Vintage Levi’s Jeans
With Pin Denim
There’s something about a really good pair of jeans. They are so versatile, go with everything and are a classic that never dates. When you find the perfect pair it’s like a love affair. You cling to them for dear life and never want to let go.
I feel like this about vintage denim. You just can’t beat a really good pair of vintage jeans and Levi’s are the best. However as a size 14-16 with quite a large butt, finding vintage denim has always been a bit of a chore. What with the size disparity between different styles and different washes, lengths etc. It can be a minefield.
Enter Pin Denim. This amazing brand started up by very clever Chloe Culpin sells vintage Levi’s jeans, shorts and jackets and also helps women find the perfect fitting vintage Levi’s. Chloe has a history in denim design and personal shopping and her understanding of different fits & styles has helped hundreds of women find their own perfect pair of vintage Levi’s.
I set Chloe the task of finding me - a size 14-16 woman with short legs, three different styles and boy did she come up with the goods. I was amazed at her knowledge and every single pair, although different in style and fit, was perfect. The three pairs I’m wearing are Levi’s 550 which have a relaxed tapered leg, 565 for a loose straight fit and 505 which are classic straight. Each are so different, but perfect for my frame.
I interviewed Chloe to find out a bit more about her background, her love of denim, what styles suit different body shapes and her own perfect pair of jeans. Have a read below.
Can you tell us a bit about your background?
I have worked within the fashion Industry for the past 10 years, studied Fashion Design - went on to work as a designer mainly in denim for brands, suppliers & denim mills. As you do working freelance, I have fallen into different areas of the industry from working at a trend forecasting agency designing fabrics and working as a personal shopper to now for the past few years working in photographic production, producing campaigns and content for fashion & lifestyle brands.
You used to be a denim designer. Was there anything about working with denim that surprised you?
Before I started working in denim, I just thought denim was just denim but there are so many different weights and variants- the science and detail that goes into making the fabric alone is fascinating. Which explains why there is so much amazing quality vintage denim that I am able to source for Pin Denim.
What made you fall in love with vintage denim?
For me it's the uniqueness, no pair is the same and when you find that gem of a pair it is like they are made for you! Each comes with its own story in a way- I love it when I get told stories of the life a pair of jeans has had. Plus the fit and the washes are so authentic/worn in which when buying 'new' you can’t re-create.
It’s notoriously difficult to find a good pair of vintage jeans if you’re over a size 14. Have you got any tips?
Visit Pin Denim! (haha) I actually find it easier to source jeans over a size 14- there are so many great styles that suit curvier bodies. The great thing with vintage Levis is they go all the way up to a 42" waist which roughly translates to a UK 18/20. Everyone loves a 501 but they are not for all body types, they are cut very straight on the hip/thigh, so if you're curvy with a smaller waist to hip there are loads of great styles such as a Levis 550 Relaxed taper, Levis 508 or Levis 565 loose wide leg.
You started pin denim at the beginning of lockdown, what made you decide to start the business?
I had been wanting to start my own brand and utilise my experience to date. I had always been a denim addict and loved vintage denim- being asked where I had got my jeans from. From years as a personal shopper having helped hundreds of women find their perfect jeans, having the knowledge of fits and sizing- knowing it's a staple in everyone's wardrobe but the hardest purchase to make. Everyone loves the idea of vintage but not the trawling through vintage stores or charity shops and in most cases not sure what you need to look for. So the goal was to take the stress out, you get given the best edited selection of jeans, sizing clarified and it comes to you like 'new' and you're being sustainable too!
You have found me three perfect pairs of vintage levis. You really know your stuff! What do you think it is about a good pair of jeans that is a wardrobe staple?
Jeans for me are a classic, they survive trends and cover pretty much all occasions. Nothing looks better than a good pair of fitting jeans, once you get the fit & style you want (I always ignore the size labels) you are onto a winner. I always seem to gravitate towards jeans even on an evening out as I feel more confident in jeans than anything else.
How many pairs of jeans do you own?
Oohh lots! I had well over 100+ pairs at one point, with a real mixture of brands new and vintage. I'm a lot more classic now and invest less in fashion styles and now only really buy vintage denim as it's the best.
Have you any favourite styles that you feel are timeless?
There are so many... vintage Levis 501 will always be up there for me, that classic straight leg as it works for my body type. Overall Levis have created so many classic styles that work for different body types.
Finding jeans to suit your body shape is a minefield. Any particular styles that you’d recommended for different body shapes?
Levis 501 or Levis 505 Straight leg- If your waist to hip proportion is straight, if you're slim on the thigh or if you're curvy size up with this style and go for more of a relaxed fit.
Levis 508/ Levis 550/ Levis 565- cut with more room on the thigh & hip so great for those with smaller waist to hips.
Levis 517 Crop bootcut (style brought back with Valentino x Levis collab) : With a slight kick out at the bottom great for balancing proportions or creating curves.
And lastly, what’s your favourite pair of jeans and way to wear them?
My favourite pair currently has to be a pair of Vintage Levis 501 straight leg from the 80s, lightest classic stonewash blue- Made in USA. The denim is like butter it's so soft. They fit me true to size, high waisted and slightly cropped. I've been living in them, pairing them with an oversized mens shirt of some sort, normally a vintage silk shirt with long cuffs, sometimes tucked in or just loose with a pair of flat sandals- my daily uniform!
Chloe definitely knows her onions when it comes to vintage denim. If you’re searching for your own perfect pair, head over to Pin Denim to shop. There’s tons of style advice and she can also source pieces if there is something in particular you’re after. Now, all I have to do is decide which ones of these three are my favourites! I think all three!
All photography by AJ Burrows
