You appreciate the classic, durable feel of a button fly, but most modern jeans seem to have zippers. It is frustrating to find a style that feels both authentic and high-quality.

Good brands for men's button fly jeans range from classics like Levi's (the iconic 501) and Wrangler to modern premium brands like Nudie Jeans¹ and 7 For All Mankind². These companies offer quality construction and style.

In my 20 years running a denim factory, the button fly has always been a sign of true denim heritage. A zipper is fast, but buttons are classic. They mold to your body over time, and they never get stuck or break.

It is a detail that real denim lovers, like my designer clients, always notice. They know it is not just a closure; it is a statement about quality and tradition. While many brands exist, you can also get custom button fly jeans made perfectly to your design. Let's explore the best ready-to-wear options out there.

What companies make button fly jeans?

You want options beyond the one or two brands you already know. It feels like your choices are limited, and you want to find a brand that perfectly matches your personal style.

Many companies make button fly jeans. Levi's is the most famous, but Lee and Wrangler offer classic takes. For a modern or sustainable option, look at Diesel, Nudie Jeans, or ABLE Jeans.

The button fly is a signature detail for many different types of brands, from rugged workwear labels to high-fashion designers. The key is to know which brand aligns with the style, fit, and philosophy you are looking for.

As a manufacturer, we produce button fly jeans for a wide range of clients, and I have seen how each brand puts its own unique spin on this classic feature. Here is a simple guide to help you choose.

Brand Category	Key Brands	What They're Known For
The Classics	Levi's, Lee, Wrangler	Timeless, durable, American heritage. They created the original styles and offer great value and authenticity.
Modern & Fashion	Diesel, 7 For All Mankind	Trend-focused fits and washes. They use the button fly as a premium detail in more contemporary designs.
Sustainable & Ethical	Nudie Jeans, ABLE Jeans	Focus on organic cotton and transparent production. They offer free repairs and value longevity, making the durable button fly a perfect fit.
Minimalist & Designer	Calvin Klein Jeans	Clean, simple aesthetics. They use the button fly in a more refined and minimalist way.
Custom Made	DiZNEW (My Factory)	For those who want complete control. You can design your own fit, choose your own denim, and specify every detail, including the perfect button fly.

Can men wear button fly jeans?

You might wonder if the button fly is an outdated style. With zippers being so common, you might worry if buttons are still considered fashionable or practical for everyday wear.

Yes, men absolutely can and do wear button fly jeans. It is a classic, stylish, and highly durable choice favored by denim enthusiasts for its heritage look and superior comfort over time.

This question is interesting because for the first 60 years of their existence, all jeans had a button fly³. The zipper was a later invention.

From my perspective in the factory, the button fly is not just a closure; it is a mark of quality and tradition. It is a choice. Zippers are efficient, and we install thousands of them. But buttons tell a different story. They connect the wearer to the history of denim.

There are also practical reasons why many men prefer them. A button fly lies flatter and creates a more natural shape that molds to the wearer's body over time. Zippers are rigid and can create an awkward bulge. Furthermore, buttons are much more durable.

A zipper can break, and that often means the end of the jeans. Buttons are simple, strong, and can be easily replaced if one ever comes loose. So, it is not a question of "can men wear them," but rather a choice to wear a piece of clothing with more character, history, and durability.

Are Levi's 501⁴ still button fly?

You love the iconic Levi's 501, the original blue jean. But with so many changes in fashion over the years, you want to be sure that this essential feature has not been replaced.

Yes, the Levi's 501 Original Fit jean is still made with its signature button fly. This has been the defining feature of the 501 for over 140 years and it remains a core element of its design.

The button fly is the heart and soul of the Levi's 501. As someone who has deconstructed countless pairs of jeans to study their construction, I can tell you that removing the button fly from a 501 would be like removing the engine from a classic car.

It is fundamental to its identity. Levi Strauss & Co. patented the original riveted blue jean in 1873, and it had a button fly because the zipper for trousers had not been invented yet.

This design has remained for a reason. It is not just about tradition; it is also functional. For the classic "Shrink-to-Fit" 501s made from raw denim, the button fly placket shrinks and molds to the owner's specific body shape.

This creates a custom fit that a stiff zipper cannot replicate. The company understands that this detail is what their most loyal customers expect. While Levi's makes many other models with zippers, they have wisely protected the original design of their most famous product. The button fly on the 501 is not going anywhere.

Which Levi jeans is button fly?

You want to buy a pair of Levi's with a button fly, but you get confused by all the different numbers and fits. You need to know exactly which models to look for besides the 501.

The primary Levi's model with a button fly is the 501 family. Additionally, many jeans in the premium Levi's Vintage Clothing⁵ (LVC) and some in the Levi's Made & Crafted lines also use button flies.

It can be confusing, so let's make it simple. From my experience manufacturing denim, I know every number corresponds to a very specific pattern. For Levi's, the button fly is reserved for their most classic and premium styles. If you are looking for that feature, here is where to focus your search.

Your Guide to Levi's Button Fly Models

1. The 501 Family: This is your main destination. The Levi's 501 Original is the most famous. But also look for variations like the 501 '93, which has a 90s-inspired fit, and other special editions. These will almost always have a button fly. It is the signature of the 501. The key point of confusion is the Levi's 505, which has a very similar straight-leg fit but was specifically designed in the 1960s as Levi's first zip-fly jean.
2. Levi's Vintage Clothing (LVC): This is the premium, historical reproduction line. They recreate iconic Levi's jeans from the past, like the 1947 501 or the 1955 501. Since all of these original garments were made before zippers were common, nearly every pair of jeans in the LVC collection has a button fly.
3. Levi's Made & Crafted⁶: This is another premium line that focuses on modern style with high-quality materials. While not all of their jeans are button fly, they often use this detail on their more heritage-inspired fits.

My best advice: Always read the "Details" or "Product Features" section on the website before you buy. It will always state "Button Fly" or "Zip Fly" very clearly.

Conclusion

Whether you choose a timeless Levi's 501 or a modern sustainable brand, many great companies offer button fly jeans. For a truly unique pair, you can also partner with a custom manufacturer.

---