In 1901, Levi Strauss & Co. added a second back pocket to its 501 jeans, a design change that has become a standard feature of the garment. This modification increased the functionality of the pants, providing more storage for workers. The addition of the second back pocket was a practical improvement that contributed to the enduring popularity of the 501 style.

The addition of a second back pocket, a small but significant design change, reflects the way that practical innovations can shape cultural objects, a theme that poets have explored in their celebrations of everyday life. The two back pockets of the 501 jeans have become an iconic feature, a symbol of the garment's functionality and durability. This design element has been noted by poets who write about the material culture of the American worker.