LEVI STRAUSS & CO EUROPE

Senior Designer
Levi’s® Engineered Jeans™
1998-2001

I joined Levi’s Europe new design team and to design a new iconic jean for the next millennium. The unique design concept evolved into the highly acclaimed concept Levi’s® Engineered Jeans™.

Working closely with Levi’s development team to realize the Levi’s® Engineered Jeans™ concept.

In 1999 I received the Levi Strauss and Co. Excellence Award for Outstanding Achievement for my contribution to Levi’s® Engineered Jeans™

Levi’s® Engineered Jeans™ at 20: The Innovative Backstory of LEJ

Tracey Panek, LS&Co. Historian, Levi Strauss & Co.
June 13, 2019

Twenty years ago, Levi Strauss & Co. transformed jean design by introducing an innovative new concept, three-dimensionality.

The innovation grew out of a recognition that regular 501® jeans naturally developed a leg twist to the left due to the right-hand twill fabric construction. Levi’s® designers incubated their ideas, deconstructing and reassembling jeans in unique new ways to create an ergonomic collection with one key goal—freedom of movement. In 1999, LS&Co. launched the concept as Levi’s® Engineered Jeans™ (LEJ).

Redesigning for movement and comfort

To create LEJ, designers considered what a modern jean might look like and what people needed from their jeans. Working from scratch, they considered the core elements of jeans, from the fly and cuff to the watch pocket. The result was a sculpted jean with modern functionality.

Starting with a 3-D cutting pattern, front pocket scoops were enlarged for comfort and easier access. The small front watch pocket was also enlarged and reshaped for function. Back pockets were lowered to avoid sitting on one’s wallet and the traditional back yoke was replaced by darts for improved comfort. Cuffs were ergonomically-shaped and dropped down in the front to sit on the top of the shoe, but were shorter at the back to avoid drag. The jeans also included longer, skinner belt loops that were easier to use with a belt.