a rich, inky shade of indigo. And it was all designed to be not only genderless, but also to be mixed and matched, giving it a versatility in how each piece can be worn—as either a stand-alone style or as part of a layered look.
The bottoms featured in the collection include a cropped, wide leg Pleated Trouser, a wide straight leg pant, an ultra-wide hem short, and a super cropped, ultra-wide leg Bib and Brace overall. In tops, there’s a long anorak smock with front patch pocket, a simple patch pocket jacket, and a collared, tunic-style cape. Also included in the collection is a long sleeve chambray shirt with knee length hem, and an ultra-loose short sleeve chambray shirt with button-down collar.
Every denim piece in Denim Family is made using a lightweight 2×1, grey weft selvedge construction. Traditional denim uses a 3×1 construction, with three blue yarns used on the warp of the weave for every natural yarn used on the weft. That’s what gives it the classic look of dark on one side, light on the other. The 2×1 construction still features the same light and dark effect, but with a softer, more lightweight drape and feel. This is what helps give the new Levi’s® Made & Crafted Denim Family its modern shape and silhouette.
Branding for the collection is also streamlined and minimal with a special logo patch designed using the historic Levi’s® sunset logo.
“This is the most exciting and conceptual part of Levi’s Made & Crafted this season. It’s a more fashion forward capsule that feels fresh and modern, but that still links with Levi’s® history. We tapped the family idea behind the original 1950s collection because it made it feel inclusive and for everyone, and then re-imagined what Denim Family would look like if Levi’s were making it today. It’s a genderless collection with a nod to Levi’s® history, that’s designed to be worn by everyone.”—Paul O’Neill, Design Director for Levi’s Made & Crafted and Levi’s Vintage Clothing at Levi’s Strauss & Co.
