SAN FRANCISCO (April 11, 2011) - Since 1856, the Levi's® brand has sewn itself a legacy of designing and manufacturing innovative products that function in a broad arena of activities. Though workers today have very different clothing needs than the hard-working men who pioneered the American frontier, what was essential then - craftsmanship, quality and durability - is just as essential now.
Today, the Levi's® brand is proud to announce a new series of products designed and optimized specifically for the needs of the urban commuter cyclist. The "Commuter" series is built around the 511® Skinny Jean, the Levi's® brand's most popular skinny fit for men. The 511® Commuter features fabric and construction upgrades that increase mobility and durability, while protecting cyclists from the potential hazards of their daily commute.
The 511® Commuter comes in two styles - a full length and cropped version - and both denim and non-denim fabrics. The series also includes a Commuter version of the classic Levi's® Trucker Jacket, an iconic work wear style that was first introduced in 1967 and has now been updated for the modern worker that demands performance and style on and off the road.
All Commuter products blend form and function by utilizing the most cutting-edge performance apparel technologies. The Levi's® brand has partnered with Swiss-based Schoeller Technologies to be the first to introduce Nanosphere® treatment into denim fabrication. Nanosphere® technology makes denim fabric water resistant, dirt repellant, durable and protective. Commuter products also feature Scotch Sanitized™ brand technology to provide antimicrobial protection against odors and 3M Scotchlite™ that subtly integrates 300,000 candle watt reflectivity into key areas of the garments.
In addition to these performance technologies, the Levi's® brand also leveraged its own insights and superior construction techniques to make their new cycling products more commuter-friendly. Both the Trucker Jacket and the 511® Jean feature just the right amount of stretch to increase mobility while maintaining their signature fit. The 511® Jean also features a raised back yolk that minimizes lower back gap, a reinforced crotch gusset that protects against ripping in this high stress area, a first-to-market U-lock storage system and fabric reinforcements throughout. The Trucker has extra utility pockets and modifications to the sleeves, cuffs and tail that enable more comfortable movement and cycling.
When commenting on the Commuter series, Levi's® SVP of Men's Merchandising & Design Erik Joule speaks from the heart: "This product was born from innovation and classic American style - it's about designing product for people who ride bikes, by people who ride bikes. We knew that our jeans were already being worn by urban cyclists across the country. We listened to what they wanted and created a product with performance traits for biking that also functions as daily street wear."
It's Levi's® design philosophy that makes this project special - design well-crafted product with purpose that support the people who support the brand. The subtle but significant upgrades integrated into Levi's® Commuter products reflect the brand's careful balance between innovation and classic American style. The new 511® Jean and Trucker Jacket have all of the key cycling-specific performance features cyclists value but haven't been able to find in other lifestyle clothing options.
About the Collection:
The Commuter versions of the 511® Skinny Jean and Trucker Jacket integrate an array of features that address cyclists' performance, convenience, safety, mobility and protection needs. They also maintain the durability and classic styling that people expect from the Levi's® brand.
511® Skinny Commuter Product Features:
- Utility waist band - specially designed for u-lock storage
- Higher back rise - providing additional coverage when riding
- Nanosphere® Technology - applied to make fabric water resistant, dirt repellant, durable and protective
- 3M Reflectivity - 3M Scotchlite™ Reflective Tape on interior cuff offers high level of visibility
- Sanitized™ Brand Technology - antimicrobial protection against odors
- Reinforced Fabric - in crotch, back pockets and belt loop for durability
- Performance Stretch Fabric - more stretchable for added mobility and comfort
Trucker Jacket Commuter Product Features:
- Nanosphere® Technology - water resistant, dirt repellant, durable and protective
- 3M Reflectivity - 3M Scotchlite™ Reflective Tape integrated on waistband adjusters and concealed for off the bike utility
- Sanitized™ Brand Technology - antimicrobial protection against odors
- Ipod front pocket - for modern convenience
- Slight Drop tail - provides additional coverage
- Touring Pockets - easy to reach rear storage with low-profile pockets
- Accordion Sleeves - additional fabric that expands when in the riding stance for increased mobility
- Angled front pockets - for easy access in all modes
- Elongated cuffs - covers partial hand when riding
Distribution and Pricing Information:
The Levi's® Commuter series can be found at select independent bike shops in major metro cities beginning this June as well as Levi's® Retail Stores and Urban Outfitters later this summer. The 511® Skinny retails for $78, the 511® Cropped Skinny retails for $68 and the Trucker Jacket retails for $128.
ABOUT THE LEVI'S® BRAND
The Levi's® brand epitomizes classic American style and effortless cool. Since their invention by Levi Strauss in 1873, Levi's® jeans have become the most recognizable and imitated clothing in the world - capturing the imagination and loyalty of people for generations. Today, the Levi's® brand portfolio continues to evolve through a relentless pioneering and innovative spirit that is unparalleled in the apparel industry. This range of leading jeanswear and accessories are available in more than 110 countries, allowing individuals around the world to express their personal style. For more information about the Levi's® brand, its products and stores, visit www.levi.com.