The Levi’s 550 jeans model was introduced in 1985 as a relaxed-fit, classic five-pocket style.
The 550 became one of Levi’s recognizable men’s denim cuts, combining a roomier seat and thigh with a tapered leg. That silhouette distinguishes it from slimmer models such as the 511 and from bootcut styles such as the 527.
The model belongs to the period when Levi Strauss & Co. was expanding beyond its most famous straight-leg designs and responding to changing preferences in casual clothing. Its relaxed proportions helped make it popular among wearers seeking more room without choosing an extremely loose fit.
The 550 can be confused with nearby numbered styles, including the 560 and 569. Those are separate Levi’s models with different cuts and fit histories; the 1985 introduction associated with this relaxed classic style is the 550.